When we design our photo templates, we usually have an idea on how people are going to interact with the elements in the design. The thing is, once you get on location and people start taking photos, the element of “one-upmanship” comes into play, the creative juices start flowing (and sometimes alcoholic libations) and all of a sudden.. it’s a whole new ballgame.

Before we get into that, let me first comment on the beauty of the location and the overall scene of the Geller wedding in Pebble Beach. The wedding was held at a private residence with one of the most dramatic views I’ve ever seen from the backyard (see below for a photo that doesn’t do it justice). Produced by Colette Cuccia, the wedding ceremony and reception were held in the same area, with a decor, lighting and ambiance transformation that occurred while guests were dining. Once dinner was over, that’s where we came in.

Going into the reception, we had designed two photo options that were suggested by the bride — a retro Pebble Beach golf course and whale watching. Wanting to provide some flexibility with the photographs, we designed the golf option as a more straight-forward shot, and the whale watching design was created in a way that allowed some more interaction. The design allowed guests to stand on the bow of a boat with a whale kicking it’s tail up just beyond them. Perhaps if they were feeling creative, they could pull off a little Leo “I’m the king of the world!” action or touch the whale’s tail — but like I foreshadowed, I underestimated the creativeness of the Geller’s friends and family.

It all started with two younger guests wanting to have a photo where one of them was in the water being rescued by the other on the boat. Easy enough, and the photo actually turned out pretty cool. Before I knew it, I had people hanging onto the whale for dear life, people drowning in the water, folks getting thrown off-board the boat, and others getting seasick — and I loved every minute of it.

The spontaneity of the guests combined with the creativeness of the designs create an experience you can’t really get anywhere else — and that’s why we do what we do at SUM Booth.