Congratulations! You just got engaged! Now you've started planning your wedding, but can't decide how to work your Wedding Portraits into the equation. Hmm.
You know the photographer will obviously be photographing your ceremony and your reception, but what about all those amazing, gorgeous, stunning wedding pictures of just the Bride and Groom in full wedding wardrobe? How and WHEN do they get those pictures?!? Looking over your wedding day schedule, you're scratching your head in amazement. Do you have time to fit them in?
I know this can be a very controversial topic, because some couples insist on not seeing each other before the ceremony. But let me offer you a viewpoint that might open you up to the idea of having a 'First Look'.
What is a First Look? Read about it and what Brides are saying here.
The 'First Look' doesn't have to take anything away from your wedding day. Some couples' concern is that it won't be as special - but I beg to differ. The moment when you first see each other is always emotional, and (my opinion only) I feel like having a 'First Look' is even more of an intimate, special moment than waiting until the ceremony, because of the private nature of it. It's you two and the photographer there to photograph it. It helps with pre-wedding jitters, but doesn't take away those pre-aisle jitters! You're going to be so excited and overwhelmed with emotion going through the ceremony, that you'll forget the photos are done already. And once the ceremony is over and you get to just go eat and party, you won't regret it and neither will your wedding party.
Also consider how much time and money you have spent on your wedding day. Shouldn't you maximize your time with your guests? Some of them have probably travelled to see you, and would really like to get to speak with you at least briefly. Don't spend the time in-between your ceremony and your reception off somewhere without them - having a First Look gets all of those portrait photos out of the way early, so that you can spend your cocktail hour relaxing with your guests!
That brings us to another point - time. Your day is already going to be nuts. If you've ever been a Bridesmaid or a Groomsman, you know how true this is, and it's the most stressful for the Bride. If you get the portraits done before your ceremony, you have more time to dedicate to your pictures to ensure you get exactly what you want. It's easier to plan, easier to navigate, and easier to enjoy your reception.
Have you ever been invited to a wedding that was at 11am and then the reception started at 6pm in a separate location? Did you skip the ceremony but attend the reception, so you didn't have to interrupt your day twice to plan around both events? I've seen this happen so many times, and I think it is so sad. You've spent SO much time on this event...you deserve to have all of your guests at BOTH your ceremony and reception. Scheduling them close together or with no interruption in between, even if they are at separate locations, translates into more guests actually attending both events. And let's face it - you want everyone to come enjoy your ceremony, not just take advantage of the open bar and open dance floor at your reception. (Rude - but it happens all the time.) ***I realize that sometimes, it's not feasible to have the ceremony and reception in close proximity either time- or location-wise, because of venue choice, other bookings on the same day, etc. I mention it because it's worth considering what is right for you and your fiance.
First Looks make the day a little less stressful and a little more enjoyable in the long run. I know they aren't right for everybody, but if you haven't considered how to do your portraits yet, I highly recommend doing a First Look!
No comments:
Post a Comment