7 Top Reasons Why the Bride & Groom Should Take Pictures Before the Ceremony

Editor's Note: Thank you to Calfifornia wedding planner, Mary Dann, for allowing Creative Weddings and Occasions  to use this article from her blog http://marydann.blogspot.com/. See her website at www.marydann.com.

The belief that the bride and groom should avoid seeing each other before their wedding ceremony, though amusing, should remain as it is…an ancient tradition. The popular ritual dates back to when marriages were arranged and the bride revealing her face created the possibility of the groom making a run for it! For whatever reason, however, many couples still partake in this peculiar procedure, expecting heightened anticipation, drama and excitement as a result. But why set yourself up for more drama on your wedding day?! I am happy to share 7 compelling reasons why the bride and groom should take pictures BEFORE the ceremony.


1. The first moment will be even more intimate for the couple. Scheduling pictures before the ceremony gives the bride and groom a chance to actually enjoy their first time seeing eachother, without the nervousness of ALL eyes watching them. Their photographer is able to better capture the special moment as well, as opposed to taking shots from a distance with numerous guests in the background. First moment shots are precious and often a couples’ favorite photo from the whole day!

2. Everyone will look better. Ceremonies can be long and emotional. Tears fall, mascara runs, dresses and tuxes wrinkle, and flowers droop. If the ceremony is outdoors, weather could create problems too…hair frizzes, people sweat, and outfits get dirty. There’s only so much a gifted photographer can retouch.

3. Taking pictures beforehand ensures that no one will be left out. It gives the family and the photographer time to find people who are missing and take as many shots as desired. Moreover, if anyone misses the round of pictures before the ceremony, specific shots can quickly be made up after. It creates two opportunities to get all the pictures the couple and family want, eliminating the worry of people taking off after the ceremony and having their own agendas.

4. Taking pictures before the ceremony also ensures that the couple and wedding praty will not miss out on the cocktail party/reception! Any additional pictures taken after the ceremony won’t take long. The wedding party will appreciate getting all the pictures before the ceremony so they can enjoy their dates, family and friends at the cocktail reception, and the couple will have time after the ceremony to relax, go to their room and enjoy spending time with eachother and their guests!

5. It gives the photographer more of a chance to be creative. Whatever shots he did not perfect before the ceremony, he can re-take after. During the ceremony, he can think of more ideas for pictures afterwards. Even the most creative people don’t flourish in rushed, high-pressure environments. Taking pictures beforehand relieves the photographer of unnecessary anxiety, allowing his/her work to be even more brilliant. The pictures will be less posed, more natural, and more real.

6. Anxiety will be taken away from the couple as well and consequently, the focus of the ceremony will be on what’s important. Couples who take pictures beforehand tell me that just seeing their spouse and spending a little time with them before the ceremony calms their nerves and puts them both at ease. Further, as the ceremony begins, instead of the bride worrying about what the groom thinks of her dress, or if her hair is perfect, the couple can enjoy the beauty of the moment with decreased anticipation. They also won’t need to rush right away to PICTURES after walking down the aisle.

7. Instead of one big hoorah moment of seeing each other coming down the aisle, doing things this way divides the magic into sections by creating several special moments. Ask any couple. Even if they’ve already seen eachother, they will still feel lots of excitement and emotion at the start of the ceremony when music is playing, the bride first walks down the aisle, and all of their favorite people are witnessing their every move.

A couple’s wedding day is on one of the most important, exciting, and happiest days of their lives. Why not make it even more enjoyable by taking away added anxiety and the feeling of being rushed? My suggestion to any bride and groom to be is that pictures begin two hours before the ceremony. The first half hour is pictures of the bride and groom only. The second half hour includes the wedding party, and the third adds the couples’ immediate family. Following pictures, everyone can take a 30 minute pause before the ceremony to relax, have hair/makeup touched up, and attend to their own needs. After the ceremony, only 30 minutes or so will be needed for pictures of the extended family or people who were missing before.

