Today we have a post from Stephanie Florence, 40:20 Vision’s contributing / Millennial editor, reflecting on her role in recent weddings.
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I’ve reached that age when my mailbox is filled with save the date postcards and wedding invitations. I can’t scroll through my Facebook NewsFeed without seeing bling on a gal’s left hand or photos of girls in matching dresses. I’ve had five weddings during the last year (including both the sister and brother) and seven recently engaged friends that will be following suit shortly.
I am passionate about telling stories whether it’s through my contributions to 40:20, the work I deliver for my clients or the countless hours I spend talking with family and friends. I was fortunate to have a front row seat to the all the wedding action over the last year and I knew I needed to take advantage of that opportunity. From the brunch post-engagement to the one-on-one Q&As to the rehearsal dinner, ceremony and first dance, I captured the best bits of the big day on camera.
I may be behind the curve when it comes to having a homeboy waiting for me at the other end of an aisle…and I could get sad with my situation or I could get creative with it. I choose the latter every. single. time. 
Some view wedding season as motivation to get in their best shape yet. Others positively view the singles’ table as their opportunity to meet “the one”. I see it as a chance to let my creativity shine. Several times people have questioned why I had the camera during these events insisting that I was “missing the experience” stuck behind a device. I look at my participation in quite the opposite way. I get to see the wedding celebration from a completely different lens…thinking to myself, what is the couple missing from the craziness of the day? What will they want to see after? How can I re-create that sweet moment so more can enjoy it?
The best part of my creations has been reactions from the couples. People say your wedding day will be one of the fastest (if not THE fastest) day of your lives and it’s hard to take time to truly enjoy everything or even recognize all that happens. My family and friends tell me the videos allow them to relive those special times again and again.
And that future homeboy better approve of me taking a page from my friend, mentor and all-around role model Stephanie Wonderlin’s wedding – she had a GoPro camera in her wedding bouquet!!!
I live for telling stories and look for every chance to help others share theirs. Which brings me to my newest idea…Have camera. Will travel. Let’s be clear – I’m not a professional video gal, but I also won’t charge you like one. Do you want a simple visual reminder of your special day (outside of the beautiful photos)?
Stephanie Florence is a 20-something who can talk to a brick wall and dance to a kazoo. She contributes to the 40:20 Vision as the Millennial editor and on every day that ends in “y” you can find Stephanie meeting people, telling exceedingly long stories and taking the approach of a student…always. Find her dancing around New York City in her personalized Chuck Taylors, complete with her Twitter handle: @StephanieFlo.
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