Putting A Spin On The "First Look"

About a year ago I wrote a post on first looks, which have only grown increasingly popular.  In the past few months I have seen some great twists on this idea and I can't wait to share them.

#1. The "Not Really" First Look.  I adore this photo of the couple holding hands but not seeing each other before the ceremony.  Too.Cute. 

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#2. The Father-Daughter first look.  As a bonafide daddy's girl, I will definitely be using this idea. 

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#3. The "First Look Breakfast".  A sweet & private way for the couple to connect without the fuss first thing on their big day.

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How To Expand Your Photography Timeline

The two biggest factors in creating (and sticking to) a wedding day timeline are the timelines of the photographers & caterers.  Mostly the photographers since there is only so much daylight and time in one day to get all the most important shots.  To condense the photographer timeline a lot of couples have started doing the "First Look" shots which takes a twist on tradition by having bride & groom see each other before the ceremony.  This is a personal choice for each couple but not everyone is on board.  For couples who don't want to compromise tradition to get all the photos they want, the newest option is the here- day after the wedding photo shoots. 

The pro's are definitely more time & a relaxed environment (as in, no rushing around) for just the bride & groom.  Couples taking a few days to relax before they go on their honeymoon are the best choice and you don't necessarily have to do the shoot the very next day, it can be the next week if that fits in better with your schedule.  This couple choose to have their day after shoot on a boat since that is a very special place for them but there is no limit on locale.  Couples can re-dress in their wedding attire or change it up for different pictures.  The flowers are still fresh and there is no pressure to keep your wedding dress clean or perfect which is completely freeing.  This couple choose to do their day after shoot in an orchard and even styled the shoot similar to an engagement session with great details.  Destination weddings are always a tighter timeline so if you want to get the most out of the location the day after shoot is a great idea like this couple did in Sedona, AZ.

The con's would be that an extra photography session will cost you and of course, you would need to find a location ahead of time for the shoot so there is extra planning involved.  Whatever your situation, it is nice to have options.  Here are some beautiful day after photos, enjoy!

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A New Light On Wedding Traditions

When most people think of weddings, they think of wedding traditions.  Whether it be cultural, religious, or family based, I am a huge fan of incorporating meaningful traditions into weddings, the key word being meaningful.  Some couples become so focused on tradition and pleasing everyone, that the couple loses sight of what they want on their big day.  It really is up to each couple to decide where they want to draw the line.  Because really, isn't the best wedding 'tradition' that of joyous, happy couples vowing to share their lives together? 

I recently went to friend's wedding as a guest and had a great time.  It was fairly nontraditional; an afternoon beach wedding in November (in Delaware), a short ceremony, no bridal party aside from the couple's dog, 30 guests, and a casual atmosphere.  At one point the bride asked me what my opinion was of her wedding as a wedding planner.  I told her that it was perfect because it was exactly what they wanted.  And that really is what I want for every couple; clients or friends.  If a tradition is important to you, keep it.  If it is not, toss it.  Brides in particular feel the need to incorporate every detail people throw at them.  Overall comfort (literally and metaphorically) is going to go a lot further than feeling forced into a tradition.  Example A: a lot of couples are opting for outdoor ceremonies which a decade or two ago was unheard of.  Breaking tradition could be as simple as not having a wedding cake or seeing each other before the ceremony (see my First Look post).

My advice is to go online and search through wedding blogs.  I guarantee that you will find some awesome inspiration from brides who did exactly what they wanted.  The website OffBeat Bride in particular is always featuring real weddings that have a whole lot of personality.  Here are a few real weddings that I've found that I hope will give you inspiration to plan your wedding the way you want it.  Enjoy!

 

 Beautiful butterfly bridal dress (say that 5 times fast). Source

Beach wedding in November. Source

Who says all the bridesmaids have to match? Source