2009 BRIDES Magazine Photo Contest
Ceremony
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1st Place: Monica Donovan from Vermont, United StatesJudges Comments
It’s the picture of a traditional country wedding: the black-robed officiant, the neat green lawn, the pretty flower garden, the white picket fence—and that dress! Without showing the couple’s faces, Donovan’s simple, symmetrical composition contrasts this bride’s whimsical personal style with the solemnity of the marriage vows. Love this picture! It evokes a sense of nostalgia. The clothes and picket fence are reminiscent of a less complicated era.
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Judges Comments
The photographer captures a particularly emotional moment as the bride wipes away a tear during the ceremony. In black-and-white, her white dress stands out among the sea of gray suits, and she becomes the focal point of the shot. Captivating expression on the bride’s face. An enchanting image filled with sweet expectation and delight. This image is a very simple, yet very effective, capture of that exact moment in this beautiful girl’s life as her existence is forever transformed.
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3rd Place: Larry Brunt from Washington, United StatesJudges Comments
What a fantastic moment…completely unexpected. All eyes are on the bride, groom, and incredible scenery while a cat strolls nonchalantly across the aisle. As a visual element, the cat makes this photo. The wandering feline adds that extra element to the outdoor, mountain wedding.
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4th Place: Philip Casey from Alaska, United StatesJudges Comments
Pink rose petals add a shot of color to the great expanse of powder white snow. The location is unique and breathtaking.
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5th Place: Shane O'Neill from Waterford, IrelandJudges Comments
The loving gaze between the bridesmaid and flower girl reveals a tender, close connection between the two. We love that the photographer was scanning the guests for moments like this one.
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Judges Comments
In great anticipation, everyone turns to look as the flower girl takes her first steps down the aisle. The graphic hits of white carry your eye around the entire image and all its little details.
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Judges Comments
With vows in hand, the groom celebrates. The joyful, playful mood is underscored by the brightly colored bridesmaids’ dresses. This image captured my imagination. The grin on the groom's face, along with the raised arms, shows his joy or relief upon finishing his hand-written vows. The laughing bridesmaids, and the bride going about her business, add content to his emotion. The tent works well to frame the content in this photo and helps guide the viewers eye.
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8th Place: Gloria Fenaroli from Brescia, ItalyJudges Comments
The bride and groom are showered with whirling white streamers that spiral through the air. The blur conveys the high energy of the guests and captures the liveliness of this action shot.
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9th Place: Steve Stanton from Colorado, United StatesJudges Comments
The photographer has cropped out the face of the girls’ escort to capture the little ones’ vantage point. Seeing everyone looking at them, it’s easy to empathize—at the same time, you can’t help but laugh at their cuteness!
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Judges Comments
The groom kisses his bride. Instead of opting for a close-up, the photographer takes a step back and includes spectators, such as the bridesmaid and another photographer, in the frame.
