Seconds2go Loc: Washington State

Prepare to lose your friend as you really don't know what you are about to take on, as this is a HUGE responsibility. I know personally. I was the Uncle with the "big fancy camera" and was asked to be a relatives wedding photographer. Even with extensive planning, it turned out to be very, very stressful as I soon realized that these "once in a lifetime" photos were my responsibility. No one else there took any photos.

Everything you can imagine to go wrong did: The bride gave me a list of "must have" photographs: two pages long. Then, an hour before the ceremony was to begin, she couldn't be found! It seems she forgot to pick up the license and left to get it! Total confusion on everyone's part. She returned 20 minutes before the ceremony was to begin! Luckily I kept my cool and went with the flow tossing the bride's list. Thank goodness I had two camera bodies! As the bride was about to walk down the isle, my main camera body overheated and froze. I got "THE money shots" only by quickly grabbing my backup camera just in time. I planned the shots I was going to get beforehand and that saved the day. Even so, with all the running around I had to do I lost 5 pounds!

Overall, it was a disaster but I did get the "money shots" as I learned an important lesson: Leave wedding photography to the Professionals who have the knowledge, equipment, helpers, and experience to make this day special for everyone. Don't allow the wedding party to try and save a few $$$ by ignoring the fact that their wedding day IS the day to hire a Pro!

I learned my lesson and ever since politely decline any and all requests to photograph anyone's wedding!
I'd rather visit my dentist and have a tooth pulled!

crazydaddio Loc: Toronto Ontario Canada

Even the pros cant get the brides shots done if she is not there. The difference between a pro and amateur is a pro charges money and has a contract (ie they set expectations and make it a binding agreement with limits of liability
..its a commercial agreement for services vs "Uncle Joe").

Pros also have more experience having shot more weddings. However, they are not magicians. Sounds like you did a decent job under the circumstances.

(....And I always have a 2nd camera on me person during the key times ...ceremony, first dance etc.....ie the no do-over planned events)

UncleBuck Loc: Malvern, Arkansas