Weddings are a tapestry of emotions, moments, and memories woven together into a beautiful narrative. One of the most rewarding aspects of documenting a wedding day is capturing the pre-ceremony moments. These moments are filled with anticipation, excitement, and often a touch of nervousness, making them incredibly rich in storytelling potential. In this blog, we delve into how to effectively capture and cherish these pre-ceremony moments through photography.
Getting Ready Photos: The Essence of Anticipation
The getting ready phase sets the tone for the entire day. It’s a time when the bride and groom are surrounded by their closest friends and family, as they prepare to embark on a new chapter of their lives. This will be the best time to capture candid moments that reveal the nerves, the laughter, and the bonds between loved ones.
Most of the time, the getting-ready photos will take place in a room or suite at the wedding venue. Having a photographer there during your getting ready process allows them to capture the intricate details that tell the story of the day. For instance, they photograph the wedding dress hanging, the groom adjusting his tie, or the bride’s makeup being put on. These are the timeless photos that share the story of what the anticipation of your wedding day looked like.
For the bridesmaids in particular, it has become a common theme for everyone to get ready together. Get out the matching robes, set up the banners, grab some champagne and take some photos with your girls. Getting ready with the girls closest to you is always a good time, but on your wedding day, it’s even more special. Take the opportunity to take some fun girly photos and commemorate this moment.
There are some first look moments during your getting ready portion that don’t have to involve the couple. First look moments can be with a parent, sibling, or your wedding party and these don’t necessarily have to be planned with a beautiful background like a traditional first look. The photographer is attuned to the emotions and activities going on in the room. They can be there to catch the glimpses of joy that elude from your parents as they see you in your completed wedding look for the first time.
From tears of joy to contagious laughter, these moments are what make getting ready photos so special. There are so many moving parts to this day, but don’t forget to cherish the memories that you make in preparation.
Jewelry and Details: Enhancing the Narrative
Weddings are a treasure trove of details, each with its own story to tell. From heirloom jewelry passed down through generations to carefully curated decor, these elements contribute to the visual narrative of the day. These elements should also get the same kind of attention when capturing your pre-ceremony details.
While you’re getting ready, photographers will also take the time to capture the intricate details of the wedding bands, the bride’s earrings, or the groom’s cufflinks. Some may even encourage the inclusion of other special items like a perfume/cologne, shoes, or even the wedding invitation. Very often we forget about small details like this. However, these items are pieces of the puzzle that make up your special day just like all the other details.
First Looks: Embracing the Moment of Revelation
The first look is a modern tradition where the bride and groom see each other for the first time before the ceremony. This intimate moment is often filled with raw emotions and provides a unique opportunity for heartfelt photography.
The photographer will choose a picturesque location away from distractions where the bride and groom can have a private moment. Considering that this is one of the only opportunities for the bride and groom to truly have some privacy, this moment allows for them to take a moment to relax before the wedding and celebrations fully kick-off. If there are any particular spots at your venue that you love, make sure to point them out and ask your photographer if they agree that this is a good place to capture this moment.
This is the one time that the photographer will not pose the bride and groom. For the first look, the photographer will strategically position themselves to capture the raw expression on both the bride and groom’s faces as they see each other. The photos that are being taken are to capture the priceless reactions and often speak volumes about their love and excitement.
Documenting Pre-Ceremony Moments with Photography
Documenting pre-ceremony moments is not just about capturing photographs; it’s about preserving the essence of a couple’s journey as they prepare to say “I do.” By capturing pre-ceremony photos, you can create a visual narrative that resonates with authenticity and emotion. Remember, each photograph is a piece of a larger story—one that unfolds in moments of joy, anticipation, and love.
Complete Weddings + Events – Wedding Coordinators in Fort Lauderdale and South Florida Areas
If you’re planning a wedding in Fort Lauderdale, FL, then you’ve landed at the right place! Now that you’ve said YES! to spending your life together, you have some exciting decisions ahead. At Complete Weddings + Events, planning weddings and events are what we do best. Complete Weddings + Events, Fort Lauderdale’s leading provider of event and wedding photography, videography, lighting and DJ services.