Weddingbee Blog

we are seeing eachother before and it was an easy decision. We would rather see eachother in private first and we want tons of time for pictures. definitely unanimous.

My FI & I had originally planned that we would not see each other before the ceremony, but then after we talked to the photographer about our window for taking pictures based on our timeline, (like you we have a morning ceremony followed by cocktail hour and then a lunch reception all at the same place), there was only that 1 hour window for taking pictures of us, so we both agreed that we’d see each other before the ceremony for the sake of posterity. We both would have liked to not see each other prior to the ceremony but we did want to make the most of our time (& money) based on the the amount of picture taking time we had

I’m in the same boat - only I think FI now sees why it logistically makes sense. I also saw an article on making this decision (on a photographer’s website) that showed the most amazing picture of a groom as he first saw his bride walk down the aisle. The photographer pointed out that this was even after they had seen each other for pictures just before the ceremony.

I am indecisive about the whole thing. I have been dreaming of the moment I walk down the aisle and he first sees me, but I also don’t want to miss out on parts of my wedding (cocktail hour) and getting to spend more time with friends and family celebrating.

Our photographer said that it is absolutely a personal decision and she could make it work either way (that’s why they’re the professionals!).

i was going to suggest the same thing andrea & bliss plan on doing. that way you’ll still have plenty of time for pictures and get a lot in without the time crunch. simple enough compromise

Thank you, thank you! Glad I’m not alone on this one.. Hopefully Mr. Violet will come around and we can talk again about this calmly and figure out the best solution for us.

Also waited for the walk up the aisle.

It seems there are just a very very few wedding things that guys are into, and seeing-my-beautiful-bride-for-the-first-time-as-she-walks-the-aisle-towards-me is often a biggie. So I’d try to work around this if it’s that important to him. Great pictures happen when people are just gushing happy, so whatever makes him the happiest! Our best shots aren’t so much the posed ones as the spontaneous. So your photographre should be able to go for quality instead of quantity if necessary.

Another idea (budget allowing) is to have 2 photographers. The second photographer (sometimes a student or junior person, even) is often cheaper and be hired for a brief time. Have one with the men and one with the women.

We didn’t want to rush through photos and didn’t want our guests to wait 2+ hours between the ceremony and reception so we are meeting beforehand to take pictures leisurely (3 hours) with the wedding party. We’ll use the cocktail hour as an opportunity for pictures with family and friends before we sit down for the reception. We aren’t really superstitious so the decision was simple and I think it’ll allow both of us to enjoy the wedding much more than if were to rush through the pictures. Not to mention that I would be royally pissed off if I didn’t have good pictures to look back on

We did see each other before the ceremony for pictures. I have to say it wasn’t a big deal, I’ve seen him in a tux before, and yes he looked handsome, but it wasn’t completely real yet.

Regardless, when those church doors opened in front of me and I saw him at the end of the aisle…..it was very emotional.

I stand by the fact that it isn’t the outfits, hairdos, etc. that makes that moment. It is all your loved ones gathered, the music, the location and being the center of attention that suddenly makes that “wow” impression. Seeing each other ahead of time didn’t detract from that at all.

QUOTE: Another idea (budget allowing) is to have 2 photographers. The second photographer (sometimes a student or junior person, even) is often cheaper and be hired for a brief time. Have one with the men and one with the women.

I would make sure this is okay with your main photographer. Some photographers have a clause which prohibits any other hired photographers to be shooting as well. Perhaps your own photographer could have their own assistant/second shooter do the separate portraits instead of hiring another person.. this makes the flow much easier.

I’m leaning towards pre-ceremony pics. When I first suggested this to FI, he didn’t like the idea at all. But then I showed him photos and he loved them! Such a sweet moment.

I’m not disagreeing with those who do feel strongly about seeing each other for the first time during the ceremony, but I’m pretty sure that when he sees me walking down the aisle he won’t be like “oh well, I already saw her, so nothing special about this.”

Also, I’ve heard that brides and grooms and bridal parties can have stressed looks on their faces when they’re rushing through photos b/c they’re itching to get to the cocktail party. I like to think that by starting out earlier with pics, I get to enjoy more later, like my day is somehow longer and I miss out on less. Just my 2 cents. GL!