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Did you know why a bride often stands to the left of the groom during the wedding ceremony? Well, it's not a random choice. This tradition has a historical backdrop which is quite fascinating. It goes back to medieval times when the groom needed to keep his right hand - the sword hand, free. This was to ensure that he could defend his bride against any rivals who might attempt to steal her during the ceremony.
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Fast forward to the present day, and this once practical arrangement has now become a beautiful tradition. The groom's right hand is now free not to wield a sword, but to hold his bride's hand, to exchange rings, and to seal their vows of love. It's a fun and symbolic nod to the past, adding a layer of richness to the ceremony.
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As a Vancouver-based wedding photographer, I have witnessed a myriad of such traditions. Each wedding unfolds like a unique tapestry, woven with threads of traditions, some passed down through generations, others newly created. Each one adds depth and context to the celebration, making it a deeply personal and meaningful experience for the couple.
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I consider myself fortunate to be able to capture these special moments and traditions. They offer a fascinating glimpse into the couple's heritage, their values, and their unique love story. Each time I learn something new, it adds another layer to my understanding of weddings, love, and traditions.
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Weddings are more than just ceremonies. They are a celebration of love, a union of two people, and a confluence of traditions and customs that give a glimpse into our past. So, the next time you attend a wedding, look around. You'll be surprised at the rich tapestry of history and tradition that unfolds before your eyes.

The Intriguing History Behind Wedding Traditions #1

Writing your own wedding vows can be a beautiful and meaningful way to express your love and commitment to your partner. While it can feel daunting to put your feelings into words, taking the time to craft your own vows can make your wedding day even more special.
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Here are some tips and steps to follow when writing your own wedding vows:
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1. Reflect on your relationship: Before you start writing your vows, take some time to reflect on your relationship with your partner. Think about what drew you to them, what makes your relationship special, and what you hope for your future together. This reflection will help you find the words to express your love and commitment.
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2. Set aside time to write: Writing your own wedding vows is an important task, so set aside some dedicated time to work on them. Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can focus and let your creativity flow.
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3. Consider the tone and style: There is no right or wrong way to write wedding vows, but it's important to consider the tone and style that you want to convey. Some couples prefer to write funny and lighthearted vows, while others prefer more serious and heartfelt vows. Think about what feels most authentic to you and your relationship.
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4. Start with a rough draft: Don't worry about making your vows perfect right away. Start with a rough draft and let your thoughts and feelings guide you. Focus on what you want to say, rather than worrying about getting the wording exactly right.
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5. Personalize your vows: The most meaningful wedding vows are those that are personal and specific to your relationship. Incorporate details and memories that are special to you and your partner. Share stories and anecdotes that highlight your love and commitment.
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6. Keep it concise: While it's important to express your love and commitment, it's also important to keep your vows concise. Aim for one to two minutes of speaking time. This will keep your vows from feeling overwhelming or dragging on too long.
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Writing your own wedding vows can be a beautiful way to express your love and commitment to your partner. By taking the time to reflect on your relationship, finding your authentic tone and style, personalizing your vows, and practicing them, you can create a meaningful and memorable moment on your wedding day. So take a deep breath, let your heart guide you, and start writing!
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(PS: Alex and Emily both wrote their own wedding vows just before their ceremony.)
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Learn more about our wedding coverage here.

