To See or Not To See

Congratulations to all of you who recently got engaged!  There are so many decisions you must make and the trick is not to feel pushed into them by family or friends.

One of the questions you might be asking yourself is do you want to see each other before the ceremony or not?  This is a very personal decision and one you want to make because it's what you want! 

This blog is from a great photographer, located in Denver, CO, but who does travel all over the world.  Garrett is not only a wonderful photographer, but a great guy and super easy to work with.  He's my guest blogger addressing this question.

To See or Not to See?

Should a couple see each other before the ceremony in order to have photos taken?  Will they be cursed by the myth of bad luck or, perhaps even worse, the scorn of traditionally minded parents? The bottom line is, it is your day, and your photographer will accommodate either.

However, I will share with you a few practical considerations based on 15 years’ experience as a wedding photographer.  

First, by doing staged photos before the ceremony, you are freed up to mingle at your reception and enjoy your time with friends and family, many of whom have traveled far and wide to share your day with you.

Second, make-up, hair, dresses and tuxes are at their finest at the very beginning of the day, particularly if you are having an outdoor wedding.

But my third point is perhaps the most important; a personal and emotional factor that many couples have not considered. I have observed that couples who choose to see each other privately beforehand really have the opportunity to be in the moment and cherish it, as opposed to seeing guests, heart pounding, maybe thinking: “I hope I don’t trip.  Dad is squeezing my arm too tight.  Who invited her?” while your honey stands at the end of an aisle that seems a mile long. With the whirlwind of surroundings, concerns and emotions on your walk to happily ever after, that “first look” can fly by in a blur.

You will be seeing each other for the first time on your wedding day and in your wedding splendor one way or the other—whether it is before your ceremony or on your walk down the aisle. Why not slow this precious moment down and enjoy the intimacy? When you and the person you’ve chosen to spend your life with meet eye-to-eye in a calmer, more private setting, you’ll remember it, your photographer will be able to capture it from every angle and you may choose who you want present for that wonderful moment in time. 

Guess what else?  You will have more precious time with your sweetheart on a special day that will go by all too fast as it is!

Garrett Hacking, owner of Photography G, is a Denver, Colorado based wedding and portrait photographer who is available for events and   sittings worldwide.

Visit his on-line portfolio at www.photographyg.com or reach him directly at 303-444-6994

Be sure to visit his portfolio as I know you'll be as impressed as I am! 

Happy Planning and remember, if you need assistance from hourly consulting to full wedding planning to having a Planned Elopement, give me a call at 303-779-0395 or email me at Tanya@WeddingsbyTanya.com.