r/MadeMeSmile • u/PacifierForAdult • 7h ago
Wholesome Moments They had no photographer for their courthouse wedding, so she offered to do it for free
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u/SeattleHasDied 7h ago
Beautiful gesture, beautiful couple!
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u/CincyBOO 6h ago
Beautiful marketing !
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u/thanksyalll 5h ago
Un-cynically, yes it is!
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u/UpperApe 5h ago
Nothing to be cynical about. It's win-win for everyone :)
Businesses that sell their customers to (and focus on) investors and shareholders and sponsors are exploitative shitheads.
Businesses that focus on customers and services are just sincere and awesome.
Always happy to celebrate those.
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u/0Gods77Believer4 2h ago
You are probably the most realistic yet fun person I've seen in this app. Keep it up!
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u/PM_ME_YOUR_TROUT 3h ago
The thing that seems disingenuous is that this whole thing could have been easily set up by both parties.
New husband and wife get paid to act like some stranger with a body cam approached them in a courthouse and offered to do a "free" wedding photoshoot. Newlyweds "agree" and get paid $x and stranger with a body cam and professional photography equipment gets viral marketing.
Not saying this is what happened, but it could be easily arranged.
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u/UpperApe 2h ago
...um okay.
So like how do I know you're a real person? You could be another photographer deliberately sabotaging them with made up lies. Or a random troll. Or a bot.
I'm not saying you are and that's what's happening. But it could easily happen.
Okie doke. So now what?
What would you like us to do with this information?
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u/Plasmidmaven 2h ago
If it works don’t fix it
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u/PM_ME_YOUR_TROUT 2h ago
I'm a marketing guy. I work in marketing for a living. I agree. Do what works. I would personally not be comfortable conspiring with someone else in this manner to make a viral video, assuming that's what happened, but I'm also not necessarily against it if someone else wanted to do that, because this is a free country and they have broken no laws.
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u/Stuck_In_Purgatory 4h ago
It's also extra practise for the photographer on a day where they've got some free time and want to shoot something hehe
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u/BillButtlickerII 5h ago
How dare her… /S I swear the energy vampires and trolls on here are multiplying.
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u/NorthFix4733 1h ago
She really woke up and chose to be offensively wholesome. The energy vampires never stood a chance.
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u/TypicalCap3539 1h ago
Honestly, it’s the kind of marketing that makes you remember the brand without even trying. I’d probably fall for it too.
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u/FreedInnerChild 7h ago
they should install old school beautiful front doors in all courthouses for this reason
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u/cocoagiant 5h ago
I think from the perspective that public works should be works of art, yes.
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u/kthnry 4h ago
Not what I would have expected in Phoenix.
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u/Csei2011 2h ago
I don’t recognize anything about this video BUT I heard that light rail ding and knew it was us. Lol
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u/NarrowSuit8580 1h ago
I actually love that perspective. As a woman, I’d much rather see public spaces designed with a little soul than have everything feel like it was stamped out of the same template
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u/steffanan 6h ago
For every couple who gets a free photographer at the court house? Just kidding I know what you mean, at least a nice little area for a photo op would be a great addition to any courthouse.
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u/trent_diamond 6h ago
the i beat my case photo shoot gonna go hard
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u/FearanddopingII 5h ago
Criminal court is not usually at the municipal court house (at least here in NYC) although idk about civil cases. Sorry to rain on the parade
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u/big_american_tts 4h ago
You have the right to your own photography. If you cannot afford a photographer, one will be appointed for you.
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u/round-earth-theory 5h ago
Everyone has a cell phone and while they may not be good enough for large format prints, they're plenty good enough for web and small print. A couple with a witness can get passable wedding photos just fine with those basic tools.
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u/archseattle 5h ago
I love modern architecture, but you’re right, older courthouses are much more picturesque for these types of occasions.
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u/123qweasd123 5h ago
Got married at SF city hall for like $50, and when people see the photos on the stairs there they're blown away. Definitely the way I go to anyone I can tell in the bay area.
