To take pics with your groom before the ceremony, that is the question

Original post by jsha20

Mar 20, 2009 06:01 PM

Will you or did you take pics prior to the ceremony? I am leaning towards a yes b/c i want to be there somewhat for my cocktail hour and enjoy it, rather than stressing over taking pics. However, I'd like to also see my hubs to be for the first time when I walk down the aisle. It's a tough decision.

jayepyt Posted: Mar 20, 2009 09:06 PM

Re: To take pics with your groom before the ceremony, that is the question

iam bc i dont wanna miss out on my ch

LaurenJosh Posted: Mar 20, 2009 09:49 PM

Re: To take pics with your groom before the ceremony, that is the question

Posted by M_and_J

Posted by candybride123

I am taking pics before and one pro is that I get pretty teary eyed and I feel like if it's a little less dramatic at the ceremony b/c we've seen eachother aready MAYBE I'll maintain composure! Plus I heard your CH can be a great time to say hello to everyone so you can enjoy the reception more.

I hear you. I cry very easily - I def think I need that extra time so I'm a bit more relaxed at the ceremony.
I am also a very nervous person to begin with so I feel like I'll be calmer if I see FH.

Feel the same way exactly

gip32680 Posted: Mar 20, 2009 09:53 PM

Re: To take pics with your groom before the ceremony, that is the question

OMG!! Taking pics before the ceremony was the best thing we could have done!!! Our ceremony was at the reception hall so there was no time in between. The staff at the RH nd the photog was great in setting everything up. They arranged for the entire bridal party including dh to be downstairs. DH was at the bottom of the steps with our son and I had to come down the steps. When I reached the bottom, I tapped dh on the shoulder and when he turned around, his jaw dropped and said OH SH!T i fell in love all over again and the photog captured that moment. It was just as special me coming down those stairs as it would have been walking down the aisle. We got to go to CH and get the greetings out of the way as well as collect our cards and still had time to go back to the bridal suite, just the two of us, to eat before the reception began. So once the reception began, it was party time. I'm so glad we did it that way because the night was over in a blink of an eye.

allegracristina Posted: Mar 20, 2009 09:54 PM

Re: To take pics with your groom before the ceremony, that is the question

We are getting married at the RH and are doing pics before the ceremony. We both want to attend as much of our CH as possible! Our first moment will still be very special and unforgettable.

CloudNine Posted: Mar 20, 2009 10:18 PM

Re: To take pics with your groom before the ceremony, that is the question

i think there are a lot of pros to taking pics before

--not rushed through pics (if you dont have a big gap)
--can probably get some more creative pictures due to time
--if you are a cryer...you'll get your pics in when your make up is perfect before crying your way down the aisle
--you attend your CH
--the 'reveal' moment can be solely between you and your FH instead of in front of everyone during the ceremony. (i like the idea that we can share that moment alone)
--it will be calming for me to spend some time with him before the ceremony

ladycapricorn Posted: Mar 20, 2009 10:33 PM

Re: To take pics with your groom before the ceremony, that is the question

We're taking them before b/c FH is NOT going to be missing out on the CH food. We'll be eating in the bridal suite b/c I want to have a 'grand entrance'

Novia09 Posted: Mar 21, 2009 12:55 AM

Re: To take pics with your groom before the ceremony, that is the question

My boo boo doesn't want to see me AT ALL before the ceremony.. He said that if he's going to cry of joy, or beauty, excitement, whatever, he feels that everyone should be witness of it.. In my opinion, I wanted to do it before the ceremony and get it over with, but in his defense, he wants everyone to see his reaction, for him it makes it all that more special, so he will not be seeing me before I walk down the aisle...

Each couple is different... you have to do what's best for you.

marriedinmontauk Posted: Mar 21, 2009 03:17 AM

Re: To take pics with your groom before the ceremony, that is the question

we saw each other before and were happy we did it tht way

jsha20 Posted: Mar 22, 2009 03:11 PM

Re: To take pics with your groom before the ceremony, that is the question

Thanks for the feedback. We're getting married at the RH with no lag time so I really think we will see each other beforehand. I guess I have seen too many romantic movies, but it always seems so special when the couple first sees each other at the altar, but it will be special no matter where that occurs.

KerriJohnS Posted: Mar 22, 2009 03:15 PM

Re: To take pics with your groom before the ceremony, that is the question

We are not going to do that. I don't want to see eachother until I'm walking down the aisle too much.
In order for us to still have plenty of time we are having the ceremony at 3 and the CH starts at 7:30. I figure neighbors and friends who live in the area can come to the wedding then go home and get ready for the party. It's also a Fri night so that time works well for everyone.
I understand wanting to do it to get it over with in the beginning and saving time later on. Does your photographer have to work longer though? Just be careful of overtime charges if you have any.

debzy Posted: Mar 22, 2009 03:44 PM

Re: To take pics with your groom before the ceremony, that is the question

We are taking pics before the ceremony. I think it will be even more special to see each other for the first time in a more private setting. We will, though, have the photographer and videographer there to capture the moment.

This way we will not be rushed to take all of our pics...and we will also be able to enjoy our CH.

Summertimegal424 Posted: Mar 22, 2009 03:58 PM

Re: To take pics with your groom before the ceremony, that is the question

we are doing pictures before hand. we want to be apart of our cocktail hour.

Jna2010 Posted: Mar 22, 2009 04:25 PM

Re: To take pics with your groom before the ceremony, that is the question

were def not doing that, we are really superstitious but honestly, i want the first time fh see me that day to be when im walking towards him down the isle

browneyes Posted: Mar 22, 2009 04:47 PM

Re: To take pics with your groom before the ceremony, that is the question

We are taking pics be4 manily because of sunset times, By the time we get out of te church the sun will almsot be down already and we want to be at our CH :)

deb08 Posted: Mar 22, 2009 04:50 PM

Re: To take pics with your groom before the ceremony, that is the question

we took ours before and it worked out great- we were able to enjoy some of our ch and got a lot more photos and remember to take your must take photo list!!!!!

soontobemrsag Posted: Mar 22, 2009 06:52 PM

Re: To take pics with your groom before the ceremony, that is the question

i am definately not doing it i am making sure that i leave enough time between the church & cocktail hour so FH can go to the cocktail hour. I dont want him to see me until those church doors open. JMO

gemini10 Posted: Mar 22, 2009 07:04 PM

Re: To take pics with your groom before the ceremony, that is the question

We are getting married at the hall, so for us we wanted to take pictures prior to the ceremony. I also love the idea of the 'first moment shot'. Its very special, and its a moment that will be captured between you both rather than in front of all your guests. We really do want to enjoy our CH, and dont want to feel rushed with taking pictures, we want to be able to relax somewhat before the reception.

Although, if I was getting married at the church, I would wait until after the ceremony to take my pictures and have him see me the first time walking up the aisle.

emc282rjm Posted: Mar 22, 2009 07:10 PM

Re: To take pics with your groom before the ceremony, that is the question

We have a ton of time before the CH, so we're going to do it then. I also like the idea of him not seeing me until I walk down the aisle, and of spending the time before the ceremony with my BMs and family.