Jillian...

We are getting married in the same place as the reception as well. We plan om getting all immediate family members and bridal party to the hall at least 2 hours before for pictures. Yes we will see each other first. We look at it this way we are paying for the wedding ourselves and want to be at the wedding including the coctail hour. We plan on still making an entrance into the reception though.

staying apart& Fox Hollow.

WE were married there almost a year ago. WOW! The staff there was very wonderful and efficient and VERY accostomed to keeping bride& groom apart for picture taking b4 the ceremony. So, we didnt see each other,,and took loads of pics b4 the ceremony.(w/ family, bridal party, siblings, portraits,etc.) I was very concerned about timing since we only had ONE HOUR between the ceremony and dinner- the cocktail hour. So, we explained this to the photog..and he suggested having 2 crews shoot the pics..at least up thru the cocktail hour...then go down to one crew. This was well worth the extra money. And we negotiated to keep all proofs- 400 or so of them! I would not have done it any different. Yes, we missed the cocktail hour- but we were taking pictures with our family and close friends...food & drink as brought to us and it was less hectic than trying to get food at the cocktail hour with everyone coming up to you with their well wishes!

We did not wait - I`d do it that way again

I understand completely about the 'look' on your FI's face when he first sees you, so although he and I were seeing each other before the ceremony, I made sure that the video and photographer were both there when my now-husband first saw me. We made it a special moment, with people around, and I still made a grand entrance to a waiting fiance, who immediately began to cry and smile at the same time. Frankly, because the photographer and video were both there, and we weren't separated by an entire aisle length, they were able to get both his reaction and mine, and then, the pictures as we first kissed on our wedding day were the most special pictures that I put all of them in our album. That's something you don't really get to do if he first sees you when you walk down the aisle. It's too formal at that point to really share your emotions together, and when you're walking, chances are, the cameras are only focused on you, and not on his reaction. Just something to think about. Believe me, it was really special. You just have to plan it beforehand.

We did not wait - I`d do it that way again

I just want you to know that I got chills just reading that! Although I haven't officially planned anything yet (just got engaged about a month ago), my FH and I may have to see each other before the ceremony for photograph purposes. I was very upset about it at first, but now you've made it sound so special. Thanks for sharing!! :)