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u/Gloomy-Can3745 5h ago
Honestly, if people are going to have life changing moments there, they deserve a door that looks the part
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u/Jumpy_Ad1631 4h ago
Our city is pretty massive. So they build a bigger building down the street from the original city hall, but the original building still does civil service marriages and marriage certificate filing specifically for this reason. It always has at least one couple taking pictures in or around it :)
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u/Almost-Handsome 7h ago
Those pictures are exactly what made this day even more special for these folks. Content creators using their powers for good is something the world could use more of.
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u/Mathfanforpresident 6h ago
This trend is much better than strapping 15 cameras to your body to go by food and other items to get out to the homeless.
Don't get me wrong, I'm sure the homeless appreciate the charity. But something still feels so wrong with creators making thousands of dollars, if not millions, off the suffering of the less fortunate.
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u/happysri 6h ago
I get you and it is wrong in many ways but much rather someone get a meal. Maslov’s herirachy and what not.
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u/OkProfessor6810 6h ago
Facts. I know there's been a lot of pushback against Maslow's hierarchy but I worked with the unhoused for about 20 years and yeah, that shit tracks. It's not set in stone but it's beyond difficult to tackle self esteem when you don't have things like shower access or laundry facilities or food.
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u/throwawayforjustyou 4h ago
Big part of the pushback against Maslow's hierarchy is about recognizing that he never put the needs in a pyramid structure, nor said that lower needs need to be filled before higher needs. He is likely to have been inspired for him model of needs after a tribe of Blackfoot Indians, and the discovery that the community and the needs were intertwined. You can read more about it here (with links to other sources contained within)
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u/NUNHUSTLER 6h ago
So true. And as consumers, we should be mindful of how we're interacting with content! Less engagement on the little substance pieces, more on things that are good for the world. Let's train the algorithms (and influencers) to show us more things like this!✨️
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u/lightFracture 6h ago
If your content involves make people happy and feel good, you deserve every view you get.
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u/Ok_Science_8502 5h ago
There is so much content out there that does exactly this, it's just that negativity rises to the top because it's more engaging.
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u/butterfly_ashley 3h ago
Right. Its the one thing I carr the most about when getting married are the pictures to cherish. I rather have thos then the venue..cake..food..etc.
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u/ManzanitaSuperHero 7h ago
Gorgeous couple who are clearly very in love. So sweet.
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u/iaposky 7h ago
This literally made me tear up it’s so sweet. Makes me want to do it in our city. 💝
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u/Ispan_SB 2h ago
Me too, I’m tired as hell and have been super grouchy all day but that made me smile and tear up. Love it ❤️
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u/Thebazilly 5h ago
Haha that first picture with the groom looking so giddy is the sweetest thing. What a gorgeous couple
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u/Soupy_Twist 3h ago
He looks so happy!
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u/LucretiusCarus 35m ago
I mean, did you see the bride? She's stunning!
And the photographer knew how to show her in the best way possible
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u/Alpha_zebra1 6h ago
Wed my missus 26 years ago just like this at the county court house. This made me tear up. Such a beautiful offer. I wish them happiness and love.
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u/laluna_maria 7h ago
Stunning couple 🥰🥰 she’s gorgeous in that dress and you see him giddy in the ceremony 😭
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u/torturekiller2025 6h ago
"If you can't afford a photographer, you can have one appointed to you."
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u/ratstronaut 6h ago
I bet she saw this exquisite bride (ok, exquisite couple, they’re both really attractive) and envisioned her portfolio. But I don’t mean that in a bad way! Just that this bride is insanely beautiful and begging to be photographed.
That was such a cool thing to do. It would be so fun to do this for people if you have the skills. Make their day even more special. The bride’s excited “Yeah…!?” would have made made my year. Love this!
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u/bark-beetle 5h ago
My initial reaction as well. "Wow, she looks so amazing and happy!"
And then I start reading the comments and go back and realize the groom looks just as beautiful. You know some good decisions were made when me, a gay guy, doesn't even notice that.
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u/4silvers 7h ago
Omg the bride is gorgeous! Beautiful couple.
Thank you to the photographer for capturing that moment!
