Wedding Traditions

Earlier today I was skimming through various wedding related articles and found one from ‘The Knot’ about wedding traditions.  This one was of particular interest in regards to your wedding day photography.
Old School: You shouldn't see each other until the ceremony
New Rule: Schedule a "first look" photo shoot (you and your groom meet with just the photographer before the ceremony). This frees up more time after the ceremony so you can actually enjoy your cocktail hour, and it also lets you spend a few precious moments with your soon-to-be spouse before all the wedding craziness sets in. (Trust us; it will!)
You can see the above entire article by clicking on this link:  The Knot – 10 Wedding Traditions.

                       (Photo found online – Queen Alexandra in her wedding dress and veil) 
Many of the couples who hire us, opt to do their photos before the wedding and having a reveal – in front of the camera or in private.  From a photographers perspective the advantages are that the bride's hair and make-up are flawless, they still have the excitement in their eyes for their upcoming ceremony and since you don’t have a crowd of people waiting for you, you are more relaxed for photographs.  There are still a few who tell me “It’s bad luck” and wait until after the ceremony – we work with YOUR schedule!  However, I still want to share how this tradition came about.
Long ago – back in the day of pre-arranged marriages, the bride and groom more often than not, never saw each other before the wedding ceremony.  The bride wore veils covering her face during the ceremony until that first kiss sealing their marriage.  If a groom were to see the bride and not follow through with the wedding, this often caused a war between the families, nations, etc.  This is why it was deemed as ‘bad luck’ for the couple to see each before the wedding!  Not really the most romantic thought knowing that it was because of fear that if the groom would see his bride, not like the looks of her and then bolt!
 Even when couples were acquainted before they married, it was still considered bad luck for the groom to glimpse the bride pre-ceremony, as she would not be pure and new. Nor was the bride  to see herself as it was believed that if she saw her reflection she would leave some of herself behind in the mirror.
To discuss your wedding, call us for a free no pressure consultation:  253-970-5689 or e-mail us at info@familyaffairphotography.com