The Perfect Imperfect: The Wedding Photographs of John Dolan redefines the genre. For over 35 years, Dolan has chronicled the ritual of marriage in all its chaos. Following Dolan’s 2021 exploration of the wedding, this expanded edition published by Damiani Books features more than 35 new photographs, with images of Gwyneth Paltrow, AnnaSophia Robb, and a poignant portfolio of the White House wedding of Naomi Biden. Stunning locations include those in the USA, Rome, Bahamas, London and Dublin to Schull, Clifton to Cashel.
Dolan has quietly pursued emotional and revealing art within the wedding day. He aims his camera at tiny moments of deep meaning, perfectly imperfect scenes at the start of a marriage. The wedding is one of society’s last and lasting ceremonies—universal in its presence, comprehensive in its emotion. Dolan’s candor, his respectful discretion, and his gentle but shrewd and powerful observation combine to make a book that transcends weddings and enlightens us on the human condition.
