While tradition indicates that a bride and groom are not supposed to see one another prior to their ceremony on their wedding day for lucks sake, many modern couples are not observing that tradition in favor of better, more relaxed formal photographs! Your mother in law to be may say its bad luck but, there is no basis to the success of a marriage if the bride and groom wait to see each other until the ceremony.
Deciding to see one another before the ceremony or waiting until the processional begins to see each other is a personal decision- one that only you can make as a couple! You will need to let your photographer know at least seven days ahead of time what your plans are so that they may plan accordingly. Before you make your decision, consider the following in relation to your photos (and your stress level!):
In that instant, when you first see each other, it will take your breath away- regardless if it is during the ceremony or before hand. If you decide to see each other prior to the ceremony, you have a chance to talk and freely express all of your feelings more privately! The same luxury is not afforded during the ceremony- as your ceremony is not the appropriate place to exchange thoughts verbally (though that smile can communicate volumes!).
In addition to be able to more privately share your thoughts with one another, we have found that couples that see each other prior to the ceremony are much more relaxed. That stress reduction shows up in your photographs, indefinitely! The stressed expressions melt away to ones of carefree bliss and love!
Seeing one another prior to the ceremony also allows you to sort out any last minute details, should they arise, without the use of a cell phone or bridal party member affectionately dubbed “runner”.
You are your most beautiful on your wedding day! For your formal portraits you will want to look your best! Formal images of the couple are generally the most commonly framed and hung on the wall for everyone to see. By taking your formals before the wedding ceremony, your makeup, hair and garments will be fresh and your flowers will look their best as well- especially if it is a particularly hot day (as most are in AZ).
In addition to looking your best, you want your setting to look its best as well. Shooting your formals prior to your ceremony can allow you greater flexibility with your location for photos. Perhaps you are getting married in a dark or less visual area such as a church or ballroom of a hotel. By taking photographs before your ceremony, you have the chance to select a beautiful park, or an area that has significance to you as a couple regardless of your ceremony location. While shooting at such a location is possible post-ceremony, it certainly does delay your reception and keep your guests waiting!
Whatever you decide you would like to do, please talk it over and make the decision best for you as a couple. If you have any questions or would like to discuss this or any aspect of your wedding, please contact us- we are happy to help!