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Muriel MacRae is an associate wedding coordinator, a design consultant and event choreographer, and a destination wedding coordinator with Creative Weddings and Occasions and the owner of a boutique travel agency called Del Sol Travel.  She is a certified wedding planner and destination wedding coordinator through the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada. Getting to know and understand her clients is critical in helping turn their ideas and vision into a unique and memorable masterpiece when creating their dream wedding. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans weddings, destination weddings, and honeymoons for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your wedding, honeymoon, or romantic getaway, please contact her at muriel@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com or phone 403-477-0643.

Secrets Silversands Riviera Cancun

As soon as our mini bus from the airport stopped at Secrets Silversands Riviera Cancun, my husband and I knew we were in for a treat. We arrived at this beautiful resort with its contemporary design about 5:30 pm to be greeted by a charismatic doorman waiting for us with a welcome greeting, a cold towel, and a glass of champagne. Our luggage was whisked aside with the bellhop guarding it, waiting for us to get our room key. Check in was fast and uncomplicated. My husband’s previous phone call to the resort resulted in us getting the anniversary package. We were ushered to our ocean view suite located on the 4th floor. We walked into our modern, luxurious room to find red rose petals sprinkled on the ledge of the Jacuzzi tub and the small lit ledge which divided the bed and the sitting area.

The room was large and spacious with a suspended king-size bed, and a good sized sitting area with a large sprawling couch.

The tiny round table for two had a pretty arrangement for fresh flowers.

A relaxing video was playing on the 32-inch satellite TV to set the mood – relax and enjoy! The bathroom had a sliding door which can be opened to view the ocean while one relaxes in the large Jacuzzi tub for two.

In addition, the lovely tiled shower is also designed for two and there is still room for more!

The double sinks with the granite counter also add to the luxury and convenience for the couple staying in the room.

The private balcony is furnished with comfortable lounging furniture placed around a table.

There is also a Secrets box for private room service delivery!

Secrets Silversands Rivera Cancun is a striking adults-only resort dedicated to couples, singles, and friends. Nestled on the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, it is located 15 miles/24 kilometres south of Cancun. Surrounded by warm crystal waters, this all-suite, adults-only Unlimited-Luxury resort features 433 suites. Along with 43,000 square feet/3,995 square metres of pool area and manicured gardens, there are seven a la carte themed restaurants, a delicious buffet, and eight bars ranging from swim-up to elegant making this a perfect destination resort.

The first thing you notice when you arrive here is the fantastic service! The staff is very friendly and go out of their way to make your stay enjoyable and provide every service they can think of. I left my curling iron at home and not finding one for sale on the property, my husband called the Concierge asking where we could purchase one. She offered to lend hers to me for the week claiming that she did not use it. If you are trying to figure out where to take your next vacation, come to Secrets Silversands Riviera Cancun and find out why it was voted “one of the 10 most romantic resorts in 2010”!

All photos courtesy of Muriel MacRae

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Muriel MacRae is an associate wedding coordinator, a design consultant and event choreographer, and a destination wedding coordinator with Creative Weddings and Occasions and the owner of a boutique travel agency called Del Sol Travel.  She is a certified wedding planner and destination wedding coordinator through the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada. Getting to know and understand her clients is critical in helping turn their ideas and vision into a unique and memorable masterpiece when creating their dream wedding. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans weddings, destination weddings, and honeymoons for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your wedding, honeymoon, or romantic getaway, please contact her at muriel@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com or phone 403-477-0643

Conrad Maldives Resort and Spa

Are you looking for the perfect honeymoon retreat?  Look no farther!

Aerial view of Conrad Maldives Resort and Spa

In a spectacular setting on the Indian Ocean, the Conrad Maldives Resort & Spa is set on two private islands among miles of idyllic white sand beach and an unspoiled natural coral reef.  This resort is the ultimate romantic destination offering sophisticated barefoot luxury: stunning tropical islands surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty and sparkling ocean. Hidden amidst graceful palm trees and surrounded by the beautiful turquoise of the Indian Ocean, the resort offers luxurious and contemporary accommodations, designed to meet the needs of even the most discerning guests.

Lay on the beach

Known as one of the world’s most luxurious getaways, this award winning resort is perched over two islands linked by a bridge, and surrounded by a beautiful lagoon located just 30 minutes from the Male International Airport by seaplane. Choose from magnificent water villas, exotic new beach villas and new spa water villas each with an indulgent private treatment room.

