This is one of those images, when chimping, seems like a throwaway.  However, when viewed on a large monitor or other display screen, the elements just seem to come together.  A lot is going on and everyone is focused on their own part of the moment, yet the bride remains the anchor of all the action as she should. This image was made shortly after the ceremony - the couple was celebrating their transition from two separate lives to one union.  The rest of us were celebrating the transition from the sunny ceremony to the reception (and the cold beverage of our choice). 

Technical Details:  1/250s at f/8, 12-24mm lens at 12mm, cloudy white balance +3, fill flash at -1.5EV, RAW ISO 100
There's rarely a time that I don't use flash when shooting people outdoors.  I tend to use less on overcast days and more on bright ones.  The only trick is getting enough light to open the shadows, but not so much as to be noticed.  The new Active-D lighting on the D300 (this image was made on a D200) is designed to address this issue without fill, and my early tests are promising.  However, I will still use fill - better to get the light right before the image is recorded, regardless of the sophistication of today's image processing software.

On a side note... never is there a better example of the duality of digital photography's blessing and curse than a wedding.  In the days when I shot weddings on film, the guests, for lack of a better way to say it, kept the hell out of my way.  Today, everyone - kids included - come packing a digital camera and some divine mandate to use it whenever and however they like.  I've had guests shadow me, taking the exact shots I am. One time a 'shadow' even anticipated where I was moving and would cut me off to get the shot before I did - occasionally wrecking it in the process. 

To maintain my sanity I've adopted a few changes in my approach. 

• First, I don't try to sell images - it's a dying pricing model in this age.  Rather, I bill a flat rate upfront for my time, basic retouching of formals, proof sheets, and CD's with image files.  The bride and groom are free to do what they want with the images, save reselling them for a profit.  If the guests know they can get easy access to my work, it will (sometimes) curb their enthusiasm for getting their own images. 
  
• Second, I make sure I adopt a friendly yet firm tone, asking everyone to let me make my image first and then the 'shadows' can take their shots when I am done.  This requires that the bride and groom are OK with a somewhat longer time in getting formals done.  If they aren't, I'll ask them to designate someone from the wedding party to work crowd control on my behalf so that I can focus my attention on them.
  
• Third, I arrange ahead of time for a watchdog to look for and speak to the most serious offenders on my behalf.  Ideally this role is best served by the wedding coordinator or an usher.
  
• Finally, I remember that being the photographer and bad guy at the same time is a recipe for disaster.  If all else fails, kindness and patience are the only remaining options.  If you are perceived negatively, your images will reflect this.