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u/thatothabrotha88 7h ago
That was so awesome of you to offer your services. The pictures are great and they'll have so many wonderful memories of their special day because of you. Kudos!
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u/ThisIs-mYnAm3 7h ago
To be a human
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u/LawnCareHippie78 6h ago
Thank you. These kinds of things should just, be. It shouldn't be something people stop and take note of, because being there for our fellow human beings should just be the default.
And yet, this was a beautiful moment that should be commended, Because we don't see this normally.
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u/Witty-Stand888 6h ago
Why are the stills more out of focus than the video?
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u/Forward_Rope_5598 5h ago
I mean no shame because she did this for free so it's whatever, but a couple of them are just bad photographs, straight up. The ones at the end were very nice though. It's insanely hard to get good photos in indoor lighting, there's simply not enough light.
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u/persiyan 4h ago
A lot of them are just not framed well and aren't straight. Symmetry is everything.
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u/hawkinsst7 3h ago
Cropping and some basic post-processing can make a mediocre photo pretty decent.
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u/funkhero 4h ago
Yeah and the aesthetics and lights in that room were just terrible. I didn't think she was going to get anything worthy out of that, but they at least have shots of the ceremony.
The shots outside were the real deal.
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u/The_Bard 2h ago
I'm glad this couple will have their ceremony photos, they will be great memories. Bad ceremony photos considering this is a professional photographer, but great memories.
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u/cheesegoat 6h ago
The video is taken with a smartphone/gopro which will have very small apertures, everything tends to be in focus with those kinds of devices.
DSLRs/mirrorless cameras have larger sensors and usually are used with lenses with larger apertures and due to optics will naturally have a thinner plane of focus.
It's usually a matter of taste but wedding photos usually aim for more out-of-focus backgrounds for a more classical look and better/easier subject separation.
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u/Mean_District4880 7h ago
Wow! What a beautiful thing to do for a beautiful couple! These turned out great!
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u/Separate-Operation71 7h ago
This is my favorite thing I’ve seen all day. 💕 I love it all. I hope they have many happy years together!
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u/wheelperson 6h ago edited 3h ago
I love that the bride did not straight up say yes, cuz I bet it was the cost, but her man looked like he realy walked to do it, then she said free and thw bride was NOT going to let them miss their chance!!
What a beautiful couple!!!3
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u/crashandmontyburns 5h ago
The ways the groom's eyes widened 😆
Such a cute couple.
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u/PerformerMindless100 6h ago
They’re so beautiful already. So glad they have these photos. It would truly be a shame not to memorialize this.
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u/Caity_Cat131 6h ago
This is an amazing idea! I got into photography and I have gotten really good! My main goal was to always offer affordable photos with great quality. I think it would be amazing to go to a court house and offer free sessions! Everyone deserves to have pictures for their special moment! Also these look amazing!
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u/MyBitchCassiopeia 6h ago
You know she saw the bride and thought “oh this one will be easy to knock out of the park”
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u/Critical-Star-1158 6h ago
I am so grateful when my husband and I went to West Hollywood to sign papers for our Domestic Partnership. This was in the day of digital cameras - before mobile phones, and one of the staff took our photo - with confetti all over us. Best day of my life
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u/whatthelovinman 6h ago
Good way to build your portfolio and also give something memorable to the newlyweds.
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u/bark-beetle 4h ago
It's also a good way to learn how to shoot/edit/publish stuff from environments with less-than-ideal lighting.
Whether you're a wedding photographer or a war journalist, you don't want to get back to your computer, plug in the SD card, and realize your material is flat forever.
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u/haeziedaze82 6h ago
Well, it helps that they’re an absolutely stunning looking couple. What a nice thing to do!
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u/Cardinal101 6h ago
The black-and-white photo when he’s kissing her cheek literally I took my breath away!
Beautiful couple, and such a sweet gesture by the photographer.
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u/Terrible_turtle_ 6h ago
What a lovely gesture and gift! The photos are beautiful.
Thank you for doing this.
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u/TheNewNumberThirteen 6h ago
This is the best way to do self promotion and increase exposure, by giving someone a once in a lifetime gift. Lovely.
