Wedding planning is such an important part of the whole wedding process.  I like to sit down with all my bride and grooms and do a detailed timeline of their day.  By working out all the details ahead of time it makes the wedding day flow much easier.  All the who, whats, wheres and whens have all been worked out leaving the couples to just enjoy their day.
When we first start our planning we work out a timeline from the moment I arrive to when I leave.  Sometimes the timeline will flow quite easily, others need some rearranging and rethinking plans. One of the problems that can arise is that there isn't a lot of time between the ceremony ending and the reception starting.  This is one of the most important times of the day as far as photos go.  We usually do formal family photos, bridal party photos and the bride and groom formal photos in that time frame.  When we have 2 hours we are golden in most cases, but a lot of weddings are starting their cocktail hours directly after the ceremonies which only leaves about an hour for all those photos to be taken.  When this happens I ask the couples, " Have you thought about doing a first look?"  Why would you want to consider a first look and what are some of the pros and cons?

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Before I go more into why do a first look I want to explain what exactly a first look is.  The first look started to become a more popular idea when the whole wedding structure started to change.  Many years ago a typical wedding started at 11am  and the reception started many hours later at a different location.  Now, most weddings are starting in the late afternoons and the receptions starting with cocktail hour directly after their ceremonies.  The latest wedding trend takes away all the extra time couples had for family photos, traveling to beautiful destinations for formal photos and having fabulous natural light out door photos.  This is why the first looks started to become a choice for bride and grooms. 
So why do a first look?  It gives you that extra time in the day to take your wedding photos  without rushing to get them done before the reception and to take full advantage of outdoor light and locations.  When you choose to do a first look and taking your bridal formal photos at that time it leaves that time between the end of the ceremony and beginning of the reception not as time crunched and stressed!!  And most bride and grooms can actually get to enjoy some of their cocktail hour!
Another reason to do a first look and this one is actually my favorite reason;  it will give the bride and groom time to enjoy each other without anyone else around.  There is no stress of trying to remember to "walk slow, smile, don't cry,don't trip", there isn't 100 or so people watching how the groom will react and it gives the couples time to be silly, laugh, cry, kiss, twirl, hug and just take each other in!  It is the only part of the day that the couples will truly be alone to just be together,  It gives them time to really enjoy the first time they see each other on their wedding day.

I will also be there to photograph those tender moments while letting the couples have that alone time.  Once they are ready and have relaxed but still very excited about the rest of the day we will do the couples wedding portraits.  If the wedding couple wants to include the rest of the bridal party after their time together we can get many of the bridal photos done at that time too.  It will then take away the added stress that trying to do too much in the short time after the ceremony and before the reception.  Couples can enjoy their family and friends while taking the formal family photos without rushing to get time to do their photos. They also may have time to enjoy a signature cocktail and appetizers that they took time to choose and create.

 There aren't many cons to doing a first look besides the obvious one that many feel it is bad luck to see the bride in her dress before the ceremony.  Many don't want to go against the tradition and gamble with the bad luck.  The story behind this tradition can seem a bit old fashion and funny now days.  I read this in a wedding blog about traditions and thought it was a funny way to explain where the tradition came from.
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Picture this: You're an Elizabethan-era father who scraped together enough goats and cows to make a compelling dowry for your teenage daughter, and you're this close to getting her married to the fella down the street. You've been negotiating with his family for months, and you've nearly got it in the bag. The last thing you would want is for the groom-to-be to catch a glimpse of your daughter the morning of the wedding and realize that—bless her heart—she's a homely thing. Why, if he saw her before the very second she arrived at the altar, he might run, and now wouldn't that be bad luck? Better to be safe than sorry—you have your daughter don a veil, too. Now there's no way he can make a quick getaway as she treks down the aisle. Phew! - Liz Susong 

Most couples live together now days and brides don't have to worry about her groom running away when he sees her for the first time.  Bride and grooms can still follow with part of the tradition by staying at different locations the night before and getting ready separately so that there is still that surprise of seeing each other for the first time on your wedding day.  
I do understand that this is a personal decision that the bride and grooms should make together.  I have done weddings with and without so the timeline that is planned will work out and it will be a beautiful wedding day.

Jules and Roger got married May 2018.  They decided to do a first look.  I asked her if she could share her experience about choosing and doing a first look.
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"During the initial planning stages for our wedding, the thought of a first look wasn't at the top of our list of things to do considering we planned it in four months.  Many other considerations seemed to overshadow the idea. As time ticked closer to the date, we gave serious thought as to why we should do it.  After hearing countless stories from friends recounting their own experiences  and how the entire day goes by so fast (which it does, seriously no lie!) you actually miss out on a lot going on around you. We decided we wanted to have a tender moment simply for ourselves.  Reflecting back, I am very happy we did and wouldn't change a thing. For those initial moments, we were able to bask in each other's excitement, fully appreciating what we were about to solidify in front of dear family and friends and yet, at the same time, have Maria capture our pure expressions: nothing stage, no interruptions, no nervousness, just us being us.  Making this small decision also allowed for us to have free time to mingle more with our guests and really enjoy ourselves.  After all, with all the preparations and planning, that's ultimately what we wanted to remember the most about our special day."

