AAAPhoto.com
Should we see each other before the wedding?
There are plus reasons and minus ones to explore when making this decision, well beyond tradition. Your decision will have a definite bearing on how your day will progress. The following are some observations that AAA Photo, (and a majority of our couples) have made during the past 18 years of photography. These observations will help guide you the correct decision for your wedding day.
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 gathered together for similar images now including the happy couple.
Most couples now elect to conduct the group photography prior to the ceremony. The biggest objection that most couples have to photography after the wedding is that; their guests are left waiting during the time it takes for good formal portraiture. Many couples are motivated to do the majority of photography prior to the ceremony because of their own experiences 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. Electing to have your bride and groom photography taken after the ceremony limits the amount of time you have to spend with your guests
Here are some reasons to consider photography before the wedding.
-
Prior to the ceremony, flowers, hair, make-up, clothes, and moods are at their very best.
-
The children are clean, the tuxes and dresses are pressed.
-
The air is filled with an electric anticipation of the day’s events to come.
-
Everything is at its finest.
-
Afterwards, things happen; People hug, People cry. Mascara runs, lipstick smears, and flowers wilt.
-
People’s thoughts turn toward other issues. ‘how fast can I get out of these shoes’, ‘this is a hosted bar, right?’
-
Things are a bit less polished and perfect – Okay for candid photography, but less than ideal for formals.
-
Now Imagine you’ve just looked into the eyes of your true love. You have exchanged vows, rings, and a commitment for a lifetime. You walk together down the aisle hand-in-hand there are congratulations, hugs, Kisses and large scale emotional outbreaks.
Now it’s time for photographs!
-
There is a break in the momentum of the event.
-
Attendants are scattered, conversing, taking off shoes.
-
Getting a drink and attending to their own agendas.
-
People need to be gathered, taking more time.
-
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.
There is a way to maintain the excitement and the moment of that emotional climax.
AAA Photo calls it ‘First Look
AAA Photo can stage a private area for the bride
and groom to meet for the first time, secluded from friends, family, and
the rest of the bridal party.
-
The eyes, the hair, the dress, the tux, the hugs, kisses, and soft words are all expressed in a private moment of time, away from the rest of the world.
-
This moment is likely to be the last opportunity until the evening is over for a private romantic embrace.
-
This is the very best opportunity, for us as your photographers, to capture the thrill of you seeing each other for the first time.
-
As the various groups now move into the photographic session, there is excitement and anticipation in the air.
-
Everyone cooperates because everyone is relaxed.
-
People know that time is on their side.
-
They feel that it is their duty as family and friends.
-
What about the Grand Entrance?!
-
Won’t this idea ‘kill the thrill?’ Hardly, but don’t ask us, ask any bride or groom.
-
When the music begins, the guests rise, and 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 rising 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 stage.
It is up to you. . .
This decision is difficult, we encourage you to search out friends and family that have done it both ways.
As professional photographers AAA Photo is working for you. It is your wedding day.
Our 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.
Chuck Bond
AAA PhotoGraphic