Deluxe Water Villas

The Deluxe Beach Villas offer up to 300m² of private living space with a light airy bedroom and living area, a private courtyard with a fountain. Each villa features a plunge pool set in lush gardens that ensures total tropical seclusion.

Deluxe Beach  Villa Exterior

Deluxe Beach Villa Interior

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has 35 Beach Villas and 44 Deluxe Beach Villas with expansive sunken baths and luxurious open-air showers, creating a huge outdoor garden-bathroom.  Inside, the enormous glass doors open up to reveal a spacious bedroom and contemporary interior furnishings.

Open-air shower

The Sunset Water Villas offer the ultimate in luxury and privacy. These two exclusive Villas are located in a remote area of the lagoon, and come with their own jet boat shuttle and exclusive walkway entrance.

Deluxe Water Villa Exterior

At night, the ocean floor is spot lit showing marine life through the spectacular glass-floored living room. The Sunset Water Villas offer a Jacuzzi on the terrace and include a Bose surround sound DVD theater system and two large flat –screen TVs.  They are called the Sunset Villas because they have a divine remote-control circular bed which rotates 180-degree so one can watch the setting sun through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Interior view of Sunset Water Villas

The spectacular Over-Water Spa  is located on stilts 50 metres over the water. Professional therapists provide massages, beauty services, and a combination of therapies for guests looking for a revitalizing experience.

Over Water Spa Treatment Room
Photo courtesy of Tropic Beach.com

Gourmet and wine connoisseurs will find themselves at home amongst seven world-class restaurants and a visit to the world’s only all-glass undersea restaurant is a must.

Wine Cellar Restaurant

Under sea restaurant

Palm-fringed, white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and unspoiled reefs make this the perfect snorkel and dive site. The staff can arrange concierge services, wedding services, and currency exchange.

For those individuals looking absolute tranquility, it’s easy to spend your days enjoying the beach, sipping an exotic drink on your terrace or just gazing at the beautiful blue ocean.

All photos courtesy of Maldives Tourism unless otherwise indicated

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 Muriel MacRae is an associate wedding coordinator, a design consultant and event choreographer, and a destination wedding coordinator with Creative Weddings and Occasions and the owner of a boutique travel agency called Del Sol Travel.  She is a certified wedding planner and destination wedding coordinator through the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada. Getting to know and understand her clients is critical in helping turn their ideas and vision into a unique and memorable masterpiece when creating their dream wedding. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans weddings, destination weddings, and honeymoons for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your wedding, honeymoon, or romantic getaway, please contact her at muriel@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com or phone 403-477-0643.

Find Your Hawaii Paradise at Kona Village Resort

Located just north of The Four Seasons Resort at Haualalai, Kona Village Resort on the Big Island of Hawaii features serene lagoons surrounded by lush tropical landscaping – a place where dreams are made.

Picture courtesy of Kona Village Resort

This is the only high-end resort in Hawaii to offer escape from the electrical world: no TVs, no phones, no radios, no clocks, and no-air-conditioning.  Also, this is a very nice resort offering a variety of inclusive dining options. Beverages are not included, but all of your meals are.

Pictures courtesy of Kona Village Resort 

Bora Bora Restaurant

Kona Village Resort is set on 82 acres of sandy beach front property. This resort was the second built on the island, opening shortly after Laurence Rockefeller’s Mauna Kea Hotel in 1965. This is not your typical “over the top luxury resort”, but private cottages off the beach providing a retreat-like atmosphere where you can reconnect with nature.

Pictures courtesy of Kona Village Resort 

After it had been purchased by Michael Dell, maintenance standards have gone up, but major improvements continue to be hampered by local bureaucracy.

Pictures courtesy of Kona Village Resort

Famed for its rustic aloha spirit and idyllic castaway locale, this resort has been built on the grounds of an ancient Hawaiian village, the bungalows reflect styles of South Seas cultures—Tahitian, Samoan, Maori, Fijian, or Hawaiian. The hales are situated in three general locations: by the beach, on an old lava flow, and around some carefully restored ancient fish ponds. The extra-large Royal rooms have private hot tubs. Some of the bungalows are oceanfront, some nestled in a rain-forest-like setting of ponds and gardens, and no matter where your hale is and how crowded the resort is, you'll feel like this is your own little hideaway.