I was excited to meet this little guy.  I photographed his mom and dad's, Kristina and Bernie, engagement and wedding!!  I love when I can document all the important steps of my MbMp couples!  This little song comes to mind " first comes love, then comes marriage then comes the baby carriage"
I traveled to their home for Bernard's session.  I love doing in home newborn sessions because everyone is in their home where they are comfortable. I bring my studio to them by bringing all my backdrops, props and wraps.  All I need is good natural light from a window or door at the location.  We also get to do photographs in the nursery and other parts of their home.  

This little guy was a such a good boy.   He didn't cry at all.  At the end of the session he did pee and poop on mommy and daddy!  We laughed at that and I smile when I see the pictures thinking of behind the scenes!  We started with some  wraps and baskets.  I used the natural light from their living room window.  Since he was all snugly we were able to do a few more  and used the little bed for some.  After those we did some lifestyle photos in his nursery and on their bed.  I love doing photos in the nursery.  So much planning and special decorations go into the rooms.

These are some of my favorites from his session!
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Thank you for letting Memories by Maria Photography capture this special time in your lives.  Newborn sessions are so important because they are only that small for such a short time.
Welcome to the world Bernard Joseph V!!

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Sammi and Steve were hoping for a little snow to happen for their engagement session.  Well, they got more than a little snow.  It was a winter wonderland at the Estelle Manor Park in Mays Landing, NJ.
They wanted to do their session in a woodsy area.   A friend of Sammi's had suggested we got to Estelle Manor park.  I had never been to the park and I am always looking for new places to do photo sessions.  After I checked it out I absolutely agreed.  We had woods, bridges, trails and an old glass factory!
We started out practicing some posing ideas on the bridge.  They were perfect and Steve got the nuzzle pose down very quickly!  I love doing engagement sessions with my wedding couples because it gives us this chance to practice and have fun before the big day.  The 4 key poses are very simple.  Once my couples get them down we move onto adding different elements to each pose.  The day of the wedding we won't have to go over posing and can just get right into taking beautiful wedding photos.

For as cold as it might look in the photos it really wasn't too bad.  There was no wind and I think that made a difference.  Since we were not freezing our butts off we decided to do more photos.  I couldn't wait to go up to the glass factory ruins.  Some of those pictures are my favorites from their session.  I loved the rustic bricks, the arches and the snow just added a perfect touch.

These two were such good sports.  I had a couple more spots I wanted to use and they were all for it.  
I am looking forward to their wedding in March 2019.  As much as I loved doing this snowy engagement session I am hoping for some warmer weather at the end of March!!

Thank you for choosing Memories by Maria Photography to capture your wedding day memories and for being one of my MbMp bridal couples!
Maria
South New Jersey Photographer



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​#nepaweddingphotographer
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#southjerseyphotographer  #njphotographer #southnjphotographer #southjerseybeachphotographer #southnjbeachphotographer #njweddingphotographer #southnjweddingphotographer #jerseyshorebeachphotographer #njhighschoolseniorphotographer #njengagementphotographer #southnjengagementphotographer #oceancitynjphotographer #capemaynjphotographer
​#nepaweddingphotographer

Congratulations to THE MAGISTRO FAMILY
Photo #2
The Shore Session category

 #1   The Dillon Family representing the Family/Seniors category
#2   The Magistro Family representing the Shore Sessions category
#3   Katharine and Rahul representing the Engagements category
#4   Laura and Jimmy representing the Wedding/Vow Renewal category

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Photo #1  The Dillon Family


I met the Dillon Family a few years ago when Marlee was chosen to be one of my Senior Reps.  I was excited to hear that I would get to see them again at this years Christmas tree mini sessions.  Helen and Ed's tree farm was pretty this year with the fresh fallen snow.  The Dillon family looks awesome standing in between the Christmas trees in this shot.   I love the colors in this photo. I told them it looks like it could be a cover for a Holiday magazine. Their session ended in a snow ball fight between Marlee and her sister.  I am looking forward to seeing them next summer to do Linsee's senior photos.


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Photo #2  The Magistro Family


I met the Magistro family in Ocean city this past August.  I was excited to meet them because they were good friends with one of my favorite families in Mountain top, PA.
I love photographing families at the shore.  It is my happy place and everyone is always happy to be at the shore.  The evening we picked to take the photos happened to be one of the busiest nights in Ocean city.  Our first location had to change since there was no parking.  We literally drove south till we found a parking spot.  The location worked out perfect.  I love the dunes and we even had a pink sunset.
I enjoyed meeting this sweet family.  The boys were so kind and listened to all my directions with big smiles on their faces.  I hope to see them again in the future.


