(Ashley & Colby, a classic “first look” moment)

A topic that comes up with every wedding is seeing each other before the ceremony.

Many couples are torn between the traditional first glance down the aisle or seeing each other pre-ceremony. Ultimately, it is up to the couple. Regardless of how you plan it, it will be your own special memory and no one should plan it but you. There is no right or wrong way, as it is your day. About 75% of my wedding opt for the ‘first look,’ while 25% keep it traditional.

To see…

Given the choice, I absolutely recommend a first look. Here are a few great comments from couples I’ve shot who opted for a first look:

• “It calms your nerves and gives you a private moment together before you are about to join hands in front of all your guests. No one can take away the memory you’ll have of seeing your love’s face first the first time that day. They can hug you, kiss you, and talk to you without any inhibitions from being on stage at the altar.” – Heather

• “The anxiety and nerves about the whole event were lifted because I was no longer the solo bride, I was a bride with my groom and we were in it together. My groom says that time we had with each other and our family and wedding party wouldn’t have been possible if we didn’t see each other before the ceremony. He was right. Cocktail hour flew by, dinner, speeches, dancing consumed what we thought was a long reception and we cherish being able to have the pre-ceremony quality time together.” – Stacy

• “It gives you not one, but two moments of first seeing each other. When I walked down the aisle, my head was much more clear and I was able to take in the entire moment because my nerves were calmer. I was able to stare at him as I approached him and not completely lose it and cry the whole walk. Well, I still lost it, but the pictures show me smiling more than my ugly cry- thank goodness! If you are a crier like me, do the first look! I was also able to remember everyone’s face as I walked down the aisle. I was in the moment, not scatter brained or so excited I rushed through it. It was a memory I’ll never forget.” -Sarah

• “After the ceremony, you’ll go straight to enjoying your guests and maybe just sneak away for a quick few sunset portraits. When you think about the time you invested to show your guests a good time, and just how much time you actually get with each guest, that time is so limited. To maximize it, getting all (or most) of your important portraits done ahead of time is such a relief. Plus, as your photographer, I am able to get many more shots of you having a good time with your guests. During dinner and dancing, great shots happen too. But cocktail hour offers great mingling and captures of your connection with your guests. Some of my favorite shots come from cocktail hour and the excited congratulatory conversation!

Some couples want to break it up and just shoot their portraits with their wedding party and shoot all the family portraits post-ceremony. That’s a great option, too!

A few extra advantages:

• Makeup and hair is totally fresh for portraits (and time to spare for freshening up right before the ceremony)
• There is no rush to get to your guests because no one is there yet, making for totally relaxed portraits
• Bonus pre-party time spent with your VIPs (wedding party and family)
• Family/wedding party is all in one place; no one is late for the ceremony
• Much more variety in your portraits since we’re not rushed to squeeze every combination of wedding party, family and bride and groom portraits into one hour.
• If something doesn’t go according to plan pre-ceremony, (groomsman is late, dress malfunction, etc.) we always have the safety net of getting that certain shot post-ceremony.

(Ashley & Colby, the second, and equally as enchanting, look down the aisle)

Not to see…

If you choose to wait until the ceremony, I always aim to take all the portrait varieties I can of you both separately (bride with her side, groom with his side). Some couples have chosen to have an hour gap between their ceremony and cocktail hour start time or extending their cocktail hour a half hour just so they can insure they are able to join in most of the cocktail hour.  Some couples are content with missing their cocktail hour for portraits. My best advice to get the pictures you are hiring me to get, is to allow ample time for relaxed, creative portraits. I will work with whatever time you give me and coordinate with your other vendors to make sure we’re all on the same page.

I typically allow 20 minutes for family portraits (more if you have a large family or want many combinations), 20 minutes with the whole wedding party and 20 minutes with the bride and groom alone. Figure in a few minute buffer if Uncle Larry is missing or Grandma went to the bar instead of following us for portraits.

Your post ceremony portrait time with your spouse is your only real time alone before the being received by your guests. Maximizing this portrait time is invaluable so that you can have time together and I can make sure I work my magic for you. My goal is go above and beyond your expectations and more time allows for that.

A few extra tips:

• Your hair/makeup artist will typically offer a touch-up service. This is highly recommended, with both timing options, so that you’re fresh for your portraits together and as you enter the party.
• Each minute your ceremony runs late takes time away from all of your formal portraits. On-time start is so very important.
• Consider extending your cocktail hour so that you can still enjoy that time with your guests.

Whichever you decide….

The timeline I design for you will reflect your wishes. Sometimes couples see the timeline for both options and that helps them decide easier.

Whichever way you choose, it is your day and the pictures will be emotional and beautiful!

ARE YOU A PAST BRIDE OR GROOM WHO CAN OFFER YOUR PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH ONE OPTION OR THE OTHER? I’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU (AS WOULD BRIDE’S AND GROOM’S-TO-BE!) IN THE COMMENTS BELOW!