From the Heart: A Brief Guide to Writing your own Wedding Vows

The 'Getting Ready' moment is a special and intimate part of any wedding day. It's a time when the couple, their families, and close friends come together to prepare for the big event. Our goal is to capture these moments to create a visual narrative that tells the story of your wedding day. The tender feelings and cherished memories captured during this time will make up the first part of your wedding album, setting the tone for the entire collection. Here, we will explain what 'Getting Ready' entails, the types of photos typically taken, and how you can prepare to ensure these memories are beautifully preserved.
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<h2>What is 'Getting Ready'?</h2>
'Getting Ready' refers to the period before the wedding ceremony when the couple, their families, and attendants prepare for the big day. This may include makeup and hairstyling, dressing, and sharing special moments with loved ones. The atmosphere is usually filled with excitement, anticipation, and sometimes a touch of nervous energy.
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<h2>Our Approach to 'Getting Ready' Coverage</h2>
In order to capture the full essence of the 'Getting Ready' experience, we typically begin by photographing one partner and their attendants first. This is often the partner who takes less time to get ready, allowing ample time for the other partner to complete their preparations. For example, if there is a bride and groom, we photograph the groom first, as the bride will usually take longer to get ready with makeup and hair styling. By doing so, we create a well-rounded visual story that encompasses the emotions and experiences of both partners.
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<h2>Photos to Expect from 'Getting Ready' Coverage</h2>
Our 'Getting Ready' coverage focuses on capturing the couple separately with their families and attendants. Here are some of the photos you can expect:
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1. First partner: Candid moments with family members and attendants. Directed portraits showcasing attire, close-up shots of details and accessories. Getting dressed, adjusting clothing, and adding final touches. Fun and light-hearted moments with attendants.
2. Second partner: Candid moments with family members and attendants. Directed portraits showcasing attire, details, and any special accessories or bouquets. Final makeup touch-ups and hair styling (if applicable). Putting on attire, often with the help of a loved one or attendant. Emotional reactions and interactions with loved ones.
3. Both: Heading out for the ceremony venue, capturing the anticipation and excitement in their expressions.
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<h2>The Significance of 'Getting Ready' Portraits in Your Wedding Album</h2>
The portraits taken during the 'Getting Ready' part set the stage for your entire wedding album. These images, filled with tender emotions and intimate moments, provide a glimpse into the love and connection that surrounds the couple as they embark on their journey together. They serve as a heartfelt reminder of the love and support from family and friends on this momentous day.
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<h2>How to Prepare for 'Getting Ready' Photos</h2>
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable 'Getting Ready' photo experience, we recommend the following:
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1. Make sure makeup (if applicable) is almost done before the photographer arrives. This allows us to capture the final makeup touches and ensures both partners look their best in the photos.
2. Have all wedding accessories, such as jewelry, shoes, bouquets, and any special heirlooms, laid out and easily accessible for detail shots.
3. Choose a well-lit, spacious, and clutter-free area for getting ready. Natural light is ideal for creating soft and flattering images.
4. Allocate enough time for 'Getting Ready' photos, considering the size of your wedding party and any specific shots you'd like to have. This will ensure that the photography session doesn't feel rushed and that every important moment is captured.
5. Communicate any special moments or traditions you'd like to be captured with your photographer ahead of time. This will help us understand your expectations and ensure that we don't miss any significant moments.
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'Getting Ready' is a cherished part of any wedding day, filled with love, laughter, and anticipation. By understanding its significance, knowing what photos to expect, and being well-prepared, you can ensure these precious memories are artfully captured and preserved for a lifetime. As your wedding photographer, we are committed to telling your unique story and creating a stunning visual narrative that you will treasure forever. The 'Getting Ready' portraits, as the first part of your wedding album, will serve as a beautiful reminder of the love, joy, and excitement that surrounded you and your partner on your special day. We celebrate the love between all couples and capture the essence of their bond as they embark on a new chapter together.

