Bride
and groom alone before the ceremony
I think that this is, by far, my favourite
photo of the wedding day.
It's the moment, just before the big moment
that will change your life forever - anticipation of the commitment to the
person you want to share your life with. It is nothing to do with doubts or
second thoughts, but somehow it is so stressful and the feelings are so intense
that it is written all over the face.
Want to hear what science has to say? You
can blame the hormones; they are responsible for all the stress you were facing.
The ACTH and cortisol hormones can be as high as 60-80% above the norm, it’s no
wonder most brides feel a little apprehensive. Now you have something to blame!
Want to read more? - see the article Wedding Day Emotions By David Smiedt.
I believe that the only chance to
experience this moment again (or at least 1% of the intensity of emotions of
the big day) is to have a photograph of that moment. To get the best picture
you will need a moment alone, reflecting on your feelings. Step outside, or ask
everyone (except the photographer, of course) to leave the room and reflect on
your emotions.
Father
seeing the bride in her gown
This is the father's first view.
What are your thoughts on the first view? If
you don't want to break the custom of the bridegroom not seeing you and your
dress before the ceremony, this is another option, to have a special moment
with your father and get some beautiful photographs.
Bride/
groom with parents and siblings
As you will have guessed, the whole getting
ready part is my favourite part of the day, due to the opportunity to witness
the family relationships, strong bonds and emotions, endless love, and the intimacy
of the moment.
Bride
and groom leaving the ceremony site
It is the moment the ceremony is over, the
stress has disappeared and only joy and happiness remains! The party and “happily
ever after” can start! Remember those hormones - they are back to normal…
Formal
photos of bride and groom with immediate family members from both sides
This is the first time that your families
are united. From now on, or perhaps for some time already, you will need to strike
a balance between your most favourite people and your in-laws for the most
important dates, such as Christmas. But at least you can frame them all
together in one photo for years to come…
Get photos with your best friends,
especially those from school or university, as things change and you might lose
touch over the years to come. You will still have a photo with them on your big
day.
Ok, let’s add all the relatives here as
well! You will probably decide to make a family tree in the future and you will
have a chance to use the pictures of them when they looked their best ;)
Detail
shots of the rings
I have
included the rings as a “must have” as I have just lost mine. Don't ask how…
Detail
shots of wedding decorations, flowers, table settings and cake
This is something you are spending so much
of your soul, effort and money on, to make it stand out and make it yours, but
at the same time, it is the most fleeting moment. The flowers will wither, the
food and cake will be cut and enjoyed by your guests and table will be cleared
away. No leftovers for next day…
Detailed
shots of the bride’s and bridesmaids’ bouquets
They last for a fraction of time,
especially cut flowers left without water...
The photographs will be the only living
proof in the days to come.
You will never be this skinny again in your
life. And, most likely, you will never take it to the cleaners (ok, I did take mine,
but all the hand printed flowers floated away. Oops!).
