Framing “The Moment”

Victoria and Zach hosted a beautiful wedding reception that felt both romantic and unforgettable, filling the Schermerhorn Symphony Center concert hall with warmth and joy. Spanning 5,700 square feet with ceilings soaring 61 feet high, the room’s grandeur took your breath away.

My task was clear: capture their first dance in a way that honored not only their love, but the beauty of the space itself. The sweep of the cascading drapery, the shimmer of the chandeliers, the elegance of the florals — each detail had its own quiet story to tell.

The hall’s vastness could have easily swallowed the moment, but instead, I framed it so their connection became the heart, with the architecture and artistry wrapping gently around them.

So how do I find the perfect angle? The moment I arrive I examine the floor plan, then move through the space with purpose, scanning each perspective. I hold up my phone like a viewfinder, pausing here and there, imagining where the moment will unfold. I shift, step back, and lean in until I land on a vantage point that not only captures the heart of the action but also gathers the most meaningful design elements into one harmonious frame.

Those reference photos become my map once the brush meets the canvas, guiding each stroke as the scene takes shape. When the final painting is complete, it’s more than a record of the night — it’s a window back into that moment, filled with the light, the movement, and the emotion that made it unforgettable.

Event crafted by Southern Vine Co

Photography by Steph Sorenson

Floral Design by Tulip Tree Inc