Getting Ready

Formals photography is an essential aspect of any wedding day, capturing the beauty, joy, and love between the newlyweds and their loved ones. Below, we will briefly explore the different elements of formals, the importance of selecting the perfect locations, and how we work to create captivating portraits that showcase your love story.
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<h2>What are Formals?</h2>
Formals, also known as location portraits, are professionally directed and posed photographs taken at various locations throughout your wedding day. These photos focus on the couple, their families, and wedding party, capturing their portraits. Formals photography is often considered the most visually striking and memorable part of a wedding album, showcasing the couple in all their wedding day splendor.
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<h2>Key Elements of Formals Photography</h2>
Our formals photography coverage includes a variety of groupings and settings, ensuring a diverse and visually stunning collection of images:
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1. Couple individually and together with each family member, bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower person, and ring bearer, as well as any other special attendants.
2. The largest amount of time for formals is dedicated to creating beautiful portrait photos of the newlywed couple, both individually and together.
3. Directed portrait photos taken at other moments throughout the day at selected and opportune locations, depending on location, time, and available light.
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<h2>The Importance of Location Selection</h2>
The choice of location plays a crucial role in the overall aesthetic and feel of your formals photography. Whether you opt for the ceremony and reception venue, a picturesque outdoor setting, or a meaningful spot that holds sentimental value, the backdrop should complement and enhance the beauty of your love story. We work closely with you to select locations that match your vision and provide stunning scenery for your formals photographs.
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<h2>Tips for a Successful Formals Photography Session</h2>
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable formals photography experience, we recommend the following:
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1. Prepare a list of desired groupings and share it with your photographer before the wedding day. This helps us plan the session efficiently and ensures that no important shots are missed.
2. Allocate sufficient time for formals photography in your wedding day schedule. This allows for a relaxed and unhurried atmosphere, ensuring the best possible results.
3. Designate a trusted family member or attendant to assist in gathering people for group photos. Their help can be invaluable in keeping the session organized and on schedule.
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Formals is a vital part of your wedding day photo collection, immortalizing the love, joy, and connections that make your celebration truly special. We are committed to creating a captivating visual narrative that showcases your unique love story, ensuring that these cherished memories are preserved for a lifetime. By understanding the importance of formals photography, selecting the perfect locations, and preparing in advance, you can ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience that results in breathtaking images you will treasure forever.

Formals (aka Location Portraits)

Your wedding ceremony is the moment you and your partner exchange vows and make a lifelong commitment to each other. It's a beautiful and emotional moment that you will cherish forever. As a couple, you want your wedding photographer to capture every detail and emotion of this special day. In this article, we will take a closer look at wedding ceremonies and how you can make sure your photographer captures your love story perfectly.
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<h2>Understanding the Ceremony</h2>
Wedding ceremonies are a beautiful blend of tradition and personal touches that reflect the couple's love story. Your ceremony can be held in a religious institution, a beautiful outdoor location, or any place that holds special meaning to you and your partner. It can be performed by a religious figure, a judge, or a celebrant. Whatever your choice, it's important to understand the structure and order of the ceremony so you can anticipate key moments and enjoy every minute of this special day.
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<h2>Communicating with Your Photographer</h2>
Your wedding photographer is an essential part of your wedding team, and it's important to communicate your vision and expectations for your ceremony. Schedule a consultation with your photographer and discuss the style and type of photos you want. Share your story and let them know what moments are important to you. This will help them prepare and anticipate key moments, such as the first kiss, the exchange of vows, and the ring exchange.
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<h2>Capturing the Emotions</h2>
Your wedding ceremony is a time to celebrate your love and commitment to each other. It's an emotional moment that you will want to remember forever. As a couple, you can help your photographer capture the emotions by being present in the moment and expressing your love for each other. Focus on each other, not the camera, and let your photographer capture the magic of the moment.
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<h2>Telling Your Love Story</h2>
Your wedding ceremony is part of a larger story that tells the journey of your relationship. As a couple, you can work with your photographer to capture the key moments and details that make up this story. Start with the pre-ceremony preparations, such as getting ready with your wedding party, and capture every step of the day, including the ceremony, reception, and send-off.
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One way to tell the story of your ceremony is to create a photo album that chronicles the day from start to finish. Include details such as the wedding rings, the wedding dress, and the flowers. Use a mix of candid and posed shots to capture the atmosphere and emotions of the day.
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Your wedding ceremony is a once-in-a-lifetime moment that you will remember forever. By understanding the ceremony, communicating with your photographer, capturing the emotions, and telling your love story, you can create a beautiful and timeless record of your special day. Cherish these memories and let your photographer help you capture the magic of your love story.
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See our wedding photography page for more information how we can help you capture your special day.

