Nearly every couple will consider: shall the photography of the bride and groom, together as a couple, be conducted before or after the wedding? The more profound  question is: Will the bride and groom see each other prior to the ceremony?  There are pros and cons to both sides of the decision, with broad implications on a couple's wedding experience.  What follows are observations born of several hundred weddings. The empty church, except
for the man she will marry
 soon, the bride peeks 
around the corner. 
Photo by A Special Day Photography

  Prior to fifteen years ago, most wedding couples had group compositions photographed after the wedding, or in a fashion called "split formals" (when the photographer would take as  many photographs before the wedding as possible without the bride and groom seeing each other, then do all photos involving the bride and groom after the wedding).  

  It's estimated that more than 80 percent of West Coast couples elect to conduct all the group photography prior to the ceremony. Extremely few weddings now days have all the formals done post wedding because skilled photography takes one and one half to three hours.  Split formals rose into popularity  because it reduced the time guests were waiting for the bride and groom to complete their post ceremony photography and arrive at the reception. That's the catch?  it reduces, not eliminates.
    The groom hears the rustling of the wedding dress and his heart beats like a drum.  Can you hear your sweeties's heart beating? 
Photo by A Special Day Photography

  This is the biggest objection most couples raise to photography after the ceremony...their guests are left waiting.  In fact, couples frequently are motivated to do all the photography before the ceremony because of their own experience as guests waiting for the newlyweds' arrival.  Without the stars, the show is a bit dampened.  Since the duration of each guest can stay varies, a couple risks sharply decreasing the time they will have with those guests who need to leave early.

There's a different look to photographs done before vs. after.  Our experience is that there's really quite a different look to photographs taken before versus after the ceremony.  Before, everything is just so.  After the months of planning, the flowers are at their peak, hair and makeup is finely tuned, the kids are still clean, and there's an air of anticipation.  

  Afterwards, things are different.  People hug. Flowers wilt.  Makeup smears.  Hair goes awry.  To sum it up, things are more disheveled afterwards.  I have nothing against this look.  It's good to have a sampling of both.  Keep in mind, thought, that with split formals all photographs of the bride and groom only preserve the 'after' look.

Consider personal experience. Imagine the experience of doing photographs after the wedding.  The couple has just come down the aisle to congratulations, hugs and emotions.  The, per their request, in steps the photographer  "It's picture time."  How desirable is it for them to interrupt this intense, joyous moment?  There's a break in the flow.

  In addition, women realize their hair, makeup and dresses just won't do for their pictures and promptly head for the ladies room.  Family and wedding attendants are scattered-conversing, getting a drink, attending to their own agendas.  Group pictures take longer to assemble then.  Impatience grows.  And some people, either not knowing or regretting that  they're to be in a picture, miss out.  There's an anxiety. Everyone wants to be at the party, yet they want and need to be in the photos.  Its a feeling easily at risk of showing up on film.

Groom see his bride for the first time. You can see his excitement during this very private moment.

Photo by A Special Day Photography

Logistically, split formals take more time.  The same groups have to be called up twice and in order to keep the bride and groom from seeing each other prior to the bride's entourage disappears and the groom and crew come out of hiding.

  Private Time 
"First Meeting of the Day"  

  What if there were a way to keep the ecstasy of the grand entrance and gain the advantage of doing all photography before the wedding?  Consider an idea that many photographers call "private time" or "special moments."

  The stage is set in a lace of the couple's choice.  Groomsmen are posted at all the entrances so no one is to pass.  The groom stands with his back turned, nervously waiting.  Yes! he can hear it now...rustle, swish, rustle.  "you can turn around now!"  The first words he hears from his darling as he turns to behold her.  They can cry, kiss, hug, exchange gifts, in private.

  Likely, this is the only time a couple will have together until the end of the day.  Perhaps the photographer is there, stealing some images of a romantic embrace or a glimmer in the eyes.  "Private time"  is the best opportunity a photographer has to keepsake the thrill of a bride and groom seeing each other for the first time on their wedding day.

Why take photographs 
before the ceremony?  

 As the group moves into the rest of the photography, there's an anticipation that shows up in expressions and in the pictures. Strangely, all are relaxed...time is on their side.  Everyone cooperates because they feel it is their duty to you..  But after walking down the aisle for you, after standing up at the ceremony for you, they feel they've done just about enough and want to relax, maybe even have a drink but surely not have to exert themselves after all of this work and pose for a photographer!

  But what about the grand entrance to the ceremony?  Won't this nouveau notion kill the thrill?  Hardly.  But don't ask me, ask the veterans.  What they say is that nothing can steal  the thunder of when, as the music sounds its call, the bride dramatically appears.  All rise in her honour, as she walks down the aisle to join her groom.  The beautiful vision many brides dream of is intact.

The groom's passion is unleashed as he admires, grabs and kisses his bride to be. 

Photo by A Special Day Photography

  In contrast, those who waiting to see each other at the ceremony, found themselves so nervous they don't remember the experience.  Stage fright is rampant. Formality reigns.  You  arrive at the alter. How can he be himself?  He's can't kiss you, tell you how beautiful you are, how lovely you look in the dress, and hugs aren't allowed.   But with a private moment before the ceremony, he can do all of that, and more. 

Lets face it.  Sure, the groom has buddies and brothers.  But YOU are his best friend in life.  He's nervous and wants to see YOU his best friend, but can't!  Some people think that is just not fair to him.

Perhaps the first time the bride and groom see each other can be richer when it's for their eyes only rather than on-stage.

Its up to the bride and groom.

If this decision is difficult, a couple should search out other couples who have done it both ways.  As professional photographers, we are clear that we are working for our client.  It's their wedding.  Our professional obligation is to ensure that their choice is an informed one and that they are clear about the tradeoffs.

The choice is theirs, but if they're still wavering, I tell them that in my decades as a photographer, I've never heard of anyone regretting the completion of formal photographs before the ceremony.  I have heard, however, too many couples who chose split formals and can personally testify to the difficulties, discomfort and sadly, their regret.

  Scheduling the photographs before the ceremony isn't just a nice suggestions, it's a valuable investment tip.  This means maximizing time with friends and family, getting the best expressions on film and enjoying a smooth flow. It makes a difference not only in the photographs, but as I hope you can now see more clearly now...in the whole wedding.

A very private and precious moment.  Brides say it was the only time they were alone with the groom all day! And, the photographer captured the passion for all time. 

Photo by A Special Day Photography

Best wishes for a fabulous day with photographs to match.