About: Anthony Mickeal is a wedding Photographer based out of Northern NJ.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could go back in time, and capture the moment that the couple first meets on a very first date? It’s something to consider on your wedding day as a "first look".

Wedding traditions and ceremonies can become quite routine in nature, without much variation from the standard procedures we are used to seeing. Granted, the couple in love makes the entire day special, and the dress selections and people present all add to the overall experience. There are some extra special photo opportunities that you can add into your big day, to make it all the more sentimental and endearing. Traditionally, in most religions, or in non-denominational, wedding ceremonies, the Groom does not get to see the bride before the wedding.

The old root for this traditions is possibly Yichud, the meaning of which is Privacy, a Jewish tradition that helps the couple to spend some time together, relaxing, away from all of the excitement, well-wishes and overjoyed guests. Usually, this time alone will take place just before the reception (but after the wedding ceremony ), and it’s a really good way to relieve some of the stress and tension from the day’s events, as weddings are often a non-stop, whirlwind of emotions.

Many couples these days though are breaking the rules and opting for "First Look Photos", the moment even before the ceremony, when the bride and groom get to see each other for the very first time on their wedding day. The couple is still energized early on in the day and each straight out of the dressing room, looking and feeling their best. Photographers stage this event, for couples to meet in a specific place for photos, somewhere like a private garden away from the swarm of guests. Typically, the Groom will stand waiting, with the photographer present. The moment of the First Look is captured, when the Bride to be approaches the Groom, and he turns around to see her in that gorgeous, hand-picked, gown; it’s the initial moment when their eyes meet, and emotions do run high! A good photographer can capture all of this for you, and preserve that special private and intimate moment.

When thinking about your wedding photos, and how you would like everything to look, consider this an option for some additional photos that will create a moment you will never forget. These photos will require some extra time, and some extra planning, but they are a good opportunity to preserve everything that happens on your wedding day, and it’s also the moment that the bride looks her best, right out of the dressing area! What does the Groom think of all of this, and what is that unexplainable heartwarming feeling, when you both realize, this is the moment you've been waiting so long for, and that this is finally it? A good photographer will let you look back on it all, so you can remember this feeling forever.

Anthony is a NJ & NYC wedding photographer with a passion for artistic crafted story telling imagery. Contact us for more information on how we can make your wedding day special.