Before or After the Ceremony?
When To
Take Your Formal Photographs
In
Medieval times, a bride and groom were not even allowed to meet each other
until the actual wedding ceremony. This was 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 day where now people feel it is bad
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 about a week before the
wedding.
To
assist the bride and groom with making an informed decision, there are a few
items worth noting: It is a special moment when the couple first sees each
other. When it is done before the ceremony, they can talk to each other and
express how they like the way the 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 you both first see each other also makes a wonderful candid photo!
Many times the couple is grateful that they are seeing each other
in advance in case there are any wedding details that they need to discuss. In
this case, it is a good thing they were together beforehand to discuss it! It
adds to the stress to not see each other and it actually reduces stress when
the couple DOES see each other first. When the flowers, hair, make-up and
clothes are all new and fresh is the best time to take pictures. This can be
especially true for a hot and/or humid day.
The bride and groom can choose any location within a half hour
drive of the ceremony to take pictures. There are many beautiful spots that
have water, trees, flowers, grass, nice sky, impressive architecture, etc. that
would not be practical to visit after a ceremony. It gives the bride and groom
something to do before the ceremony and it takes their mind off wondering if
the rest of the day is going to go well. The beforehand photo session can
actually be a lot of fun!
The only people that would be around 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
because there are no guests around at that time.
After your beautiful and
moving wedding ceremony, people are sometimes crying and guests all want to
congratulate the bride and groom. Especially at a one-location wedding, people
don't usually feel like taking all the photos afterwards. There is a cocktail
hour usually happening and if this is when the bride and groom prefer to say
hello to the many dear friends and relatives who have come from afar.
The entire pace of the wedding goes smoother and quicker if most
of the photos have already been taken in advance. This makes the catering
manager, DJ or band and guests happier and even reduces the liquor bill at the
cocktail hour! After photos are taken beforehand and the bride
and groom separate, he still waits at the front and she is escorted down the
aisle by her Dad as usual. The couple still gazes at each other and the moment
is just as special for them. The fact that photos have been taken in a nice
spot before the ceremony does not detract from the magic of the moment when the
ceremony begins. Also, the guests have not seen the bride in advance, so they
ARE seeing the bride for the first time at the ceremony. This usually elicits
many proud and joyful smiles!
Practice for regular shots are not necessary, but
there are certain photos you should prepare for.
For
example, if you wish a photograph of the two of you exchanging rings,
practice this. Quite often the happy couple obscures with their bodies
the placing of the rings, thus losing any chance of a quality photograph.
Other
photos that you may want to consider practicing are your first kiss (practice
makes perfect) and the cutting of the cake.
There are traditions, the meaning of some lost in
time, others clearly a bonding and a proclamation to all of your love and
commitment. The exchange of rings is physical and tangible and outwardly
represents your marriage. The circle is a primary and powerful symbol revealing
no beginning or end, signifying your unending love. The precious metals are
symbolic of the riches that reside in each of you. Made durable with white heat
so will your love be purified and strengthened by the many seasons you will
share. The sharing of the wedding cake symbolizes your desire to provide and
care for one another. Sharing the cake with your family and friends represents
the sweetness of life and a hope for prosperity. Each of these moments has special
meaning. Your photographs will remind you of these traditions and of the love
you share and the promises you made on this special day.