The earliest recorded history, including hieroglyphics, has shown us that humans are social creatures who like to celebrate. In every culture, we have created traditions to honor what is meaningful. Weddings are one of those grand celebrations.
In "A Pictorial History of Wedding Photography," you will see how much culture has changed since 1856, the date of the first wedding image. Even Queen Victoria regretted not having photographs of her elaborate event with Prince Albert, so twenty years later, they re-created it to have wedding pictures of their own!
This book is about wedding photography but is also a study of fashion and history. World events shaped wedding fashion and celebrations. Celebrities set a style that many brides followed.
Photography captivated me after I purchased my first single lens reflex 35-millimeter camera to capture memories of my two young children in 1977. Soon people asked me to photograph their families. Eventually I shot my first wedding. Once the bride and groom drove away, I said to my helper, "I will never do that again!" I processed the film that night before I went to bed. I was so relieved that I had well-exposed negatives.
At that time, professional photographers in the Mid-South were not plentiful. Countless times, the bride or her mother asked about my husband, the photographer. I was amused because I knew I had something unique to offer-the female gaze, including my distinct eye and intuition.
As I photographed weddings across the Mid-South, I fell completely in love with the entire event, photographing each excited couple, their families and friends, their hearts immersed in every moment. I admire immensely the talented professionals in the Memphis, Tennessee, area who specialize in putting these fabulous events together. It is like watching a Broadway production.
Those experiences coupled with my adoration for antiques inspired me to collect vintage wedding pictures. My collection includes hundreds of wedding pictures that span from the mid-1800s, just as photography was born, to current times. I'm sharing my wedding photography collection so you, too, can appreciate what weddings say about our culture and our lives.
Hillman, Jacque: - Jacque Hillman. Senior Editor/Partner, The HillHelen Group Publishing Co.; editor, award-winning journalist for 30 years; former English teacher; graduate, Delta Leadership Institute Executive Academy 2010-2011; Sterling Awards: 20 Most Influential Women in West Tennessee 2014.
Shivley, Jan: - Jan Butler Shivley grew up in Midtown Memphis, Tennessee. Life was not idyllic, but it really did look like those Dick and Jane grammar school reading books of the 1950s. Kids pulled wagons around the neighborhood and sold Girl Scout cookies from door to door. There was even a kiss from Elvis at Overton Park. Jan married Von Shivley, and they had what she will tell you today were the two most delightful children on this planet. Her two grandsons are her delight these days. In 1977, Jan was intrigued with photography and the ability to have realistic, casual, well-done pictures of the children daily. Memphis had few photographers, and most had an Olan Mills style. Jan set up a darkroom and clients began asking for sittings. Shivley Photography was born, and wedding photography became the main focus and passion. Jan is a published and award-winning photographer. The wedding business can be an accurate example of current beauty and style. Looking for and finding antique wedding pictures and realizing their historic value, Jan has known for years that a book showcasing a collection of these wedding photos needed to be published. You can keep up with what she is into at janshivley.com
