Seeing Each Other Before or During the Ceremony

I have to start this post off with a confession.  I have always been of the mindset that the first time a couple should see each other is when the bride is walking down the aisle.  I feel it adds an element of anticipation and grandeur.    I think one of the best wedding photos is of the groom’s reaction as the doors open and reveal his bride.  I did it for my own wedding and find that most of my clients want the same for their wedding (without any prodding or coaching from me by the way).  However, I’ve had a few clients who decided to buck tradition and see each other BEFORE the ceremony.

I must say that my view of seeing each other before hand changed thanks to Stephanie & Walter.  They were our first couple to decide to see each other prior to their wedding ceremony.  One reason for my “change of heart” is that you can take all of your wedding photos ahead of time.  That means you’re not taking them while your guests are enjoying cocktail hour.  You can actually join your guests right after the ceremony.  Or you can head to another location to take additional photos.  Stephanie & Walter took their wedding party photos in the Mt. Vernon neighborhood near the church but headed to Federal Hill for photos of just the two of them while everyone else went to the reception venue.

Positive Images by Rettberg

Positive Images by Rettberg

But the biggest thing that changed my mind is the fact that you can share an intimate moment together that you just don’t have at the altar.  We’ve all been to weddings and watched brides and grooms mouthing words or chatting with each other at the altar at the beginning of their ceremony.  Most of the time they are telling each other how nice the other looks.  And no matter how much you may want to hug and/or kiss your spouse-to-be you usually have to wait until you’re pronounced husband and wife before you can do that.   But if you do what’s often referred to as a “First Look” you can have a private moment for just the two of you…like the couple below.

We want to hear your thoughts on the subject.  If you’re engaged tell us if you plan to see each other before or during the ceremony.  Married folks let us know what you did for your wedding.

 {photos: Positive Images by Rettberg and Jasmine Star}