Pictures before and join the cocktail hour?

I was wondering what everyone`s opinion is on joining their cocktail hour and taking pictures before the ceremony? My FI says that he would rather take pictues before the ceremony so we can enjoy and join our guests at our outdoor cocktail hour. I don`t really like the idea of seeing each other before the ceremony, but even the banquet manager at the reception hall sugested that we join the guests. What does everyone think about this?

Pictures before and join the cocktail hour?

Joe and I aren't. I don't even want any one to see me in my dress except my bridesmaids, moh and immediate family. I want to see the shock on his face when he sees me for the first time since the rehersal. We are not attending our cocktail hour but our hall offer us a room for us, the 12 members of our bridal party as well has the 10 saber guys we have coming from the Air Force Academy since we are having a military wedding were there will be food and drinks.. My FI cousins took pictures together at there house and we took bridal party pictures before the church and it just seemed wierd to me.

Pictures before and join the cocktail hour?

Did ya read the ask emily section? I cut and paste it for you.. Question: My fiancé wants to take our formal pictures before our ceremony. I always thought that we shouldn't see each other until I walk down the aisle. I want to have more time at the reception, so taking the photos before is a good idea. But, I also was looking forward to the excitement of seeing each other for the first time as I walk down the aisle. Help! What should I do? Answer : Answer: Yes, there is the tradition of not seeing each other (the day of the wedding) before the ceremony. And I share your excitement of seeing each other for the first time as you walk down the aisle. Here's what happened with a friend of mine who just got married and had the same dilemma. She decided to take her formal portraits before the ceremony. Her reasoning was that everyone was just made up, the flower girl and ring bearer were wide awake and the atmosphere would be relaxed because there were no time restraints. Well, all went better than she imagined. Her fiancé picked her up in a limo (all to themselves) so they had some private time together. She said it was one of the best decisions she made. Instead of being so nervous and not remembering the ceremony she said that being relaxed has made it a lasting memory. So, you have tradition on the one hand and a relaxed and memorable wedding on the other. What will your decision be?

Pictures before and join the cocktail hour?

We did pictures before. We have the BEST pictures & video of his reaction when he saw me & our first meeting with me in my gown - it was a VERY emotional moment & those are my favorite shots - and more importantly, I was able to actually see his face & he was able to tell me exactly how he was feeling at that moment - there were lots of tears & beautiful words exchanged. When I walked down the aisle I was way too nervous to notice his expression & then you just go right into the ceremony and there is no time to really cherish that moment. Just my 2 cents!

Pictures before and join the cocktail hour?

this is definitely a tough decision, and one I had to make too. I am very traditional, and to have to see the groom before the wedding wasn`t really an option, I thought. At least I didn`t want it to be one. But several photographers explained to me the tradition of it, which seems ludicrous (marriages were arranged, and just so the groom wouldn`t back out at the last minute if the bride was 'ugly', they didn`t see each other or remove the bride`s veil until just before the ceremony). Stupid right?? So I took that into account. Then, there`s the fact that we are spending so much money on this affair, shouldn`t we get to enjoy it too?? I don`t want to spend the first hour taking pictures!! Finally, every photographer that I spoke to said they make those first moments 'special' for the couple...they will set it up so we are alone when we see each other for the first time..and then give us a few minutes alone..that way, we can say all those nice things to each other that we wouldn`t ever be able to say at the ceremony with a microphone attached to us!! I`ve also heard from several brides how much more relaxed they are doing it this way. You can actually be present at your ceremony...rather than have all these thoughts running through your head that you can`t possibly share with your groom until after the ceremony. Doesn`t all that make sense?? It does to me, that is why we chose to do pictures before the ceremony. I didn`t decide because that was what the banquet manager and photographer thought. You need to decide what is important to you, weigh the options, the pros and cons, and then decide what is best. It is your day, and your money...you do things the way you and your fiance want!! Don`t forget that. Good luck with your decision. :)

Pictures before and join the cocktail hour?

Absolutely! First, if you are forced to take all your photos in an hour, I think that adds a lot of unecessary stress. You also miss 1/5 of the party! Second, all of the former brides who Ive known who have gone this route recommend it highly b/c the moment you two see each other is much more intimate. As the previous posted suggested, seeing each other for the first time at the ceremony can sometimes be nerveracking. Third, you will look your best and feel most refreshed earlier than later. If you get all the posed shots out of the way, then you can concentrate on enjoying yourself at the reception. Of course its a very personal decision and if you have always dreamed of viewing your groom for the first time that day at the end of the aisle - do that!

