Will you be seeing each other prior to the Ceremony?

That is one very important decision to make, as if there have not been enough already.
There are pros and cons to consider when making this decision that will have a definite bearing on how your day will progress. Following are some observations that we, and a majority of our couples have made during the past two decades or so that might help you in with that decision.

Years ago 'tradition' dictated that couples and their families were photographed together after the ceremony. Prior to the ceremony, the photographer would scramble about piecing together as many groups as possible while maintaining visual distance between the bride and groom. After the ceremony many of the same groups would be photographed together for similar images, now including the happy couple.

Eighty to ninety percent of all couples now elect to conduct the group photography prior to the ceremony. The biggest objection most couples have to photography after the wedding is that; their guests are left waiting during the hour it takes for good formal portraiture. Many couples are motivated to do the majority of the photography prior to the ceremony because of their own experience as 'waiting guests', wondering when the bride and groom would finally appear. Without the 'guests-of-honor' the party is a bit dull. Some of the guests may also have limitations on the amount of time they can stay. If the bride and groom elect to have post-ceremony formal portraits it may seriously limit the amount of time they have to spend with their guests.

Prior to the ceremony, everything; flowers, hair, make-up, clothes, moods are at their very best. The children are clean, the tuxes and dresses are pressed, after months of planning, the air is filled with an electric anticipation of the events to come. Everything is at it's finest. . . . Afterwards, . . .well, 'things' happen; people hug, people cry, mascara runs, lipstick smears, flowers wilt. People's thoughts turn to; 'how fast can I loose these shoes / this jacket / this tie', '. . . this is a hosted bar, . . . right?' Things are a bit less polished and perfect which is okay for candid photography but less than ideal for formal group portraits.

imagine, . . .

. . . you have just looked into the eyes of your true love. You have exchanges vows, rings and a commitment for a lifetime. You walk down the aisle hand-in-hand to congradulations, hugs, kisses and and are headed towards what looks to be a large scale emotional outburst, . . . up pops your photographer!

'time for pictures!'

There is a break in the momentum of the event, . . . attendants are scattered, conversing, taking off shoes / jackets / ties, getting a drink and attending to their own agendas. People need to be gathered, drinks and hor'de ouvuers pryed from white knucked grasps, time is passing, impatience grows. People who cannot be found miss out on being in a picture - anxiety grows, everyone wants to be at the party but they also need to be 'in the picture.' Your photographer fears for his life because of the angry looks from guests (okay, THAT part was a little much but you get the idea).

if only there were a way, . . .

to maintain the 'polish', the excitement, the moment of emotional climax, . . . we can do that! We like to call it the 'First Look'

The stage is set in a private area. Plans are set in motion to keep the bride and groom secluded from friends, family and the rest of the bridal party. The groom stands with his back turned, eyes closed, anticipating the soft touch, the gentle squeeze of his bride-to-be's hand, that tells him that she too is standing, eyes closed, turned away, waiting, . . .

'you can turn around now'

The eyes, the hair, the dress, the tux, the hugs, kisses and soft words all expressed in a private moment away from the rest of the world. Likely the last opportunity until the evening is over for a 'private' romantic embrace. This is the best opportunity for us as your photographers to capture the thrill of seeing each other for the first time.

As the various groups now move into the photographic session there is excitement and anticipation - but everyone is relaxed because they know that time is on their side. Everyone cooperates, it is their duty as family and friends, BUT, after walking down the aisle, standing in and sitting through the ceremony, they feel that they have done just about enough. They want to relax, take off the shoes / jacket / tie (again), get a drink and not pose for a darnn photographer!

'What about the Grand Entrance? won't it 'kill the thrill'?

Hardly, . . . but don't ask us, ask any bride and groom. When the music begins, the guests rise, the bride appears and walks down the aisle to meet her groom - the beautiful vision many brides dream of remains intact. In contrast, the few who have waited with raising anxiety don't clearly remember the experience. Stage fright is rampant, formality is the 'rule'. The groom is standing at the altar - how can he be himself? he can't kiss you, can't tell you how beautiful you are or how lovely you look in that dress, hugs aren't generally allowed. But with a private moment before the ceremony he can do all that and more. Perhaps the first time that the bride and groom see each other can be richer when it's for their eyes only rather than on a public stage.

It is up to you, . . .

If this decision is difficult, we encourage you to search out friends and family who have done it both ways. As professionals, and your photographers, we are working for you. It is YOUR wedding day. Our promise and obligation to you is to provide the very best service that is possible. We want to make sure that any decisions that you make concerning the circumstances and situations involved in your photography are 'informed' ones.

