Keep Tradition or See Your Groom for First Look Photos? Donald Yeager Photography Helps Your Decide
Thursday, December 15, 2011
I'm not usually one to question tradition, where I'm from (Asia) our cultures are steeped in traditions that are practiced and never scrutinized. When it comes to weddings we stick to "Something old, Something new" etc., but it seems the whole "not seeing the bride before the ceremony" tradition has lost its favor with most and has been replaced by the much more fun First Look.
Quick history lesson: not seeing the bride before the ceremony was a practice set in olden days when couples were matched whether they liked/knew each other or not. To keep the groom from running from the altar, he wasn't to lay his eyes on his bride til right before the vows, when it was pretty much too late. I'm paraphrasing, but that's the lesson I learned from google.
Should you see your groom/bride before the wedding or should you follow tradition? It is obviously a personal call with no right or wrong answer. However, there are pros and cons to each choice. Today, we turn to Don of Donald Yeager Photography to help you get smart so that you two can make the right decision for you. (If you can get past tradition, there are several advantages to First Looks. After all, he's the only one privy to this moment at weddings!)
What is a "first look?"
Donald Yeager Photography: A “first look” is the first time the bride and groom see each other on their wedding day. This moment is magical because it’s the first moment alone that the bride and groom get to see each other on their day in a completely private, sheltered moment. He can marvel over her yet unseen wedding dress while she admires him in his wedding day finery, and they can have a perfect, encapsulated moment to share their excitement and love for one another.
No disrespect to tradition, but what are the advantages to doing a first look and seeing each other vs. not seeing each other before the ceremony?
Donald Yeager Photography: The biggest reason for you to do a first look is to allow this very special moment to be captured by your photographer. Usually, it takes place somewhere quiet with just the two of you and your photographer. A typical scenario is when the groom’s back is turned while the bride walks up slowly, taps him on the shoulder, and he turns around. In that moment, there is a flood of emotions that washes over the both of you. There are hugs, kisses, tears, smiles, and laughter.
A first look is great, because it allows any nervousness or anxiousness that you may be feeling to dissipate before you walk down the aisle. I have heard from many couples that they were happy they did their first look between them and not in front of a huge group of people. I also know from personal experience that a first look in no way detracts from or steals from the magical moment of walking down the aisle.
Another big advantage to the first look is since you two have seen each other, your photographer can take all of those family formals before the ceremony instead of after. You wont have to spend an hour after the ceremony taking formals. Instead, you can now celebrate your new marriage with your friend and families at the reception.
What, as a photographer, do you enjoy about first looks?
Donald Yeager Photography: I love, love, love first looks. I wont lie - I usual tear up. I can’t help it! The looks exchanged between the couple are genuine, unpredictable, and can not be reproduced. Plus, it invokes the memories of when I first saw my wife on my wedding day and I can't help but smile.
Thanks for sharing Don! Check out more advice from Don on photography sessions like the engagement session here, and have a look at the weddings he's done on his site at DonaldYeager.com
About the Author:
Tabitha
Blogging is something I’ve enjoyed doing for years. My interests lie mostly in lifestyle related topics like fashion, style, design, food and weddings. When I heard Ashley was looking to bring on new members to the ABG team, I jumped at the opportunity - I can’t think of a better way to stay involved in weddings than to write about them and to stay in touch with the trends and new ideas. Lucky for me, Ashley likes my blog and trusts my experience to bring me on and so far, it’s been a blast.
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Posted on December 15, 2011 |
Filed under: Advice & Planning, Photography