Pictures before and join the cocktail hour?

We are taking pictures before, but how much time before the ceremony do you think we need? Since we don't have a bridal party, and it's almost a family reunion, we would like to take group pictures also. But, I would not want to do this during the cocktail hour, since most of our guests are immediate family and closest friends, and I want us and them to enjoy it together. Should I ask them to come early or take group pictures during the reception? My photographer (M. Kaufmann) said that pictures could be done in 15 or 20 minutes if we want.

Nina...

We are also using Mark Kauffmans photographers but not Mark himself. We are using Lynn and Laura...when I met with Lynn she suggested that since we wanted to take posed shots in 2 locations, we allot ourselves an hour. I think the 15-20 minute thing is for people who don't want many posed. I would talk to your photographer about what you want and see what they say.

Before the ceremony

Originally I was against seeing my fiance before the ceremony. After thinking about it a long time, I realized why I really want to see him before the ceremony- 1- I don't really believe that it's bad luck. 2- I want to attend the cocktail hour. I don't want to be spending an hour taking pictures. I want to be there in the moment, enjoying my loved ones. 3- I originally wanted my family and my fiance's family at the wedding- that's it. I kind of wanted a private ceremony. My fiance will be standing at the bay (where we got engaged) and facing the water. Both of our families will be present and we'll have a private moment for just us and our family to share. He'll turn around and see me for the first time! I can't wait! My families will be able to see his reaction up close (me too!) and I think it will allow us to enjoy the ceremony more and take hold of each word we say to each other!

Before the ceremony

I also struggled with this decision. My biggest concern was not about bad luck, or even about seeing him down at the end of the aisle. I was concerned that our entrance at the reception would be less exciting if we were just with our guests at the cocktail hour. And then I decided, SO WHAT? I am paying alot of money, and everyone says the day flys by sooo fast. I want to enjoy every second.

Before the ceremony

We haven't been faced with the actual decision on this but I must admit I like the idea of just the two of us being alone when we see each other for the first time! Knowing us, we will both be very nervous and will probably not remember much of it - it'll probably be a blur -- so if we can be more relaxed and not nervous to see each other - there is more of a chance that I will remember walking down the isle and looking at him as I do. And as many ppl have shared already, you can spend the few minutes together alone and share all those thoughts going through your head when you see your future husband. I don't think there is a decision to be made by us! I think you guys made it for us! And as for the tradition part, we are 'skipping' so many of the traditions, what does it matter. We are not even having a cocktail hour so that doesnt matter either. Just me and him. And whats the best for us. Its our day.

Pictures before and join the cocktail hour?

One of my friends did that. I didn`t see a problem with it. Actually, my FH had insisted that we do that if we didn`t have time to get the pictures done in between the ceremony and the cocktail hour. Our ceremnoy is at 2pm and our cocktail hour doesn`t start until 6pm, so it isn`e going to be a problem for us. I think a lot of people are starting to throw the whole traditional thing out the window. I have some friends who actually showed their dress to their husband before the wedding and spent the night before together. It hasn`t brought any of them bad luck yet.

Surprise

Even if you guys see each other before the ceremony, I still think the reaction will be awesome when you're walking down the aisle. It's the real moment, music will be playing, and I'm sure your fiance will be grinning from ear to ear!

Pictures before and join the cocktail hour?

We have also decided to take our photos BEFORE the ceremony, one big reason is that we lose sunlight right after the ceremony and there will not be enough time for outdoors. My photographer and videographer both said that they will make that 'first' moment very magical for us. We are going to take the photos alone, without anyone else around, and I will walk to him while his back is turned. When he turns to see me, I will have that 'special, once in a lifetime' moment.

Pictures before and join the cocktail hour?

Everyone`s thoughts were helpful, Thanks. I think we will take pictures before. The pictures will look better especially with fresh makeup and hair done, and we are having a nice outdoor cocktail hour. Like someone said we`re spending all of our money, and we should get to enjoy it too. Also you guys are right about seeing each other alone for the first time, it will be special. I guess not everyone follows tradition as I thought.