Tips on Making a Great Formals List and Surviving the Experience

This is a FIRST NAME (last name where it is needed to prevent mix-ups) list of everyone you would like in your formal family group potraits. There is no limit (except time) to the number of individuals you can choose to include on your shot list. Figure 2-3 minutes per group. You do not need to list the wedding party shots (bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls etc) as we have already listed some the usual ones and will come up with others depending on your wedding party.

Start with the shots that are most important to you. If we run out of time some of the shots can be taken at the reception. IF YOU ARE USING A FORM THAT WE PROVIDED, YOU DO NOT NEED TO FILL IN ALL THE LINES

If possible, start with the largest groups, eliminating individuals from the group with each shot rather than adding to the group. For example, the 1st shot could include Bride & Groom, both sets of parents, siblings and grandparents. For the second shot excuse everyone except Bride & Groom and both sets of parents. For the third shot excuse one set of parents, and so on.

If your shot list includes individuals that may not be comfortable waiting a long time to be in a group shot such as older grandparents or small children, try to list those shots early so they can go off somewhere more comfortable. Or you might have them arrive towards the end of the time we set aside for formals to be in some of the last group shots.

All shots not involving the bride should be listed last if your list is long. That will allow the bride to leave if guests start arriving while we are still shooting formals.

Assign someone to be in charge of the list. This should be a friend or family member who knows all or most of the people listed. Not the venue wedding coordinator! Sometimes it might work best to assign two individuals, one from both sides of the family. Try to have it be someone other than the Go To person. That person is often off answering questions during the formals. This List Coordinator should be instructed to gather up the next group on the list while your photographers are posing the first group. The List Coordinator needs to be organized and have the demeanor of a drill sergeant. Make sure they have a pen or pencil in order to cross off each shot. They can make a real difference in how smooth or chaotic the formal shoot goes. The List Coordinator is primarily responsible for making sure that you get all the group shots you want.

Start your list weeks before the wedding so you can periodically check it to make sure you haven't forgotten anyone. EMAIL A COPY OF YOUR FORMALS LIST TO PATRICE. THIS IS A BACKUP COPY. YOU ARE STILL REPONSBLE FOR GETTING THE LIST TO THE WEDDING AND MAKING SURE IT IS IN THE HANDS OF YOUR FAMILY FORMALS LIST COORDINATOR.

At your rehearsal dinner, please make an announcement that you are paying a lot of money for your family formal portraiture and do not want them ruined, so it is your request (not your photographers) that everyone please keep their cameras out of sight during this time. We find that family members find it hard not to look at a familiar camera and this results in eyes looking every where instead of into our camera. The rest of the day is a free for all for picture taking. Let them know that you will be getting the digital negatives annd can send or email them a copy  of the file.

Smooth  Sailing Bridal Preps

Prepare your dress the night before. Take out all pins and cut off price tags.

Bring along a sewing kit with: thread that matches your dress, real scissors, Shout Wipes or some other stain remover recommended by your dress shop. Cut the straps off that keep the dress on the hanger. Do that for the bridesmaid’s dresses also. Those straps have a way of slipping out and showing up in the pictures. They can be pinned back on later if necessary. DON’T FORGET.

Arrange to have your flowers on location before your photographers are scheduled to start shooting. Your G0-TO person should make sure the boutonnieres go the guys and the bouquets get to the girls. If the bouquets are wrapped in ribbon make sure they don’t arrive in a jar full of water. Wet ribbons are a real bummer especially if they stain  the dress. Only a little water at the bottom of the  vase is necessary. Bring a towel to dry the flowers so they don’t leave wet marks on the dresses.

Schedule your hair and makeup hours before the dress goes on. Tell your hairdresser that their tip depends on getting you out on time. You want to arrive relaxed at least a half-hour before your photographers. Having the bride arrive late by up to an hour is not unheard of and it’s almost always because of hair & makeup.

Drink lots of water early in the day and taper off as you get closer to the ceremony. Bring snacks like cheese and crackers with grapes. You want small portions to nibble on. It’s not a good idea to eat a heavy meal close to the ceremony time.

Brides Maids should be dressed by the time your photographers show up. You are Queen for the day and they are there to help you. If they are not completely ready by the time we are ready to shoot remind them that they can complete their hair and makeup when we take you off for your first look and romantics.

Jewelry, garter, shoes and veil all go on after the dress.

Make sure your GO-TO person (a family member or friend – not the venue’s wedding coordinator) is there to take care of all the details. Ask them to be available for anyone with a problem.

If all goes well there will be time to include portrait session along with fun group shots of you and your bridesmaids.