One very important decision to make, as if there have not been enough already, is;
'will we be seeing each other prior to the ceremony?'
There are pros and cons to consider when making this decision that will have a definite bearing on how your day will progress. Following are some observations that we, and a majority of our couples, have made during the past decade and a half of photography that might help you in with that decision.
Years ago 'tradition' dictated that couples and their families were photographed together after the ceremony. Prior to the ceremony, the photographer would scramble about piecing together as many groups as possible while maintaining visual distance between the bride and groom. After the ceremony many of the same groups would be photographed together for similar images, now including the happy couple.
Eighty to ninety percent of all couples now elect to conduct the group photography prior to the ceremony. The biggest objection most couples have to photography after the wedding is that; their guests are left waiting during the one and a half to three hours it takes for good formal portraiture. Many couples are motivated to do the majority of the photography prior to the ceremony because of their own experience as 'waiting guests', wondering when the bride and groom would finally appear. Without the 'guests-of-honor' the party is a bit dull. Some of the guests may also have limitations on the amount of time they can stay. If the bride and groom elect to have post-ceremony formal portraits it may seriously limit the amount of time they have to spend with their guests.
Prior to the ceremony, everything; flowers, hair, make-up, clothes, moods are at their very best. The children are clean, the tuxes and dresses are pressed, after months of planning, the air is filled with an electric anticipation of the events to come. Everything is at it's finest. . . . Afterwards, . . .well, 'things' happen; people hug, people cry, mascara runs, lipstick smears, flowers wilt. People's thoughts turn to; 'how fast can I loose these shoes / this jacket / this tie', '. . . this is a hosted bar, . . . right?' Things are a bit less polished and perfect which is okay for candid photography but less than ideal for formal group portraits.
imagine, . . .
. . . you have just looked into the eyes of your true love. You have exchanges vows, rings and a commitment for a lifetime. You walk down the aisle hand-in-hand to congradulations, hugs, kisses and and are headed towards what looks to be a large scale emotional outburst, . . . up pops your photographer!
'time for pictures!'
There is a break in the momentum of the event, . . . attendants are scattered, conversing, taking off shoes / jackets / ties, getting a drink and attending to their own agendas. People need to be gathered, drinks and hor'de ouvuers pryed from white knucked grasps, time is passing, impatience grows. People who cannot be found miss out on being in a picture - anxiety grows, everyone wants to be at the party but they also need to be 'in the picture.' Your photographer fears for his life because of the angry looks from guests (okay, THAT part was a little much but you get the idea).
if only there were a way, . . .
to maintain the 'polish', the excitement, the moment of emotional climax, . . .
We can do that! We like to call it the
'First Look'
The stage is set in a private area. Plans are set in motion to keep the bride and groom secluded from friends, family and the rest of the bridal party. The groom stands with his back turned, eyes closed, anticipating the soft touch, the gentle squeeze of his bride-to-be's hand, that tells him that she too is standing, eyes closed, turned away, waiting, . . .
'you can turn around now'
The eyes, the hair, the dress, the tux, the hugs, kisses and soft words all expressed in a private moment away from the rest of the world. Likely the last opportunity until the evening is over for a 'private' romantic embrace. This is the best opportunity for us as your photographers to capture the thrill of seeing each other for the first time.
As the various groups now move into the photographic session there is excitement and anticipation - but everyone is relaxed because they know that time is on their side. Everyone cooperates, it is their duty as family and friends, BUT, after walking down the aisle, standing in and sitting through the ceremony, they feel that they have done just about enough. They want to relax, take off the shoes / jacket / tie (again), get a drink and not pose for a darn photographer!
'What about the Grand Entrance?!
won't it 'kill the thrill'?
Hardly, . . . but don't ask us, ask any bride and groom. When the music begins, the guests rise, the bride appears and walks down the aisle to meet her groom - the beautiful vision many brides dream of remains intact. In contrast, the few who have waited with raising anxiety don't clearly remember the experience. Stage fright is rampant, formality is the 'rule'. The groom is standing at the altar - how can he be himself? he can't kiss you, can't tell you how beautiful you are or how lovely you look in that dress, hugs aren't generally allowed. But with a private moment before the ceremony he can do all that and more. Perhaps the first time that the bride and groom see each other can be richer when it's for their eyes only rather than on a public stage.
It is up to you, . . .
If this decision is difficult, we encourage you to search out friends and family who have done it both ways. As professionals, and your photographers, we are woring for you. It is YOUR wedding day. Our promise and obligation to you is to provide the very best service that is possible. We want to make sure that any decisions that you make concerning the circumstances and situations involved in your photography are 'informed' ones.
