Couples Wedding Photos: Before or After the Ceremony?

by ZankyouJuly 19, 2012 0

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When to take your wedding photos? - Photo : Awardweddings

Wedding photos of you and your new spouse alone together are essential to creating everlasting memories. It’s your day and it’s important to take advantage of unique intimate moments you have.

Yet the wedding day schedule is often very busy and it can be difficult to leave guests and go take photos. So when is the best time to take photos of the newlywed couple? Here are 5 reasons for taking photos before the wedding ceremony and 5 reasons to take them after!

♦ Reasons to do wedding photos BEFORE the ceremony

1. Love at first sight. Usually called the “first look,” this is an extremely intimate photo capturing moment. If tradition and secrecy are not that important to you, this is a great time to capture you and your emotions in private before the ceremony and the whole day unfolds. Plus, you just got ready and your wedding dress, hair and makeup are fresh and flawless – perfect for a photo shoot!

Photos of couple before the ceremony means you can take your time! - Photo : Awardweddings

2. Time management. The wedding day will be eventful – between the ceremony, family photos, cocktail hour, dinner, first dance, bouquet toss, cake cutting, etc … AND mingling with guests all the while, it can be difficult to find time just for the two of you. Taking the couple photos in the morning will give you peace and space to focus on each other and cherish the moments before the whirlwind of a celebration starts.

3. Not having to worry about its guests. You will probably want to spend time with your guests all throughout the day to celebrate your union. By doing your couple pictures before the ceremony, you can take your time to make the best pictures without worrying about their welfare. Hopefully, they haven’t even arrived yet! If you have a busy schedule, it will also help you save time and not rush through photos that are so important for creating special memories to cherish for years to come.

Couple pictures before the ceremony: we don't have to worry about guests! - Photo : Awardweddings

4. Become familiar with the photographer. It is important that you feel as comfortable as possible in front of the camera so that your photos of the day seem natural. Taking a moment before the start of the day is a good way to familiarize yourself with the photographer, their equipment and work style. You’ll also be able to make several attempts to get the pictures you want. Without having to worry about your guests, you’ll have time to look at the photos on the device, try different poses, in different places, etc..

5. Enjoy the light. Regardless of the weather but especially if it’s a cloudy day, finding some time before the ceremony would take advantage of optimum light. Indeed, when the sun is high and too many rays project weird shadows onto faces, taking pictures may become more complicated.

Photos of couple after the ceremony, there is more zen! - Photo : Awardweddings

♦ Reasons to do wedding photos AFTER the ceremony

1. Keep the element of surprise. You care about tradition, you have kept your dress a secret for weeks or months, and you don’t want to reveal it before the ceremony! If you want to keep the surprise and emotion for a spectacular entrance into the church or town hall, you’ll have to wait until after the ceremony for your romantic private photo session.

2. Celebrate the union. Taking a moment after the ceremony just for you two can be a good way to enjoy your relationship and reflect the great step that you just passed. A peaceful moment away from the guests will give you your first alone time as a married couple.

Photos of couple after the ceremony, the atmosphere is more relaxed!- Photo : Awardweddings

3. Explore. If you have time to savor a few moments, why not go for a walk and explore different parts of your wedding venue? If the environment provides plenty of photo op spots, it would be a shame not to take advantage. With the help of your photographer, you can concentrate on two or three places with great scenery for a variety of shots. You’ll become more comfortable with the lens and surely develop more fun poses.

4. A more relaxed atmosphere. You’ll probably be nervous before the ceremony and if you wait to take pictures after you’ll be in a calmer state of mind. Entertain your guests with a cocktail hour, giving you time to slip away for a few moments. Perhaps you’d like to take your photos after you’ve had a cocktail yourselves – you’ll feel a lot more relaxed resulting in more dynamic, natural wedding photos.

Photos of couple after the ceremony means we can play with the lights. - Photo : Awardweddings

5. Playing with lighting. Choosing the best time to take wedding photos can be dependent on the weather. If the weather is milder after the ceremony, you should enjoy it! There are other benefits you can enjoy later in the day, such as the warm light of late afternoon, or sunset, or even at night for magical effects.

So many things to consider! The important thing is probably to focus on your schedule and what is important to you between spending time with your guests and reserving time for you to be alone.

Watch these videos for more advice on wedding photography: How To Find and Choose Your Wedding Photographer and How To Know What Makes Great Wedding Photography

Guest Blogger : Mark Ward

Wedding Photographer – Awardweddings

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