Many couples are unsure about when to have their official wedding photoshoot. Some hold fast to the tradition of seeing each other for the first time when entering the ceremony venue and walking down the aisle. All pictures of the couple then usually follow after the ceremony and before the reception. Others love the idea of the “first look” trend where the see each other privately beforehand, and some then choose to have the entire shoot before the actual wedding.
We take a look at the pros and cons of both to help you decide which is right for you.
Before the ceremony
Pros:
-It will ease up the nerves
Your wedding day can have you feeling very nervous, especially in the moments before you head to the ceremony. If you decide to see each other beforehand, it might make you loosen up and have some fun together, before you take the final step.
-It’s a special, private moment
Because the day is very emotional for both of you, spending the moment in private together will be extra special. This way, the groom can let his guard down and expose his vulnerable side when he sees you for the first time on the day, which is more intimate than in front of a crowd.
Cons:
-It changes tradition
The longstanding tradition in Western weddings is that the bride and groom don’t see each other before the wedding, with the first time they lay eyes on each other being when the bride walks down the aisle. However, some feel like it might be time to let go of certain rituals and embrace new trends.
-It influences your timeline
If you want to incorporate the “first look” and do the photoshoot before the ceremony, you will have to keep in mind that it takes time. Your schedule might have to move up to accommodate a few extra hours.
After the ceremony
Pros:
-You get the best lighting
If you have the traditional late afternoon ceremony with an evening reception, doing the photoshoot after the ceremony will mean you get that golden hour hue. Of course, you can still split it so you do a first look before the ceremony and then do the rest of the shoot after, so you get the best of both worlds.
-You capture a different kind of moment
The groom’s expression when he sees the bride walking down the aisle might not be as private as the first look, but it can be just as special. It captures a special moment of a different kind, and the wonder in his eyes will be just as beautiful.
Cons:
-You don’t have privacy
Depending on how many guests you have, it might be nerve racking to see your partner for the first time in front of all those people. It might make you both feel slightly exposed, but then again, you might want to share the moment with the people you love.
-You don’t spend time before the ceremony
If you see each other at the ceremony for the first time, you don’t have the chance to spend some alone time together. The day will probably be busy and you won’t get to take a breath until after the whole wedding.
In the end, both ways can be wonderful and solely depends on your personal preference. There is no wrong way to do it.
Image: Instagram/Thewoodsweddings
Congratulations are in order for Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters and Tim Tebow! The beautiful couple tied the knot in a stunning sunset ceremony in Franschhoek, South Africa. View this…
People get married all the time, so you want to make sure your wedding stands out from the crowd. Adding a personal touch to parts of your wedding makes the day memorable not only for the betrothed couple but also for the guests. It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant. Small touches can make a big difference if done well.
There are a multitude of ways to add personal touches to your big day. Here are a few ideas:
Signature drinks
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3f0xXeDaeI/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Quirky wedding favours
https://www.instagram.com/p/BrP8fTJFrwR/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Unique cake topper
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2LVEFeH-LZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Choreograph a dance routine
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwHnC42hlxb/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
A paw-some ring bearer
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7h7YswnBGV/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Special embroidery
https://www.instagram.com/p/B5YJehEqB9J/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Set up a wedding hashtag
https://www.instagram.com/p/B5TkwwTnvB2/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Write your own meaningful vows
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3SLsbvnjzy/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Get punny
https://www.instagram.com/p/ByiJm3dpom-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Play some games
https://www.instagram.com/p/BvzZo64jsae/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Feature image: Pexels
Located on the shores of Nusa Dua, Bali’s prestigious resort enclave, the Meliá Bali beachfront resort is a unique sanctuary of exotic beauty and comfort for those who…
The pre-wedding festivities have been thriving this past week for former Miss Universe Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters and Tim Tebow. The couple gathered their closest friends and family for a weekend of celebrations in Cape Town.
Their weekend started with a ‘Welcome to Africa’ cocktail dinner in the winelands to introduce Tebow to South African culture. Nel-Peters wore a stunning white dress by Gert Johan-Coetzee featuring a criss-cross neckline and cut-out detail, while Tebow wore a blush-toned suit.
https://www.instagram.com/tv/B7dX-CXBvbQ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
The following day, the couple held a stunning rehearsal dinner. The couple went for a sophisticated colour scheme, opting for rich purples, reds and black. Nel-Peters stunned in a strapless wine-coloured dress with beading by Anel Botha. The couple’s weekend events are all planned by celebrity planner Zavion Khotze.
https://www.instagram.com/tv/B7hHICCBeep/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
The way these events have gone, we cannot wait to see the wedding! It is sure to be a spectacular day.
Feature image: Instagram / Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters
Removing all or some of your body hair is a personal choice, and we’re firm believers in doing whatever works for you. Many men and women do choose…
Back in the 1500s, European women would not be caught dead without wearing a corset as an undergarment.
According to Champagnecorsets.com, the garments gradually began to incorporate the use of a “busk,” a long, flat piece of whalebone or wood sewn into a casing on the corset in order to maintain its stiff shape. This gave wearers a tighter, smaller waistline. The front of the corset was typically covered by a “stomacher,” a stiff, V-shaped structure that was worn on the abdomen for decorative purposes.
Today, many formal dresses still make use of corsets for alignment and shape. Corset bodices can be very flattering, creating a curvy look with well-accentuated features. We love these corset-incorporating gowns:
Image: Unsplash