Pictures courtesy of Kona Village Resort

The other bonus about Kona Village that sets it apart from many of the other resorts is that it tends to attract repeat customers for decades, and it retains its staff for equally as long, which breeds a very comfortable vibe around the resort. The beach here is small, but idyllic, with sea turtles nesting in the sand around a calm, turquoise bay.

Pictures courtesy of Kona Village Resort

Rates include all meals, an authentic Polynesian Wednesday- or Friday-night luau, grounds tours, tennis, sports activities, and rides in the resort's glass-bottom boat. The resort's ocean program has recently been expanded to include sea kayaking, scuba diving on a new boat that can accommodate up to six divers, and snorkelling excursions. Children's programs are not available in May or September, which are designated "adults-only" months, so if you're planning a honeymoon to Hawaii and want to stay at Kona Village, May or September is a good choice.  They even offer historical, botanical, and petroglyph tours for those who want to learn something on their vacation!

Pictures courtesy of Kona Village Resort

I hope you’ll contact me to help plan your vacation at Kona Village. You can reach me at 403-477-0643, or Toll Free at 866-653-4055, or e-mail me at travelinfo@delsoltravel.ca .


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 Muriel MacRae is an associate wedding coordinator, a design consultant and event choreographer, and a destination wedding coordinator with Creative Weddings and Occasions and the owner of a boutique travel agency called Del Sol Travel.  She is a certified wedding planner and destination wedding coordinator through the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada. Getting to know and understand her clients is critical in helping turn their ideas and vision into a unique and memorable masterpiece when creating their dream wedding. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans weddings, destination weddings, and honeymoons for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your wedding, honeymoon, or romantic getaway, please contact her at muriel@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com or phone 403-477-0643.

Slimdown Secrets for Brides By Tonya Shadoan

Creative Weddings and Occasions is pleased to have our good friend and mentor, Tonya Shadoan, from Circle City Planners, as our guest author today.  What a timely article just in time for those brides who are getting ready for one of the most exciting days of their lives!


Doesn't every bride want to look her best on the most important day of her life? It takes some effort but Circle City Planners has created a slim down time line to make sure you are in tip-top shape for your big day. The best way to ensure that you will look radiant on your wedding day is to start ahead of time and begin a wedding exercise and diet regime early. Below is a helpful guide to help you shape up and look fabulous. It’s time to but down the Doritos and say hello to your new friends, apple and banana!


Wedding Love and Hugs,

Tonya

6-9 Months before The Wedding: Start a Sensible Work Out regime.
In order to look and feel your best on your wedding day it is important to take care of your body in the months leading up to the wedding. We recommend working out at least 2-3 times per week, (if you feel you have more to lose you might want to up that to 3-4 times per week). by incorporating exercise into your weekly routine you will not only slim down but you will also feel healthier and have more energy. Try to make sure that your workouts combine cardio and weightlifting. Cardio will help burn calories while weightlifting will firm and tone your muscles. There are a variety of different workout plans you could follow. Running is a great way to burn calories and get in shape quickly and Pilates is a fun way to tone your entire body. There are also many great workout DVD's that are specifically designed to get brides into shape such as "The Wedding Workout" from Women's Health magazine.

Wedding Workout DVD

4-5 Months before the Wedding: Watch What You Eat!
Ok ladies...like we said before it is time to put down the Doritos and say hello to your new friends apple and banana. With your wedding around the corner now is the perfect time to take a look at your eating habits and make sure that what you put in your body is going to help you look your best on your big day. You should be eating balanced meals (meals that contain carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats). Eating five smaller meals a day will keep your metabolism active which, combined with your workouts, will help you lose any extra weight you may have to lose. It is also important that you EAT. Now is not the time to start a crash diet or starve yourself in order to look thin. By drastically cutting your calories you will only weaken your immune system causing you to get sick. This is not the time to be stuck in bed with the flu so be sure that you are eating at minimum 1,200-1,500 calories a day.

