Wedding Photographs: Before or After???

When to take your formal Portraits.

Many of today's brides are throwing tradition (and Superstition) to the wind and having their formal pictures taken before the ceremony.

There are many reasons why brides are following this recent trend:

     It allows the couple more time to enjoy family and friends.  The reception goes by so fast that you want to enjoy every moment with those that came to celebrate with you.

    You get to enjoy the cocktail reception, which many brides and grooms miss completely because of the portrait session.

    Brides also like this option because their hair and make-up looks fresh (no tears and no smudges).

    I've also heard several brides and grooms comment that after the pictures were done, they really appreciated having the chance to share a few moments alone with each other before the ceremony.  One bride said that those few intimate moments with the groom was one of her precious memories of the entire wedding day.

    Now what about missing out on that special moment when the bride and groom see other for the first time as the bride walks down the aisle?  I spoke with one groom who said that even though he saw his fiancé beforehand during the pictures, when the music started and he saw his beautiful bride walking down the aisle, his heart started pounding and it was a feeling like he have never experience before.

    There are still some brides that want the excitement and anticipation of that magical moment when the groom will cast his eyes upon the beautiful bride for the first as she glides gracefully down the aisle.  Well I must admit that I've always share that romantic notion, but I've heard so much feedback from brides that said they were glad they did it before, that I can't  see not doing this for all weddings.

Courtesy, USA Bride magazine and web

Photographs: Before or After? Some other ideas...

    In Medieval times, a bride and groom were not even allowed to meet each other until the actual wedding ceremony.  This way so neither one could back out if, when they saw the person, they would not want to be married to them!  This ancient custom has carried forth to the present were people feel it is bay luck to see each other before the ceremony. In fact, there is no basis to the success or longevity of a marriage if the bride and groom wait to see each other until the ceremony.

    It is important for the couple to decide for themselves which way they would like to go, and inform  the photographer well before the wedding. To assist the bride and groom with making an informed decision, there are a few items worth noting:

    1.    It is a special moment when the couple first sees each other. When photography is done before the ceremony, they can talk to each other and express how they like the way other one looks!  This is what each one wants to know anyway, but a ceremony itself is not the place for a bride and groom to talk to each other and tell each other what they are thinking. The moment they first see each other also make s a great candid photo!

    2.    Many times the couple is glad that they are seeing each other in advance because there is some wedding detail that they need to discuss and it is a good they were together beforehand to discuss it!!

    3.    It adds to the stress to not see each other and it actually reduces stress when the couple DOES see each other first.

    4.    When the flowers, hair, make-up and clothes are all new and fresh is the best time to take pictures. This is especially true for hot and /or humid day.

    5. the bride and groom can choose any location within a half hour of the ceremony to take picture. There are many beautiful spots the have water, flowers, grass, nice sky impressive architecture, act. that would not be practical to visit after the ceremony.

    6.    It gives the bride and groom something it do before the ceremony admit takes their mind off wondering if the rest of the is going tom go well.  The beforehand photo session can actually be a lot of fun!

    7.    The only people present before the ceremony would be, if possible, the wedding party, brothers, sisters and parents. Since these are the most important people needed for pictures, the session goes much faster since there are no other guests around at the time.

    8.    After a beautiful and moving wedding ceremony, people are crying and guests all want to congratulate the couple. Especially at a one-location wedding, no one feels afterwards like taking photos. There is a cocktail hour usually happening and this is when the bride and groom prefer to say hello to many dear friends and relatives who have come afar.

    9.    The entire pace of the wedding goes smother and quicker if most of the photos have already happened in advance. This makes the catering manager, DJ or band and guests happier and even reduces the liquor bill at cocktail hour.

    10.    After photos are taken beforehand and the bride and groom separate, he still waits at the front and she usually is escorted down the aisle by her Dad.  The couple still gaze at each other and the moment is just as special for them because they realize that this is the moment they have waiting for!  The fact that photos have been taken in a nice spot before does not detract from the magic of the moment when the ceremony begins.  Also, the guest have not seen the bride in advance, so they ARE seeing the bride fro the first time at the ceremony. This usually elicits many a proud and joyful smiles!!