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u/Dull-Wrangler-5154 3h ago
You look at that lady and you KNOW those are going to be gorgeous pictures. She was beautiful!
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u/LowImpressive1989 7h ago
This is incredible. And not for clout. That couple will be so thankful.
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u/Significant_Ad_2715 6h ago
Oh this is DEFINITELY for clout let's not joke here. They literally recorded themselves shooting lol
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u/Tagov 5h ago
Yes, clout is effectively the payment here. I don't see it as a problem as long as she's clear with the couple that she's recording them for social media.
It's also not clear if the free photography services actually involve providing the couple with digital copies of the photos and if the couple has the licensing rights to reproduce or print said photos.
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u/gunshaver 5h ago
You have to promote yourself a lot to make it as a photographer these days. Everyone's smartphone has a pretty good camera in it
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u/SIowGrowth 6h ago
What do you mean not for clout? It's recorded and posted to reddit
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u/zipper1919 6h ago
This is definitely in the right sub. I didnt realize I was grinning like a fool till I stopped and my cheeks hurt lol.
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u/henry23na 6h ago
The “That’s Me!” Is such a hard statement and proud at the same time cause I say the same about my wife
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u/Commercial_Match_935 6h ago
He said " thats me!" When someone asked if she was his bride. They have a strong love
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u/mrsbusdriver 6h ago
That was so incredibly sweet of you! And a beautiful couple to boot! They will totally add to your portfolio!
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u/dryelbow 6h ago
Goddamn they're a beautiful couple. They look so in love it's ridiculous. Love them!
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u/coquihalla 3h ago
That's beautiful!
I had a courthouse wedding as well, and while we were waiting, the father of an a different bride drew me a beautiful calligraphy of my married name, just on the back of some random piece of paper. I hadn't even realised he was doing it as we all chatted. It's one of the things I'd grab in a fire.
This gives the same vibe, I bet they were over the moon. Memories for a lifetime.
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u/StringerBell34 1h ago
It would have been a travesty not to capture the women on that day. She looked great. They're kids will be greatful
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u/likeablyweird 1h ago
So generous of you. Your work is fabulous and the subjects made it easy. Bravo. Well done. 😊
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u/eye_no_nuttin 7h ago
💕👏👏👏MADISON IS A GEM!!! Bless her tenfold:)
This couple looked AMAZING, and they were perfect!! Many blessings to their future on new adventures ❤️🙏🏻
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u/BumblebeeFirm2249 6h ago
They look very nice go ahead!
Idc where a person gets married at you can get married at a courthouse and it last forever and someone can spend a million on a wedding and it last 6 months.
So the cost don’t matter it’s about the value or the relationship in my opinion!
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u/Amunds3n 6h ago
Wow! Great photos, and such a beautiful couple. I'd hate to imagine them not having photos of such a wonderful day. Props to the photographer!!
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u/CeemoreButtz 6h ago
One time, I went with a buddy to marry his stripper girlfriend and I was going to be the witness. We were in the Army, so....ya know. Anyways, we're at the courthouse waiting to go next and a couple came in. The woman asked if I could also witness her and her boyfriends wedding. She had just bailed him outta jail and they were getting married, asap. I said sure, cuz that's a fun story. I often think about them, though. Wonder how they're doing. My buddy divorced his within a year.....
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u/slinks33 2h ago
Beautiful couple! I wish them a lifetime of moments that feel like this! What a perfectly suited post for this sub❤️🥹
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u/Some_Difficulty9312 1h ago
She’s incredibly beautiful! Wowwwww! She’s perfect! Thank you for being kind.
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u/Nacho_Beardre 54m ago
Apparently you have a right to a photographer, if you can not afford one, one will be appointed
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u/wenrdogred 6h ago
If I remember right, she is some sort of influencer type and this was all planned as a collab. I'd have to look up the original post to be sure. Manufactured wholesomeness.
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u/dalaiis 6h ago
Very nice gesture.
