for the bride’s out there who are in the process of planning their special day, i wanted to share a little bit of advice!

consider planning for a “first look”!

“what is a first look”, you ask?

a “first look” is a brief portrait session before the ceremony on your wedding day.

now, i know what you’re going to say “but, it’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding!!”

to that, i will respond with a brief history lesson! back in the day (hundreds of years ago!), marriage was more of a business transaction than the uniting of two lovers. (and the bride was the legal tender) fathers would, in essence, sell their daughters in an attempt to gain land, or favor with another father of the groom-to-be. so, as added insurance that the groom-to-be wouldn’t flee from the alter, the bride was kept hidden from him…just in case he didn’t like what he saw. this insurance policy turned into tradition, and then superstition.

well, times they have changed! people marry for love!

the benefits of a “first look”…

more time
with the bride and groom portraits out of the way, you can go directly to your cocktail hour or reception immediately after the ceremony!

less stress
by seeing each other before the ceremony, you’ll feel calmer, and more relaxed. which will reduce any stress or anxiety you may have 110%!

better light
if you’re planning an evening wedding, by the time the ceremony is over the available natural light may be limited, or worse, non existent! and natural light is by FAR the MOST flattering!

so, i know what you’re thinking “wow! this sounds awesome! but, how does it work?”

well, i’m glad you asked! the goal is to keep all the built up excitement and suspense by getting ready in separate locations. then, before the ceremony, when you are both dressed and looking FAB-U-LOUS, you’ll meet and get your FIRST LOOK! my job will then be to capture those smiles, tears, giggles, hugs, and kisses! (things you wouldn’t necessarily be able to do if your first look was at the alter in front of everyone.) once we’re done with the first look, and relaxed bride/groom portraits, we’ll get the bridal party and family/group shots out of the way, and you’re off to the alter! then onto your reception to PAR-TAY!

your wedding day should be spent with your new spouse, friends, and family! and that’s why i recommend a first look!

happy planning!

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hi! my name is marcia tumminaro, and i’m a wedding photographer. i photograph the real, emotional, and sometimes hilarious moments of gorgeous couples on one of the most important days of their life. i also photograph engagements, portraits, families, and whatever else peaks my creative interests.

if you’re interested in hearing more from me, please visit my blog:
marciatumminaro.blogspot.com

you can also check out my website for galleries, bio, and pricing info: marciatumminaro.com

The number of film makers attending your wedding can impact the intrusiveness of the filming itself. In this case, more is often less, as one camera person running around with a shoulder mounted camera and a headlight on the camera, trying to catch every meaningful shot, is far more intrusive than several film makers stationed strategically in the background on tripods with an off- camera light bouncing off a wall or ceiling.

With several film makers you can have a cocktail hour fillmed at the same time as a photoshoot at the same time another person is setting up mcrophones in the reception area. Thinking that one person can do the job, and do it well, and unobtrusively, will likely result in some major limitations on your final product.

In the editing room it’s helpful to have several angles to edit with so that a first dance can include a wide shot of the couple with the reception room and guests in the background; a tight closeup of the couples’ faces and arms about each other; and even a balcony or very wideshot of them dancing, shot from above. Similarly, during toasts, it’s great to ave a shot of the person toasting and a reaction shot of the couple and the guests as well. With multiple cameras you can have it all, and never see the cameras in the way of your guests.

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Naom Raiselle is the creator of GENERATIONS cinemastories in Brookline MA., a special event film studio tthat specializes in multi-camera filming and editing of fine event films. GENERATIONS’ films are characterized by their pristine live sound; their meticulous attention to detail,; expressive character portraits and highly individual creations. Every GENERATIONS cinemastories’ film is a one of a kind production.