Random thoughts on photographing weddings

Wedding formats 

I first started photographing weddings in the early 1970's and have photographed roughly 300 weddings since that time period.  Over the years the approach to photographing weddings has been evolving.  

Traditional
The bride and groom are photographed separately getting ready prior to the ceremony. All wedding formals are taken following the wedding ceremony and receiving line. Post ceremony formals typically will take between 30-45 minutes depending on interruptions and the type of pictures the couple desires. This type of format results in many couples feeling rushed in order to make it to the reception on time, Many times this format leads to increased stress and missed romantic pictures of the bride and groom together.  You don't see this format used as much anymore because of these limitations.  

Contemporary
Photographs of the bride, her family, and attendants are taken prior to the wedding. Once these images are completed, then pictures of the groom, his family, and crew are taken. When the ceremony and receiving line are over the remaining formals are taken prior to going to the reception.  Most of the weddings in the Parkersburg area follow this this format.   

First Glance
Pictures of the B&G getting ready are taken before the ceremony and then the couple is brought together for some intimate pictures as they first see each other. This type of session is very emotional and provides an opportunity to capture the most romantic pictures. All other formals are done before the wedding. This format allows everyone to leave for the reception immediately after the ceremony.  This is my favorite way of photographing weddings since it allows time for romance and creativity.