Anyone seeing their FH before ceremony for pics?

Original post by patticakes

Apr 19, 2006 11:42 AM

I really don't want to and neither does he but photographer is sort of insisting. Quite honestly, I don't care if I miss the cocktail hour. We have a very short one anyway! Suggestions?

LoveBug1124 Posted: Apr 19, 2006 04:18 PM

Re: Anyone seeing their FH before ceremony for pics?

my FH and I are taking pics before the ceremony, we are getting married at our location and don;t wnat to miss the cocktail hour.

CLMon7906 Posted: Apr 19, 2006 04:30 PM

Re: Anyone seeing their FH before ceremony for pics?

Posted by bride2b24

if you dont want to then dont!!! you are paying the photographer so they have no say!!!!!

i agree. we are seeing each other, but we are ok with it. if you aren't, then don't feel pushed...tell your photographer that while it might seem like a time saver to most, you guys really want to be more traditional. they should understand/deal with it...you are paying them afterall!

October Bliss Posted: Apr 19, 2006 05:08 PM

Re: Anyone seeing their FH before ceremony for pics?

If you don't want to, then don't. Our ceremony is 4 1/2 hours before CH just so we don't have to take pictures first, get married second, and then go to CH.

BlondeJD Posted: Apr 19, 2006 05:11 PM

Re: Anyone seeing their FH before ceremony for pics?

We did it and it was really the best decision - we were able to take so many photographs at different locations and it was great because we had such a huge variety of photos to choose from for our album AND we never felt rushed at all, so I think our pictures came out better because of that.

I was a little hesitant at first to see DH before our ceremony because I thought it would make the actual ceremony 'less special' somehow and that our emotions wouldn't be as strong if we saw each other ahead of time. That was absolutely not the case though. Once you are walking down the aisle and saying your vows, it is a completely different feeling than taking pictures with each other.

In the end though, it's your choice and if you feel really strongly that you don't want to see each other before the ceremony, then that's what you should do.

KandE917 Posted: Apr 19, 2006 05:35 PM

Re: Anyone seeing their FH before ceremony for pics?

I wouldn't dream of seeing my FH before I walk down that aisle...but that's just my opinion. It is totally a personal preference. I honestly can't imagine it any other way but to each his own.
One photographer we met with who I thought I wanted to use was down right rude about our decision to not take pics before. He basically told us we had to - there was no way he could get the shots he needed in between. Then we met with the photog we are booked with...love them...and he made us feel so comfortable about our decision and told us he would absotlutely be able to get all the shots in with us doing it this way.

We too are doing:
- Me and family and BM's at my house before ceremony
- Then FH and his family and GM at ceremony/reception site before ceremony

That leaves just family pics with both of us and pics of the 2 of us alone for during the CH which we also extended a half hour.

You can do whatever you want - do not let your photog tell you you can't!

scappy123 Posted: Apr 19, 2006 07:56 PM

Re: Anyone seeing their FH before ceremony for pics?

We are seeing each other prior to the ceremony since we are doing pics before. We dont want to miss any of the CH or reception

Tria1110 Posted: Apr 19, 2006 07:59 PM

Re: Anyone seeing their FH before ceremony for pics?

I struggled with this myself and ultimately decided to do the pictures with FH before hand. Not an easy decision at all. The pluses are: takes a little of the anxiety of the day out seeing FH before hand and get the 'work' done before the party starts.

Me personally, would only get annoyed after taking a gazillion pictures while the CH is going on - I hate to miss anything!

My photographer said he would actually set things up for us to have our first moment seeing each other very special.

I've come to peace with this.

That said.... I wouldn't let ANY vendor decide for me...

Do what you feel is right - can't go wrong with that.

Good Luck!

conigs25 Posted: Apr 19, 2006 08:45 PM

Re: Anyone seeing their FH before ceremony for pics?

we are seeing each other but if you and FI dont want to...then dont!! Its no ones decision but YOURS

anglbyme Posted: Apr 19, 2006 11:09 PM

Re: Anyone seeing their FH before ceremony for pics?

You should be the one insisting you are paying for his service! If you do not want to then DON'T and do not let the photographer tell you what to do. I think it is more special to wait also so he see's you at the end of the aisle for the first time.

ef922 Posted: Apr 19, 2006 11:33 PM

Re: Anyone seeing their FH before ceremony for pics?

It's your decision! Your photographer should do what's best for you

BlueTulip Posted: Apr 20, 2006 08:29 AM

Re: Anyone seeing their FH before ceremony for pics?

Posted by MissingTheBGene

It's not your photographer's call, do what you want to do. We decided we want to wait until after the ceremony.

We feel the same way.

pigs222seal Posted: Apr 20, 2006 08:35 AM

Re: Anyone seeing their FH before ceremony for pics?

Posted by johnsae

we are seeing each other. we wanted to take pics around Manhattan, and there was no way we could do that after the ceremony. I've actually heard that it is a good thing - it is calming to see each other beforehand and share those special moments alone and together.

Same here. The photographer told us he will capture the first looks of my FH seeing me for the first time. He also said this will calm us down.

I really didn't want him to see me before I walked down the aisle, but we really don't have any other option. See, my FH doesn't want to miss the cocktail hour and I don't blame him. Our ceremony starts at 12:00pm followed by the cocktail hour and reception....so we have no time in between. I am looking forward to it.

tbtmickey Posted: Apr 20, 2006 09:14 AM

Re: Anyone seeing their FH before ceremony for pics?

We're not...there's no way. I don't like when photographers insist on it. There was a day when that was unheard of (to see each other), and the photographer seemed to get all the pictures. It's totally up to you, I've seen great shots of the first time seeing eachother before the ceremony...but personally I want to wait! Don't be pressured into doing something you don't want to do!

jenntony Posted: Apr 20, 2006 10:06 AM

Re: Anyone seeing their FH before ceremony for pics?

i think that we are going to...the photog suggested it but is open to anything. she says that she usually clears out the church and it is just FH, me and her and she captures our moments together and then takes a couple formal shots but she says that it is pretty nice because it helps relax nerves too before wedding

Mrs. dleeny Posted: Apr 20, 2006 10:15 AM

Re: Anyone seeing their FH before ceremony for pics?

Posted by patticakes

I really don't want to and neither does he but photographer is sort of insisting. Quite honestly, I don't care if I miss the cocktail hour. We have a very short one anyway! Suggestions?

we did, and thank GOD we did! we spent 3 hours before the ceremony taking pics and they are my absolute FAVORITES! there was no rush and it also helped me relax. there are no do-overs. our first meeting that day was very special and captured on film

I would highly recommend taking pics before.