Ria & Craig - First Moment

Over the past two years, Mr Tagg and I have discovered that wedding planning is all about doing whatever makes you happy. Tradition is not set in stone and when it comes to your happiness, you shouldn’t feel bound by rules.

Having said that, after a recommendation from our photographers, Bronnie and Adam at Craven Images, we’ve decided to flaunt convention and have our wedding photos taken before the ceremony. This means we will have more time with our guests in between the ceremony and reception, especially since the ceremony starts in the late afternoon. Bronnie and Adam have done this with quite a few couples, like Ria and Craig whose “first moment” photos I’ve featured here. Traditionally, seeing your bride/groom for the first time at the end of the aisle is the “pinnacle moment”. For us, we’d rather our “first moment” be shared with a select few, before the rest of the crowd sees us. This way, not only will our photographers have exclusive access to capture our first moments together on our wedding day, but having taken our photos before our guests arrive means we will be able to enjoy more of our time with them.

Ria & Craig - The Surprise

Just because something is traditional doesn’t mean it is always going to work for everybody. A wedding should be about who you are as a couple, and what parts of tradition you value mixed with ideas that represent your personalities and love. Whatever you choose to do to get to that point, stay true to yourselves, and you will enjoy your big day because it is natural and heartfelt.

Photography by Craven Images

Ms Gingham says: It really does make sense to organize your day the way it suits you. After all rules are made to be broken …

About Rachael: A bride-to-be from the South Coast (NSW), engaged to a charming accountant (Mr. Tagg) who is a very proactive Groom-to-be, planning our dream wedding in Bowral.

Read more from Rachael here.