2-3 Months before the Wedding: Start Targeting Specific Areas.
Ok so you have between 8-12 weeks left before your wedding. Now is the best time to change up your workout routine and start pinpointing parts of your body that your dress shows off. If your dress is strapless you will want to start toning your arms and shoulders so that they look well defined when you walk down the aisle. Some great strengthening moves include shoulder presses, bicep curls and triceps dips, all of which can be done at home with a set of 3-5lb weights. If you don’t have weights at home you can get two 1 litre water bottles and use them to do your exercises. If you are wearing a more formfitting silhouette, like a mermaid style dress, you will want to do some exercises that target your gluteus, hamstrings, and your abs so that your lower half looks firmed and toned. Some great exercises to tone your lower half include squats, reverse crunches and lunges. By adding these strengthening moves to your weekly workouts you will be able to see a more toned version of yourself in time for your big day. The website below has great instructions on how to do the exercises mentioned above as well as many other exercises that would be great additions to any workout.

Exercise Demonstrations

1 Month before Your Wedding: Take Some Time To Relax
So now it is getting down to crunch time. The wedding is around the corner and there are a million details that still need to be addressed. This is the time when most brides begin to feel overwhelmed. Don't let the stress get to you. Set aside some time each week to just relax. Read a book, go for a walk, or just veg out on the couch and watch some bad reality television. Whatever you do to relax make sure that you incorporate it into your weekly routine. If you let the stress get to you, you open yourself up to fatigue, illness and weight gain, not to mention the fact that you might turn into a total Bridezilla! Make sure you make time for yourself. If you feel stressed out try delegating some of the responsibilities to your mom, your bridesmaids or even the groom. Try not to get stressed because not only will it take a toll on you emotionally, but it will affect your appearance negatively as well.

2-3 Weeks before Your Wedding: Drink More Water!
Even if you think you drink plenty of water every day...DRINK MORE! Drinking water will help your appearance in many different ways. First of all water will help you de-bloat. When you don’t drink enough water your body will hold on to any extra water that it receives causing people to carry around extra water weight. Drinking lots of water will help flush out your system and hydrate you, causing you to get rid of any extra water weight you may be carrying. You can also help this process along by cutting down on your sodium and sugar intake, both of which will cause you to bloat. Water will also help your skin look and feel clear and radiant. The more water you drink the more full and plump your skin cells will become, which will make your skin glow

1-2 Weeks before the Wedding: Don't Get Carried Away With Your Diet!
Hopefully by now you have had your final dress fitting (If not you need to get on that right away). Once you have had your final fitting it is extremely important to keep your weight consistent. If your weight drastically changes the week before your wedding there will not be enough time to alter your dress to fit, so make sure that you are not crash dieting the week before!


The Week Of Your Wedding: Pamper Yourself!
This is the time when you need to take care of yourself physically and mentally. Take all the appropriate steps to make sure that you are looking your best. Exfoliate your skin so that is glows. If you are going to get a tan, make sure that you have tested the type of tan you are going to get beforehand. It could be a disaster to go spray tanning the week before your wedding only to have your skin turn orange! Make sure you schedule a manicure and a pedicure for yourself. Also, you might want to deep condition your hair a few days before the wedding. Hair stylists don't want you to condition the day of your wedding because it makes styling too difficult. So if you deep condition a few days before, your hair will look shiny and gorgeous and your stylist will still love you!

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Tonya Shadoan is the owner of Circle City Planners.  Brides are taken on the CCP journey exploring their wedding vision as our planners guide them through each step of the planning process.  Tonya has earned the designation of Professional Bridal Consultant™ and is a Member of the Association of Bridal Consultants and International Special Events Society.

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Muriel MacRae is an associate wedding coordinator, a design consultant and event choreographer, and a destination wedding coordinator with Creative Weddings and Occasions and the owner of a boutique travel agency called Del Sol Travel.  She is a certified wedding planner and destination wedding coordinator through the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada. Getting to know and understand her clients is critical in helping turn their ideas and vision into a unique and memorable masterpiece when creating their dream wedding. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans weddings, destination weddings, and honeymoons for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your wedding, honeymoon, or romantic getaway, please contact her at muriel@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com or phone 403-477-0643.