More About Wedding Ceremonies

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A first look is an intimate moment where the bride and groom see each other for the first time on their wedding day, before the ceremony. It is usually arranged with their wedding photographer in a private place away from family and friends, to capture that moment just for them. A first look can be a wonderful way to add some excitement, emotion, and personalization to your wedding day. And we always suggest and recommend having a first look on your wedding day.
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<h2 dir="ltr">Here are some reasons why having a first look on your wedding is a great moment to have: </h2>
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A first look can calm your nerves before the ceremony. If you or your partner are nervous about being in front of people, seeing each other beforehand can help you relax and enjoy the day more. You can also exchange some words of love, support, or even vows during your first look, making it more meaningful.
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It can save you time by taking most of your photos before the ceremony. This way, you don't have to rush through your portraits after saying "I do", and you can spend more time with your guests during cocktail hour or reception. You can also get more creative with your photos, as you have more flexibility with lighting and location.
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A first look can capture some amazing emotions that you might not get otherwise. The anticipation, surprise, joy, and love that you feel when you see each other for the first time on your wedding day are priceless. Your photographer can document these expressions in candid shots that will become cherished memories for years to come.
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A first look can make your ceremony more special. Contrary to what some people might think, having a first look does not spoil the magic of walking down the aisle. In fact, it can enhance it by making you more confident and comfortable in front of your guests. You can also focus more on the meaning of your vows and commitment than on how you look or what others think.
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A first look can be personalized to suit your style and preferences. There are no rules or expectations for how a first look should be done. You can choose any location that is meaningful or beautiful to you, such as a park, a garden, or even a train stop. You can also invite some key witnesses if you want to share this moment with them, or keep it just between yourselves if you prefer privacy. You can even do a non-reveal if you want to spend some time together without seeing each other yet.
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Having a first look on your wedding is a great moment that offers many benefits for both you and your partner. It is not only an opportunity to take stunning photos but also an emotional experience that will make your wedding day more memorable and personal.
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What do you think? Are you interested in having a first look on your wedding? If so, what kind of location would you choose?
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What is a First Look? (aka the Reveal)

Alex did a family photoshoot for us a few day ago. He was kind and patient and very friendly! We got our photos in 2 weeks as promised. We love our photos. Thank you Alex!

Jennifer & Kevin

Alex did a photo shoot for our family. He was kind, patient with our small children, and the turnaround to get our photos was quick. Thanks so much!

Sarah

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My 10-hour wedding photography package is perfect for capturing every moment of your big day, from the morning preparations to the late-night celebrations. This package includes up to 10 hours of continuous coverage, providing high-resolution digital images that are ideal for printing or sharing online. You will also receive a downloadable online gallery within 30 days for easy viewing and sharing, with previews available within 72 hours. This package also includes a pre-wedding consultation to discuss your timeline and must-have shots. Need more than 10 hours? Additional hours are available at $300 each. Let's chat about how we can make your grand celebration unforgettable!

Wedding Photography - 10 Hours

Designed to cover all the significant moments of your celebration, this package includes up to 8 hours of continuous coverage by a professional photographer, ensuring that every important detail from getting ready to the main events of the reception is beautifully documented. You'll receive high-resolution digital images, perfect for printing or sharing online, along with a downloadable online gallery for easy viewing and sharing within 30 days, with previews available within 72 hours. To ensure your day is captured just as you envision, this package also includes a pre-wedding consultation to discuss your timeline and must-have shots. Ideal for medium to large-sized weddings, this package offers comprehensive coverage that allows you to relive your special day through beautiful images. Let’s make your wedding day unforgettable!

Wedding Photography - 8 Hours

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Capturing your special moments with authenticity and grace.

You will find the about page from my existing website between the “” below. You can use this section primarily for tone of voice and style as opposed to content. Make sure that all references to the self are in the first person singular, as I am the only photographer on my team. Please also ensure that there are no references to “our team” or “our photographer”. Instead, all writing should be coming directly from me. I would also like it to be quite down to earth and without lots of fluff and flowery language.

"I'm Alexander Drost, a Vancouver-based wedding photographer. I've been taking photos of couples' special days for the past seven years, and it's been an amazing and rewarding experience.
I love to capture all of the special moments of a wedding day, from the excitement of getting ready to the moment the couple says 'I do'. I take pride in documenting each and every moment so that the couple can look back on their wedding day for years to come.
As an experienced photographer with a passion for storytelling, I focus on capturing the genuine emotions and unique personalities of each couple. My natural, documentary-style approach ensures that the images are not only stunning but also timeless.
I strive to provide a relaxed and enjoyable experience for my clients by being sensitive to the unique personalities and preferences of each couple. This approach helps me create images that are both unique and deeply meaningful, ensuring their memories are preserved for a lifetime."