The Purple Book: A Guide to Colorado Springs Weddings and Receptions

Reasons to Consider Taking Couple Pictures Before the Wedding

By Conrad Smith, editor of The Purple Book

Romance:

When you ask most couples what they remember about their wedding day, it is
usually memories of rushing around and mobs of people.

Yet, your wedding day should be one of the most romantic days of your life.

Therefore we recommend a special ceremony that gives you a private time to be
alone with your mate-to-be.

Here's how to do it. First, clear the auditorium of everyone. Then, bring the bride
into the auditorium, position her at the altar and fix her dress and flowers so she is
picture perfect. The groom then enters and the couple spends ten quiet minutes
alone before pictures begin.

Although this special ceremony breaks tradition because the groom sees the bride
before the wedding, it still maintains the spirit of the tradition.

The groom still has the romantic anticipation of wondering what the bride looks
like in her dress.

In many ways, this method is better than the traditional method because not only is
he still surprised by his bride, he now has the opportunity to express his love to her
in ways that he could not do if he waited until the ceremony began.

A Relaxed Atmosphere:

After their few minutes alone, we find that most couples are much more relaxed
than those that take their pictures after the wedding because this time has
reassured them of their love and commitment to each other.

Freshness:

By taking the pictures first, you are able to guarantee that you are picture perfect.
This is in contrast to after the wedding when you may have cried, become heated
from a warm auditorium, or felt a little limp from nervous perspiration.

Consideration For Your Emotions:

If you are like most couples, when the ceremony ends, you emotionally let down with
a big sigh of relief and your greatest desire is to start celebrating with your family
and friends. By doing all the photographs prior to the wedding, you are free to go
straight to the reception, instead of going back to take pictures.

Consideration For Your Guests:

Although this is your day, it is important to consider your guests. They have
come to share your joy and will want to celebrate with you after the wedding.
By taking pictures before the wedding, you are free to be with them immediately
after your wedding. You will not inconvenience them by asking them to wait
while you take pictures after the wedding.

Time Frames To Consider for Your Photography

Doing All Pictures Before the Wedding

Note: See above for an excellent way to preserve the spirit of the tradition of
anticipation and surprise when the Groom first sees the Bride. This allows you
to take all the pictures prior to the wedding and frees you to celebrate your
union immediately with your family and friends.

Doing Separate Pictures Before, then the Rest After the Wedding

Note: Separate Pictures of the Bride and the Groom with their respective
attendants and parents can be done before the wedding so the couple do
not have to see each other. However, the majority of the photographs will
still be taken after the wedding because you will want romantic pictures with
each other, the two of you together with the wedding party, and the two
of you with your families.

Example of a 2:00 Wedding Your Wedding: