Kim and Mike Tee Off

It's a testament to the quality of the couple and their friends and family when a wedding goes quickly. It means I'm having tons of fun, things are running smoothly, and everyone's having a good time. 

Kim and Mike's wedding flew by.

Prep was a blast, everyone calm and relaxed. And the full Catholic ceremony that followed was bubbling with barely contained enthusiasm.

So you can imagine what a blast the reception was.

It was my first time at the Connecticut National Golf Club, a surprisingly roomy space in Putnam, CT with a phenomenal staff (Thanks, Jen!) and beautiful grounds. Which you reach by golf cart. Swanky.

It was a fabulous night of dancing, great music, games, and tons and tons of great photos. And maybe the most energetic group of grandparents and great aunts and uncles I've ever seen.

Congratulations, Mike and Kim!

A Rambunctious Renewal of Vows

Last Saturday, I photographed Heather and Rob renewing their vows after 10 years in front of their friends, family, and two adorable kids.

I always love renewals. Partly because they tend to be more laid back and relaxed affairs, which this one definitely was. 

But also because it's great to see people deciding they still want to be together. There are no practical reasons to renew your vows. It doesn't get you a better deal on insurance, or make filing your taxes easier, or get your great aunt to stop pestering you about settling down.

You only do it because you love each other and want to make sure everyone knows. And, I guess, because it's a good excuse to throw a sick party.

Destination: Florida... MA.

I haven't done a ton of destination weddings, but I jump at the chance whenever I get the opportunity. They always turn into fun, extended trips and often produce some of my favorite photos. I've been to Montana, North Carolina, and this past Fourth of July, I went to Florida.

The town in northwest Massachusetts, that is.

I was there to photograph a wedding for a good friend's sister. It was also a chance to give my girlfriend some second shooter experience. (She's previously filmed wedding videos with me, but this was her first run at photos - she knocked it out of the park.)

And, this was my first army wedding! Besides the dapper uniforms, army weddings come with a bunch of great traditions, and it's great to see the bonds between servicemen.

Heather and I were exhausted, but we took advantage of the local sights on Sunday. It took us something like five hours to drive the 30 miles from Florida to Interstate 91. It's an interesting part of Massachusetts that I've never really explored before: The scenic Deerfield River, a handful of Native American-themed tourist traps, Glacial Potholes, and the awesome Bridge of Flowers.

Good way to spend the Fourth, I reckon.

Being a Second Shooter

Last Saturday (July 11th, 2015) I was second shooter for a wedding with The Terrible Child Photography.

Before that, my last time second shooting for another photographer was July 21st... 2012.

So it's been a while.

I can't lie, it was weird.

It was weird photographing the guys during prep. It was weird photographing cocktail hour. Most of all, it was weird having to constantly remind myself, "That's not your job, that's Mike's job, just focus on your job!" I've gotten used to everything being my job, or at least my responsibility, apparently.

All that said, it was a lot of fun and a beautiful wedding at the Candlewood Inn. Plus, I got to leave a bit early, which is a nice perk.

Still, I'm looking forward to being in charge of myself this coming weekend.

Four Years (and a New Website)

On June 14th, 2011, I walked into the Town Clerk's office and filed my Certificate of Adoption of Trade Name. With that, Zack Wussow Media became a reality. Since then, I've photographed fifty-nine weddings: Big, elaborate affairs and private elopements, first marriages and vow renewals, young couples and old, gay and straight. 

Honestly, I didn't expect Zack Wussow Media to be a day job. I formalized my business because I had the chance to photograph a couple weddings and needed to be able to report the income to the IRS.

I quickly changed my mind, though.

I've always loved photographing people. My last two years of college were filled with studio portrait projects and figure drawing classes. I carried my camera with me as much as possible to photograph my friends and family.

This is what sold me on weddings. They're full of people, dressed to the nines, excited and happy, and best of all they go into it expecting to be photographed. For anyone who enjoys candid photography, weddings are as perfect a venue as possible.

But, of course, merely liking something does not make it a successful business. It takes hard work, skill, a bit of luck, and, maybe more-so in weddings than most other professions, great customers. The last one, especially makes me happy; I love it every time someone comes to me on a referral from a previous customer.

In those four years, a lot else has happened: I ran a Tough Mudder, moved in with my girlfriend, filmed a few music videos. All along, Zack Wussow Media has grown and changed.

I felt like it deserved a (belated) birthday present.

So enjoy the new site. And the photos. And the blog. 

Lets see where the next four years takes us!