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Photo #3  Katharine and Rahul


I enjoyed this engagement session so much.  Katharine and Rahul are two of the sweetest people.   We started out at the Cape May winery.  I loved photographing them with the grape vines and of course we had to sample some of the wine.  We then drove to Cape May Point state park. The southern most tip of New Jersey. This is one of my favorite spots.  I love taking photos there.  I think this photo is just perfect.  I love Rahul looking back at Katharine and Katharine smiling at him.  The Cape May lighthouse in the background just makes it even better.  These two love Cape May and will be married there in the summer of 2019.


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Photo #4  Laura and Jimmy


I am excited that this photo will be representing the wedding category. I met Laura and Jimmy  this past March.  They had a surprise wedding.  Everyone that was waiting for them at the Oyster House in Atlantic city thought they were going to be celebrating their engagement.  Surprise...it was actually their wedding reception!  Laura and Jimmy had a beautiful wedding at St Michael's church with close family.  Then afterwards they drove their classic car to the place we were going to take photos.  We were able to drive the car right up onto the the boardwalk,!! (Jimmy has a few connections :) ) They looked like movie stars posing with their car.  I love how all the ones turned out but this one is my favorite.
This photo was also chosen to be the cover of New Jersey Weddings in March.
Congratulations again and may you have many many happy healthy years together!


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To vote for the PHOTO OF THE YEAR just comment on this blog post with the number of the photo that you would like to be the photo of the year!
Only one vote per email will be counted. 
(email addresses are used for voting purposes only!!)
Voting will take place from December 19th to December 23rd, 2018

The winner will be announced December 26th after 6pm.

Thank you for voting for the finalists and for your final vote which will pick the PHOTO OF THE YEAR 2018!!

Julia and Roger are married!!
We had a beautiful day for a wedding May 5, 2018
Julia contacted me in March about photographing her wedding.  I was excited to have been chosen because not only do I love weddings, it was in Cape May...my favorite town!
I enjoyed  photographing their wedding day.  I love that I can tell the wedding story in photos.  I also like getting to know the bride and grooms.  I want to know all about their plans and what got them to this day.  My goal is to feel like a friend photographing your wedding day.  Not only do I like to get shot lists worked out and timelines but if I can I want to check out the venues ahead of time if I have never been there before.
I met Julia and Roger at the house they were renting and the venue on a cool April day.  We worked out some timeline issues and got the shot list all worked out.  We also had time to get a couple of engagement photos on the beach across the street from their venue.

Julia decided to do a "first look" the morning of her wedding.  I really like doing these.  It is the one time of the day that it is just the two of them enjoying each other while the excitement of the day is still new.  I loved how Roger looked at Julia.  He couldn't take his off of his bride.  
The wedding ceremony was at The Union Park Restaurant on Beach Ave in Cape May, NJ. The reception was at the same place.  We were able to walk across the street to get some shots on the beach after they said their " I do's".  Everything was perfect for these two and I was happy to be part of their day.

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Memories by Maria Photography,  South New Jersey wedding photograper,  New Jersey wedding photographer,  Cape May photographer.  South New Jersey engagement photographer.

I love this session!!  I met Christine and her family on a foggy morning in Ocean City, New Jersey.  I was a little hesitate with the fog but when we got down by the shore it was perfect.  Christine was a beautiful expectant momma.   I loved the shots we did on the rock jetty's.  The foggy background with the surf and sand was a perfect backdrop.
She is expecting another little girl  Big sister Ellie was so good.  She sat on a blanket and ate her cheerios while we did some pictures of her mommy and daddy.  
This was Ellie's big sister trip.  Her life was going to change soon with the new addtion so her parents wanted to do something special for her.  I love that we caught a special moment between her and her mommy.
Maternity sessions are an exciting time for a family.  Whether it is the first or the fourth,  each time it is special.  A new life is coming and making a family fuller.  It is definitely a time that should be captured in photos.
It was so nice to meet this family and I hope to see them in the future when the newest addition is here. 

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Congratulations to BLYSS  AND TONY
PHOTO #5
Engagement/Wedding Category

Thank you to everyone that voted in all the category's!  It was the most votes ever and I had my first tie!
The second runner up was Peyton, Photo #1 and in third place was photo #4, Stephanie and Matt!!  
I loved all the photos in all the categories and consider them all photos of the year!!  Thank you so much for supporting Memories by Maria Photography!!  It is really a dream come true and something I have always enjoyed doing!  

I look forward to seeing old friends, and new faces in 2018!!  I will be traveling to Pa and to various spots in New Jersey for weddings in 2018.  I also can't wait till summer gets here and the photo sessions start up again at the shore.  I love taking photos at the beach!  If you are vacationing at the Jersey shore this summer let me know so we can get your beach session scheduled!  

Congratulations again to Blyss and Tony!
 Congrats to all of the category winners!

Thank you and hope to see you all in 2018!!
-Maria


Memories by Maria Photography, Memories by Maria, New Jersey Wedding Photographer, NEPA Wedding Photographer, South Jersey Shore Wedding Photographer, Mays Landing Photographer, South Jersey Family Photographer,  Engagement Photographer,  South Jersey Senior Photographer, Event Photographer