I love The Signing Book and at Saturday’s wedding I was reminded several times why they’re so special.

Earlier in the day I had asked the groom what he thought of it as only the bride and her mom came by the studio to pick it up and take a first peek. His comment….. “It was way beyond what I expected”. I get that kind of comment a lot from my clients. They’ve seen my sample albums and signing books. They’ve looked at a proof of their own before it goes to press. But, to see a finished album or book and hold it in their hands is something special. They thumb through the pages and see a portrait of their life,  a “forever” piece that captures a very, very special time.

It made me think of wedding albums, too. I feel sorry for today’s couples who forego the album for a “disc of images and copyrights please”.  They miss the real “art” of their day, the final piece that keeps it fresh forever. Sometimes it amazes me that they will drive around in a $ 25,000 car that will be a bedraggled heap of rust in 50 years. But, the wedding album which would have been loved by them, their parents, their children and their children’s children, never was. It just doesn’t make sense. It’s such a small investment in comparison.

Anyhoo, back to the Signing Book. It was the end of the day and the bride and groom had been sent off by all their family and friends. I wandered back up to the reception venue and to the table where the signing book had been for the evening. I thumbed through it and, despite the fact that I knew it intimately, the last time I had seen it it hadn’t been loved yet, at least not thoroughly loved. As I went from page to page, I noticed it was completely full. Not just signatures with “Best Wishes”, but messages of love, affirmation, encouragement, remembrance and  reflection.

So, there it was. The flowers were stunning and made for a spectacular day. But, soon they were to be no more. The food was amazing and everyone raved about it as they enjoyed the evening, but now there were only empty plates, balled up napkins, and ice melting in the glasses. The band was awesome and everyone danced the night away. Now they were packing it up to head home as the party was over. Yet, over in the corner the Signing Book was still there, better than ever; filled with beautiful photos, memories, and words that will last forever. And in my bag with used up batteries, sweat soaked napkins, lens caps strewn galore, were the photos that will be crafted into the story of their day. The beautiful custom wedding album awaits the rest of their life.

So worth it :)

Kemper