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Category Archives: Formal Pictures
Benefits of Formal Portraits Before the Ceremony
There are many advantages to seeing each other before the wedding. Wedding photographers often suggest this approach because this is when the bride, groom, bridal party and family are at their best: the bride and bridesmaids’ hair and makeup are fresh, while the groom and groomsmen are not anxious to get out of their tuxes yet. Best of all, your family and wedding party are not at all distracted to rush to the reception, or to participate in the wedding day’s festivities. This healthy pre-ceremony atmosphere creates a smooth tempo to sound the drum of the event’s opening.
If you do take the pre-ceremony formal portrait approach, it is recommended that you set aside 15-20 minutes of private time that is designated for just the two of you and we will always arrange some very special place where you will meet and see each other for the first time in your wedding attire. These moments, before you start taking posed portraits, are often the most precious for the bride and groom and the pictures are just amazing. The groom is given allocated time to express his feelings to you. You are able to say a prayer together, or exchange meaningful gifts. This time also serves as a break to calm your nerves. When a bride and groom choose to wait until the ceremony to see each other for the first time, they typically do not have time alone until their wedding day has ended.
After the private time together, we will proceed with formal portraits. During this time, we will take the posed photographs of the bride and groom, family, and wedding party. A typically photo shoot schedule usually lasts one hour. The final advantage achieved through this approach is having the formals before the wedding allows you to enjoy the rest of your day without any schedules or timelines to meet.
With plenty of experience documenting weddings, we are a great resource to help you in outlining how your day should flow. Take advantage of our experiences. When you are relaxed your photographs will look their best. There are many other things to consider as you plan your wedding day. It’s important that you and your groom discuss it thoroughly, and make a plan that works best for you as a couple. Most of all, enjoy the day; one that will be one of the most special days in your lives.
Planning Ahead for Wedding Photography
The biggest question that you will face will be, “Do I take formal portraits before or after our ceremony?” This one decision will determine how your entire wedding day FLOWS. The primary reason that we hear for taking photographs after the ceremony is the long standing tradition of the groom not seeing the bride before the wedding. This tradition came from the era of mail-order brides: they were afraid that if the groom saw her before the wedding, he would not marry her. We hear that it’s often the dream of the bride or groom to experience that special moment walking down the aisle. However, many couples may not remember the experience in detail. There are so many emotions that overcome you in that moment. While distracted, you may easily forget to look up to make eye contact with your groom. The groom also may have a difficult time expressing emotions as his nerves may be getting the best of him.
This tradition is often strong for many families. If this is the desired approach, make sure to allow enough time after the ceremony for your formal portraits. This will determine when you will arrive at the reception. Planning for at least two hours between the end of your ceremony and the start of your reception helps to ensure the wedding photographer does not need to rush; possibly forgetting some important poses in the process. More time also means that everyone is more relaxed. The photographer will have more time to be creative to produce higher quality photos.
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