FIRST LOOK AND FORMALS BEFORE YOUR CEREMONY: YES OR NO

In America it is very popular for couples to have a first look photo shoot before their ceremony this takes place about two hours, bride and groom will meet in an agreed placed, such as the grounds of your wedding venue.  I think this is a brilliant idea from both a bride and photographer point of view (my groom is having none of this, will not entertain the idea at all).  What do other people think about this.


Reason I think this is a brilliant idea is because the first time you get to see each other on your wedding day you can be emotional with each other without having peering eyes on you I think this is valuable time before you go off to get married you get to see each other all done up (and who really believes it is bad luck to see the bride before the ceremony.......... only ever really apply to a church wedding).  Once you've had your first look and had some time to be with each other as a photographer I would than start taking your portraits in a more relaxed manner where you have not got your guest keen to talk to you after we have taken your couple photos we would go on and meet your bridal party and take all those formal photos that you really would like taken we can have fun and everyone get excited for the ceremony about 45mins before we will stop so you can freshen up and   get ready for your ceremony.


Advantages to this are that you can get most of your formal photographs done before the ceremony meaning you have more time afterwards to mingle with your guest which surely is better for you and them.  Also if you are having a winter wedding or later wedding you do not need to worry about the light because if your having your photos taken before your ceremony there will still be plenty of light for lovely outdoors pictures.


So I ask the question is having a first look and formals before the ceremony a good idea what do you think?


Below is my timeline with doing your formals before the ceremony.

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY KENT: E-SESSIONS

I thought I would do a post on e-sessions (engagement shot) before your wedding day, what to think about when booking an e-sessions and why you can benefit from one.

Lucy and Kev's wedding at High Rocks Tunbridge Wells

Last week was my last wedding of the year and what a day, after a week of rain we had glories sunshine all day. I love Lucy and Kev's wedding venue the High Rocks and we even considered this venue for our own wedding next year but was not available on our date.  I love all the old rocks the colours on the building are stunning.


And I just love their cup-cake tower cake something I am almost certain to have for my own wedding next year love it.

Wedding Photography Hertfordshire - {Hitchin Priory}

Last week my brother got married and he gave me the honour of asking me to take his wedding photographs. I have to say I thought my young brother look dashing and my new sister in-law looked stunning. We all had a great day and I even allowed my camera to be used by others so a few pictures were taken off me.

Wedding photography Kent - {Lympne Castle}

Yesterday I attended the wedding of Laura and Dave at Lympne Castle a beautiful setting and lots of stunning backdrops to take photos,  The weather forecast when I left home did not look good heavy rain from 1pm - 7pm, want we had was sunshine which made the day for Laura and Dave even more special. Here's your sneak peek enjoy your honeymoon.

I would like to thank both Laura and Dave's Fathers and Stuart and Mark (Dave's Brothers) for taking part in my bit of fun for the shoot below I asked them if they would stand at the back and be silly, they were a little unsure but I think this picture will become a talking point in years to come, what were the four at the back doing.   I LOVE IT

Wedding Photography - {Hertfordshire wedding photographer}

I attended the wedding of Emma and Paul last Saturday and the rain came out to play, but no-one let the rain get them down and they all had a wonderful afternoon. I hope you enjoyed the rest of your day Emma, Paul and lots of love for your future.