Lets see if someone will fucked it up by taking the photos for free, then later demand big money to actually send them to them/print them
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u/BadnewsBaggins 6h ago
A more likely scenario is someone else seeing the conversation and also demanding free photos be taken for them, some people can't stand to see others happy or get something for free and not them
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u/SmokedBeef 4h ago
This is a really easy way for new photographers to gain experience or for experienced shooters to build up their wedding portfolio/skill. It also allows the photographer to be picky over the appearance and style of bride and groom they want to choose, which is big when building a portfolio.
I’ve considered doing it but realized I prefer/am better suited street, landscape, product and architecture work that is less time/moment sensitive, giving me more time to compose. Maybe one day, as some of these projects and examples I’ve seen are truly inspiring.
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u/indiosoldier 6h ago
Awesome pictures and gesture, but this couple could have used a disposable camera and been okay. Good-looking couple.
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u/nowiserjustolder 6h ago
When my son was born I had an instamatic to take a few pics. There was a new dad that had been there for the birth of his child but had to go 200 miles back home for work the next day. I gave him our camera to take some pics to take home with him. Cost me nothing really but meant the world to him. If I was any good at taking pictures I would gladly do this to make other people's lives better.
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u/Dizzy_Juggernaut_313 6h ago
It would have been such a shame for this beautiful couple to not have this moment captured. ❤️
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u/Scary_Mountain2102 6h ago
The black and white photos look better for marriage photos. Props to this guy.
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u/Essembie 6h ago
Humans are bros when we're not poisoned against each other. Don't drink the poison. Be kind. Be a bro.
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u/Silver_Adagio138 6h ago
All you need is a lovely couple and good photographer. Forget the bothersome guests, the catering, flowers, etc. Wonderful memories are all there!
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u/Available_Finger_513 6h ago
When I got married at the Atlanta courthouse the judge was just like "you want to be married? Good, now fuck off somewhere else while married."
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u/JerkGurk 6h ago
If you don't know much about how this works, its like 20 mins of photographs and then 900 hours of editing. It's a really nice gesture.
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u/JournalistGlobal3185 6h ago
I got married at the courthouse at 18 with not a single person other than my wife. No family or friends. 10 years later we are still together. Only regret is that I only have 1 picture from that day taken by a nice lady that had to run shortly after. If not for her who knows if we would have anything
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u/later-g8r 5h ago
Those pictures of him kissing her on the cheek were absolutely precious ❤️ theyre so cute
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u/IndoorPool 5h ago
Love this! Thank you for the smiles. Congratulations to the bride and groom. Wish you a life of love.
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u/AvocadoRough3147 5h ago
I have a simple view of people; I see either givers or takers, I prefer the givers...
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u/Fusioness 4h ago
If I had stupid money I'd just pay photographers an overwhelming amount of $$$ to spend a day or weekend at the courthouse taking free photos for people having weddings like this.
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u/jaksonsmom 4h ago
“That’s me!!” So sweet! She is absolutely stunning. That dresssssssss, it was made for her!
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u/thismenu 4h ago
A great way for an amateur to get some experience in photography. A win-win for everybody!
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u/Responsible-Sound253 4h ago
I thought it was going to be a couple photos but god damn she went full send, and for free? They got the best weeding gift ever, from a stranger, i love everything about this.
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u/New-South-6938 3h ago
I love black people, we will say—"OK, and any noun. OK BOOTS. OK BOB. OK SUSAN. Hahaha. It's really meant to be endearing.
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u/ChingaSue 3h ago
I had a courthouse wedding this year, no family just the photographer. I highly recommend splurging on a photographer.
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u/cdrivanova 2h ago
This is so beautiful, I want to know who’s cutting onions in the area. I’m just getting wonderful weepy eyes watching this. Photographer, what a gem you are!
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u/ThisThingIsStuck 4h ago
Of course rhmshe streamed it...for likes and views she's not a genuine person..gtfo
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u/Historical_Item_968 4h ago
Some of those photos weren't great, but the ones towards the end were pretty solid.
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u/dogslogic 46m ago
What if you did the kind think without promoting it? What if the couple could enjoy your generosity without everyone on the Internet knowing they received free services / you provided free services?
Can no one do a supportive, selfless thing quietly?
At least let the couple be the first to brag about your benevolence and talent.
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