Weddingbee boards

@jbailey0920:  just have the photog at an angle to get a first look during the ceremony. that seems more meaningful to me

Were doing First Look but only because We will be pressed for tine after the ceremony and want to not have to be worried about keeping the guests waiting while we get photos. I want tons of photos!! Its your decision not anyone else's. 

@jbailey0920:  If you don't want to completely do the "first look" photographs but still want a similar photo, do a "first touch" photo where you touching hands behind doors or something like that. It will be a sweet memory right before the ceremony. Here is an example:

I'm doing a first look and here are my reasons.

1. I don't particularly like the tradition of the groom not seeing the bride until he's married to her.  It dates back to when women were property, and it just doesn't sit right to me.

2. I think the moment when the grooms sees the bride is intimate and special.  I'd rather have that private moment ahead of time than in front of our friends and family.  (If I cry, I want it to happen before the ceremony).

3. I want my pictures done as close to getting my hair and makeup done as possible.  I fidget and touch my hair and face a lot, so I'm definitely going to mess something up.   

4. I want to enjoy my cocktail hour.  I was it to be leissurely and with people rather than trying to cram as many pictures as I can into it before hand.

5. It gives us the option of doing a receiving line.

6.  This one is probably the most important to me: Allowing the bride and groom to see each other before hand has shown to reduce stress, relax both parties, and make the wedding less anxious.  My groom has anxiety issues so anything I can d to reduce his anxiety regarding that day (and making it just enjoyable for him), I will do.  (To give you an idea: he's having issues with the idea of just standing up there in front of everyone.  He's so anxious about everyone looking at him)

This is just to give you an idea as to why people are big proponents.  Obviously this is your day and you should do what feels right and what you've always wanted to do.

As a nontraditional bride with an anxious groom, the first look was the best way to make both of us happy.  It might not make you happy.  Don't let anyone saying "should" or "shouldn't" sway you.  

@jbailey0920:  I am a big fan of doing whatever you want!

We are not traditional people and we are also not "first look" people. We are simply taking all of our pictures before the ceremony and then enjoying our cocktail hour with our families. We discussed doing a "first look" picture but then decided that it simply wasn't us at all. His mother is slightly bothered with the thought of us seeing each other before the ceremony, but she kind of understands why we are doing it.

I think for us, the initiation is going to be, "Hey, are you ready to take pictures yet?" - Most people don't get us, but that's just the way we are.