Who says you need to have an even numbered, matching gender, wedding party? Who says you need to have a wedding party at all? Your wedding day is about YOU so choose what feels right to you. Who do you want by your side? Maybe it’s everyone, maybe nobody. You choose!
Take a look at some non “traditional” bridal party ideas
When it comes to thanking your bridal party, there are endless routes you can take. You can go the sentimental, practical, or completely out of the box. One fun avenue to think about is gifting your bridal party presents that can be used the day of the wedding. Your wedding day is the start of the rest of your life, but on flip side, it’s the end of a long commitment from your bridesmaids and groomsmen.
I will be honest, only three years ago I had never even heard of a "First Look"! And now they are happening at most of the weddings I photograph! Whether or not to do a First Look is your choice, your personal preference. Some more traditional Brides prefer that first look to be when they walk down the aisle - all eyes on them, and her eyes only on her Groom. Other couples prefer to take a moment before the ceremony to see one another, in private, without the guests watching. Whatever your preference, I love photographing that moment but I just wanted to share some examples and reason why I really love shooting First Looks!
Reason #1 - Intimacy. Couples get a chance to see one another for the first time without the guests, friends and family watching. For some Brides this is ideal as they often spend that moment walking down the aisle worrying about tripping, looking at the guests, checking out the decor to make sure its correct, and so much more! They forget to enjoy the moment. Then, when you get to the altar, the ceremony begins and you and your spouse do not get a chance to communicate. My one rule (yes I have a First Look "rule"), is that no guest may be around when we do First Looks. No one. This is YOUR moment, your time, enjoy it! You don't want the moment ruined by Aunt Matilda and her ipad camera in your face!
Then after I snap a few shots I will disappear for 5-10 minutes for you to talk and whisper sweet nothings to one another...your time.
Reason #2 - Time! As a photographer, the First Look makes my day! Why? Well, after the couple finish their moment we will go out and do all the formal shots of the couple, then gather the wedding party for some fun wedding party images, and then usually finish all the posed family shots - ALL BEFORE THE CEREMONY!!
Why is this so amazing? Well, you can enjoy your ceremony and then move right into your party without having your guest wait around for hours while you take photos! Its a win-win for me, the couple, and the guests!
However...I do usually like to take the newly married couple aside for a few more shots together because now they will have that freshly married glow!
Now what about that moment you walk down the aisle? Does having a First Look take away from that moment?
I say NO! Its almost like you get two special moments now! Walking down the aisle still feels special because now you are seeing one another for the first time in front of your friends and family, many of which do not even know you already saw one another! And you know that this is the real thing - the moment you have been waiting for your whole life, knowing that once you get down that aisle in a few short minutes you will be married to your true love!! It has a whole different feeling than the first look before the ceremony because now its really happening!
wedding shot alongside Carolyn Bentum Photography
So, my future couples - whatever you decide to do is your choice and I love them both! Hopefully this little post will give you some insight as to why many choose to do a First Look. I cannot wait to capture your moment, however that moment unfolds ♥
2021 Wedding Highlights - Love Bee Photography
Hockley Valley Resort Wedding
Guild Inn Wedding
FINALLY! 2021 allowed us to participate in weddings again!
Check out three amazing weddings from 2021.
Milcroft Inn in Caledon, Croation Centre in Hamilton and a private cottage wedding in Haliburton
Devon and Bryan are sweet, outdoorsy, and very kind and loving. The first time we met was at their country home for tea :) And we had a great time exploring the outdoors during their engagement session
Take a peek at their wedding at the Bradford Barn and leave a comment if you wish!
I love shooting at Hockley Valley Resort. Such a great backdrop any time of the year. I have photographed a wedding there in every season!
Melissa and James’ wedding was so special. So many intimate moments.
Take a sneak peek here
You never know what kind of weather you are going to get in the fall, it can be a gamble. But when you have such a cool venue as Drysdale Farm in Alliston, ON (otherwise known as the Christmas tree farm!), it really does not matter the weather. Plus the indoor location is a huge greenhouse with a white ceiling, which is a Photographer’s dream! We love white ceilings to bounce our flash and lights, and create a natural light source indoors. (just a tip if you are venue searching!)
Winter weddings are some kind of magical. Especially in Canada - glistening snow, sunny skies. As long as you can handle the cold!
Jessica and Alex tied the knot on a beautiful March day, at the Hockley Valley Resort in Mono, Ontario. Such a beautiful location for a winter (or summer!) wedding!
Ainka and Andy got married among friends and family in Kleinburg, Ontario at The Doctor’s House wedding venue. The ceremony was in the little chapel on site. View more images in this post by Love Bee Photography
Nicole and John got married in the countryside, at John’s family property in Blue Mountain, Ontario. Such a beautiful day with an outdoor ceremony and tent reception.
Traditionally the first dance is for the Bride and Groom. It is a symbolic dance expressing that the two are joined in union. But in modern times, the first dance can be so much more! Here are some ways to make it personal, have fun with your first dance, and make it a picture-worthy event!
Some wedding photographers will insist on you hiring a second photographer while other photographers I know prefer shooting alone. At the end of the day you are the one hiring the photographer and it will be up to you if you want one or two people photographing your wedding. To help make a decision, here are some factors to consider.
You have decided to do engagement photos! Yay! Now what?
Personally I like to think of an engagement session as a little date. If you were planning a romantic date night, would you go to a random park and cuddle under random trees? Probably not. Choose a place that is meaningful to the two of you. If that park was where you got engaged or first met, sure let’s go there! Or maybe you love going to local patios and enjoying a cold beer – then go there! Take the dog for a walk, browse your favourite book store together, or better yet, just stay home and cuddle on the couch!
If you have your photographer document the part of your wedding day when you are getting ready for your wedding, you may want to keep in mind a few tips to make those images just as amazing as your portraits. Getting ready images are an important part of your wedding day, and sometimes some of my favourite moments. Since my goal is to shoot the real moments and authenticity of your day, getting ready images are often some of my most favourite images. Everyone is starting to buzz with excitement at this time, realizing what is about to happen!
Read more for Tips and Tricks to awesome Getting Ready Photos!
Today's Stress-Free Friday post is all about including your man in the wedding plans.
COMMUNICATE – the number one tip I can give you is to communicate BEFORE you start planning. Sit down and discuss what aspects of your wedding day are most important to both of you, what you can do without, and share the vision you each have for your perfect wedding day.
You may be asking - Is is necessary to have a Flower Girl and Ring Bearer at my wedding? What if I have only one Flower Girl I want to include? What if I have too many children to include? Do they all have to stay for dinner?
Ok – breath. Not a big deal. Like I always say – it’s YOUR wedding, DO YOU.
Keep reading for the answer!
There are many times during your wedding planning process that you may find yourself in front of the camera. From engagement portraits, to showers and parties, and of course, your wedding day!
But have you ever thought about a private intimate session JUST FOR YOU?
I am talking about a Bridal Boudoir session.