Happy New Year! It’s such a gift to receive all the holiday cards through December from past clients.  It truly brightens my day.  I can’t wait for another great year of opportunity to capture love and create art.  I’m so blessed to have this as my job!  There are so many favorite moments I love observing through the course of the wedding day.  While I believe toast are at the top of my list as I get to hear dirt on my couples they never would share with me or the kind hearted ways they serve others that they’d never tell on their own, I have to admit, my second runner up is the first sighting.  When you are head over heals in love and put so much thought into coordinating your favorite everything into your wedding day with all your favorite people in the world there, it really comes down to love. You’re there to marry your love and when you see them for the first time that day all dolled up-  I loose it.  Often.

As I begin meeting with couples for 2013 and 2014, one thing I discuss is a first sighting where you have the opportunity to see each other before the ceremony in private.  There are several reasons to do this, however, by far the top reason is to create a less stressful day for you.  There are many people to photograph on a wedding day with the couple, bridal party and all your family and relatives presents.  By seeing each other for the first time before the ceremony you’re able to get loads of formals out of the way and free up your cocktail hour to enjoy your guest and your day that you worked so hard to plan.

By seeing each other ahead of time, you get to discuss in private all your emotions and thoughts.  Maybe even sneak some kisses in for photos.  It is a beautiful time for you  to share your excitement and nerves with each other in private before seeing each other face to face among all your guest.  I don’t believe it takes away from your first sighting down the aisle as that in itself holds a whole other set of emotions with all your loved ones present as seen here by Mike who had seen his lovely bride for over an hour leading up to the ceremony.  I love her sister looking to the heavens to hold in her tears.

With your first sighting photographed, we typically knock out most all the couple portraits and bridal party photos as well.  If you’re family is fine with arriving early, we can even do all your family formals ahead of time, so once your ceremony starts it’s your day from then on out and I’m simply there to capture it as it unfolds.  Whether you decide to see each other or not is entirely your choice.  Each wedding is unique with its own timeline and events for the day.  I’m happy to discuss if you think this is a good option for you and yours.  Regardless your choice, I’ll still provide  you with beautiful imagery from your wedding day.