Behind the Lens: Paige Eden Photography

First, welcome to our new series of blog posts, BEHIND THE LENS.   My concept for this informative series is to invite some of my favorite photographers to share their perspective on shooting weddings from behind the lens of their camera.  Photographers see things that other vendors do not.  They have a unique vantage point in capturing and making indelible memories.  Each month I will highlight one photographer who will give you insight into a topic that matters on your wedding day.  I hope this series will answer questions for you, get you thinking or make you aware of a topic or issue that relates to your wedding.  My goal is to share information so that you can plan effectively for your “Main Event.”

This month’s Behind the Lens post is by Paige Eden Photography, who photographed Beth & Ryan’s wedding for The Main Event.

We Want to See Each Other Before We Say “I Do” – What is a First Look?

By Paige Eden

In today’s modern wedding, many couples see each other before they walk down the aisle.  Why has this become a trend and what exactly is a “First Look”?  

In ancient superstitions and lore, it was deemed “bad luck” for the groom to see the bride before they were married.  Since many marriages were arranged, it became the custom to not see each other before the wedding in case seeing their future spouse would cause them to change their mind to wed!  In fact, your parents probably never saw each other before they were married due to this superstition! Fast forward to 2015; more and more couples are choosing to have a “private moment” together before they get married for a variety of reasons.  Here is a short list of some of the many reasons couples are choosing this trend:

• Convenience: 
  • Some churches may have time constraints on ceremony availability and can only offer one or two time slots on your day which may not work with your overall wedding day timing.
  • Another possible reason to see each other beforehand might be that you would like to join your guests during cocktail hour and would prefer not to be taking photos during that time.

• Photo opportunities:
  •   Let’s be honest – one of the few tangible items after your wedding will be your wedding photographs.  Some couples choose to see each other before their wedding because of the more creative photo opportunities that can be had during this time.
  • A first look is a wonderful way to add a planned surprise to your wedding day; the first time you see each other all dressed and ready to head down the aisle often brings about emotions of pure love and joy!

• Special Moments:
  • Many couples  realize that a first look will be one of the only times on their wedding day when they will truly be alone with each other.
  • A first look can be a special time to be together and really focus on just each other and why you are getting married.
    

The main thing to remember when planning a first look for your wedding; follow your own personal taste and comfort level and decide on when you want to see each other, together as a couple.