Susan and I went to a wedding yesterday — one of Susan’s cousins, who I’m sure many in the family, including her own mother, thought would never get married.  The ceremony was quite formal but quite quick… Being held at St Stephen’s Cathedral in the city, quite likely one of the more popular wedding venues, time was of the essence — indeed, the usual “bride is always late” tradition was dispensed with.  During the wedding reception though, something special happened that I’m sure many would regard as the highlight of the day.

The wedding photographer was introduced by the M.C., and proceeded to announce that he was going to do “something special” for everyone to remember the day.  He directed everyone’s attention to a screen, and started a slideshow of the photographs taken so far in the day, set to music.

I had noticed during the ceremony that the photographers were using DSLRs (Nikon mostly, if you’re into the details).  In case you still had doubts, it looks like film really is dead!

I was watching the people in the room while the show was playing.  There were tears in some eyes.  It was amazing to see how a technology shift could add a new dimension to something, the way that simple five-minute slideshow did to that wedding dinner.  I wonder if it was through something like that, the use of digital not just to replace film but to transform the way images are used and presented, that made Kodak finally say “okay, you win.”

People who were at that wedding (and I’m sure every wedding that photographer does) will be talking about that for weeks, perhaps months.  All for a few minutes’ work in front of a computer (heck even I’ve thrown something together with iPhoto and a swag of Ken Burns Effect in about half an hour, and that was starting from scratch).  Kudos to artists like that photographer who can bring such joy and happiness to people through their art (and a splash of tech!).

To Michael and Cassandra, the very best of good wishes for your future…

Alcune volte basta un attimo per dimenticare una vita, mentre non basta una vita per dimenticare un attimo: quello che oggi vivete e che durer? tutta la vita!  Possa la realt? essere pi? bella dei sogni che vi hanno portato oggi all’altare.  Il mio augurio pi? affettuoso in questo giorno di festa.  Possa il Signore benedire la vostra unione.  Possano i vostri giorni essere pieni di amore, cura, sostegno e passione.

…which I’m told translates as “Sometimes an instant is enough to forget a life, while a life isn’t enough to forget an instant: that which you are living today and that will last your lifetimes!  May reality be more beautiful than the dreams that have brought you today to the alter.  My best wishes in this day of celebration.  May God bless you on your wedding.  May your days together be full of love, care, support and passion.”