The "intimations" are what make this set of images and text more intriguing than an ordinary how-to book of wedding pictures. A photojournalist who has published in the New York Times
and Newsweek, Vernick (Picture the Girl) has put together a multicultural cross-section of weddings: straight, gay, Indian, Jewish, indecipherable—all of which hints at the complicated process of marriage. Her 70 black-and-white images tell of the happiness, unease and, in some cases, sadness involved, while facing page "What They Were Thinking" text allows the subjects to speak in their own words. "Liseli" tells of having her girlfriends slather her with makeup even though she's not a "frilly, fluffy person," and reveals a centering thought she had that day: "My mom was having little hissy fits, and that's a good thing," she says. "It made everything seem normal." "John" and his husband-to-be button their white shirts just before marrying each other ("That is what marriage is about—getting society to recognize a change in your relationship"). A sassy maid of honor smokes a cigar. An Indian daughter cries as she hugs her father goodbye before leaving his house to join her new husband's. "Daniel" expresses doubts about the ability to stay with Tanis "till death," and puts his emphasis on "till unhappiness." His thoughts speak well for the emphasis of these images: "the wedding isn't going to do what you think it is going to do for a marriage, you can't be fooled into that. There is more to a marriage. That is when the real work starts." Yet there are also the expected kissing couples, and they are unexpectedly affecting. (Apr. 16)
