First Looks

Wedding season is fast approching, so I thought I'd throw out a few tips for my brides this year...
I know brides around here are pretty traditional for the most part, but I wanted to introduce an idea that is pretty awesome. A First Look. This is where the bride and groom meet before the ceremony and I photograph the groom's expression and the (semi) private moments between the two of them in a beautifully chosen location.
The element that appeals MOST to me about this is it gives you a chance to have an intimate moment alone together. Plus you can get all of the photos done ahead of time so you don't miss your cocktail hour.
On average it takes 45 mins after the ceremony to shoot the formal shots- and I recomend that you don't do take family photos before hand if you're not seeing the groom before the ceremony- otherwise you just end up reshooting EVERYTHING again with him in the shots- and most often the photos with the both of you with your families are what you will pick go in the albums.
It is hard for me to convey the whole idea and the mood of the photos because I've rarely, if ever, had a bride and groom meet up in a romantic setting prior to the wedding. I recently ran into a blog post by Jasmine Star that really illustrates the First Look so well. She is an amazing writer and photographer. Click here to check out what she has to say, and to see her work. She is definately a role model for me and my photography.
And if you don't opt for a first look, maybe you would like to think about booking a day after shoot or a trash the dress session!!