One of the questions we ask our couples during our planning session with them is, "How set are you about seeing each other before the wedding?" Most know that answer right away -- and often, their answer is based on a very old tradition set up in
medieval times... MORE in a bit
about that !!
Our
philosophy about this is simple ---
WHATEVER THE COUPLE WANTS IS THE WAY WE WILL PHOTOGRAPH THEIR WEDDING ... no exceptions...1st look - no 1st look -- it's the couple's call. You won't be pressured by us one way or the other ...
Are we biased one way or the other -- you bet ...
There are lots of pluses to this method of modern wedding day photography -- About 50% of our couples choose to do the "1st Look" -- either way -- we will create GREAT portraits of your wedding day for you --- and yet, as photographers who have done LOTS of weddings -- we have seen from those who chose the "1st Look" that the stress of the day just seems to melt away and they can then focus on each other during the ceremony.
Here's a some of the shots from weddings where the couple did what we call the "1st Look"... These are the photos that often get "
ohhhhh" and "
ahhhhs"... And yet -- had the couple decided NOT to do the "1st Look" -- we just wouldn't have had enough time to take these awesome portraits...
Here's some things you need to know to help you make your decision:
Photographs and Memories doesn't do the "1st Look" the way most photographers do --- we have a very special, romantic, touching way to do this --- we'll share it with you during our planning session with you ...We have had a daughter get married and understand how very special the moment is when she sees her groom in front of family and friends and he sees his beautiful bride walking toward him to begin their life's journey together... And how, as parents, seeing her walk down the aisle with her father on her wedding day, dressed in the stunning gown-- the flowers -- the music. Or in Bill's case, escorting her down the aisle to the most important person in her life ... I'll tell you right now, I cried a bucket full when Bill kissed Kay and passed her off to Cliff, her groom ... Cliff in tears and Kay covering her emotions with laughter ... It's one of those moments that you can NEVER CREATE or RECREATE ... It's just
magical.
Our "1st Look" does NOT in anyway take away from this very precious moment... Our brides still cry -- our grooms are moved (not always to tears, but often are) -- and our families -- well -- let's say this moment in the wedding always needs lots of "hankies"... So, it is important to us at Photographs and Memories that the "1st Look" NOT take away from the the "sacred moment" of the bride coming down the aisle -- escorted by that special someone in her life -- greeted by her groom, her
soulmate -- and being presented to her groom . This moment stays moving and emotion felt...
Another thing that you need to know to help you decide -- "1st Look"... no "1st Look" is exactly how the TRADITION of NOT SEEING EACH OTHER and the "bad luck if you see each other before the wedding" came about:
This is by RELENTLESSBRIDE on Blogger Bride at getmarried.com. The tradition holds to the idea that in ancient times, often the first time the bride and groom saw one another was at the actual ceremony b/c many marriages were arranged. Thus, in fear that either the bride or groom would reject the other prior based on disliking the other's looks, they were kept from seeing one another until the actual ceremony. Also, the veil was used to hidden the bride's face until the actual ceremony was done and the legalities were sealed with a kiss at which point, it was too late to change your mind. Thus, they say it is bad luck to see each other before the actual ceremony. As one blogger puts it "So the tradition that it’s “bad luck” for a man to see his bride before the ceremony really started out as insurance for her dad (b/c he had arranged the marriage of his daughter with a stranger)"AND ..... (long drawn out
ANNNNNDDDD)...
If you're on the fence -- not sure if you'd like to do the 1st look ...
Here's some of the reasons WE know it works ...
1- The wow moment can still be there as when you walk down the aisle, except in this private moment, the
bride and groom can truly enjoy it with full emotion and the privacy of holding on to that moment between the two.2 - Photographs can be taken of immediate family, friends and bridal party before the ceremony. This will make the after ceremony photo session shorter, and let the bride and groom get to the reception earlier -- and have more time mingling with their guests -- before the guest LEAVE...
3 - We, the photographers, can focus on "the moment" that the bride and groom see each other. We can then get the bride and the groom's reaction at the "1st Look"... This gives us a chance during the ceremony to not only capture the bride and groom's reactions, but the family and audience members, too.
4 - The Bride and Groom can also pick the scenery in which these pics will be taken... this can give this set of photos a more artistic scenery while also maintaining the pictures from the actual ceremony.
5 - It can alleviate the "stress" of seeing one another making the moment more enjoyable and less stressful during the ceremony.
6 - Enjoy the photo shoot without worrying about the guests or that you are missing out on the cocktail hour.
7 - You feel fresher. Make up, hair and etc are all fresher. And if its earlier in the day, it could be cooler depending on which season you have your wedding in.
8 - Technically, last minute details can be discussed. Emotionally - it really can be more romantic and dramatic this way, b/c the wow factor would still be there but there will would also be less distraction!"
9 - we think is the most appealing factor --GUESTS AREN'T KEPT WAITING WHILE YOU DO PHOTOS
10 - and did we say -- you get OVER TO THE RECEPTION SOONER??? before the food and drink is ALL GONE !!
Whatever you decide -- "1st Look", no "1st Look" ... IT'S YOUR WEDDING !!! and please remember this VERY IMPORTANT THING --
it is an honor for Photographs and Memories to be selected to take your wedding day portraits. We can't wait to help you create memories that will last for generations..Bill and "A"
