Hi! I'm Erin, a Wedding Ceremony Artist Based in Hawaii, TX and NYC

... but what is a ceremony artist??

It is my opinion that weddings can be works of art rather than subjects of tradition. It has been an honor to have photographed over 1,500 weddings but after all those weddings the flaws of tradition had become painfully obvious.

Weddings can be stressful, cheesy, poorly designed, expensive, etc... but there's a better way.

I help couples conceptualize ceremonies that are simple, peaceful, photogenic and then capture them in a way that allows them to be intimate and authentic. By keeping things simple I am able to be planner, photographer and officiant.

But how can I be a photographer and officiant at the same time??

It's actually really easy! I got ordained and licensed to perform weddings which is something anyone can do. Then, for the ceremony, I work with the couple to choreograph the steps for them to say their vows, exchange their rings and kiss to seal their promise. Most keep it simple but, as I mentioned, ceremonies can be works of art and we have full creative control over the process.

A couple doesn't even really need someone to tell them that they are married. The only people who can truly declare a marriage are the people who are marrying each other!

Not to mention officiants are often strangers the couple hires and frankly aren't the most photogenic thing to be in the middle of an image that should be one of the most beautiful pictures a couple takes in their life.

Besides, a lot of people these days don't adhere to a formal religion or are in a mixed spirituality relationship. Which, is why it makes sense for them to have a ceremony on their own terms.

Tradition can be reassessed. It's not obligatory.

One of my inspirations for this movement is my love of spiritualities.

Yes I said spiritualities... as in all the ways people transcend the physical world and connect to something deeper and higher. I believe that that is the most important thing, that we look beyond what we can see, hear and feel and what society imposes on us so that we can experience something greater. I love all the ways the people do that (as long as it's not hurtful or exclusive).

When I was in my early twenties I went through a major depression where I almost lost my life. I realized that if I was going to get better that I needed to seek happiness in its greatest form which for me is enlightenment. Even if I never get there it's the journey toward that goal that makes my life greater everyday. It's my goal to bring that light to people in anyway I can, especially on one of the biggest moments of their lives.

Another one of the things I do is help create ceremony spaces that are photogenic and work well with the direction of light. Often times this task is done by people who are not photographers (Like the bride, a family member or a wedding planner) which can be problematic because they don't know what the camera needs in order for the image to be just right.

I love this aspect of my work because it allows me to connect my love for art and symbolism with my experience in photography.

In the future I want to work with other artists to create sites that challenge conventional wedding design. I hope to create more immersive environments that incorporate the temporal aspects of the ceremony.

Eventually I hope to create sites that are shared by more than one couple so that more effort and resources can go into the design. I'll be looking for venues, lighting technicians, installation artists and florists to collaborate with.

Well enough about work, let me tell you a bit about myself!

Hawaii is where I was born and raised. One of my favorite aspects of growing up there is the education I've received in the Hawaiian Culture. Hawaii is a very fragile place that needs to be protected and I believe in their right to sovereignty.

My son Zen was born on 8/8/08 and he is the light of my life! :) I also have two kitties named Inyo and Zero who are adopted sisters.

Hardcore and underground music is my favorite. Both of my parents are musicians and it has been a very important part of my life.

Contemporary art like performance, minimalist and conceptual works are a huge inspiration for me.

I currently have home bases in Hawaii, Texas and NYC and am available worldwide.

Please feel free to ask me any questions you have about weddings, photography or anything!

It is a pleasure to introduce myself via Steemit. By blogging here I'm hoping to utilize this blockchain technology to reach not only those interested in my work but a larger community as well.

Aloha!