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The Beauty of ‘First Look’ Wedding Photography
Beautiful, romantic, classic, exciting, fun, emotional, memorable—these are just a few of the many words to describe weddings. However, there are also some who attach other words, like stressful, busy, pressure and nerve-wracking.
Perhaps, one of the stressful parts of a happy couple’s day centers around not seeing each other before the ceremony. According to tradition, the groom should wait to see his bride until the moment when the beautiful bride in all her glory walks down the aisle. This is an incredible moment full of emotion. This is the reason why Saiaf Films find this moment very exciting to capture.
However, the modern times have changed, and bridal couples slowly adapts to the new era of weddingtraditions and wedding photography. The “First Look” photography is a trend in today’s weddings that we are seeing more and more.
What is “First Look” Wedding Photography?
This is a special moment when the groom is able to see his bride for the first time before the ceremony. A South Asian Wedding Photographer will likely position the groom looking away over a field, at the end of a pier, beneath a tree or somewhere away from the direction where the bride will appear. Here at Saiaf Films, we aim to tell the story by capturing photos of the bride approaching the groom and then seeing both of their expressions as they see each other for the first time simultaneously. It is a romantic, magical, and a moment full of emotions.
This isn’t a replacement to the walking-down-the-aisle experience, but an addition to that moment. So, in essence, you are adding more photos of the day by getting a second special look instead of replacing it.
Benefits of “First Look” Photography
Here are some reasons why you should let your Indian Wedding Photographer Scottsdale snap a few “first look” photos of you:
• Adds more beautiful photos of your day
• Takes a bit of pressure off a hectic day
• Enjoy a few minutes to yourselves in a day where everyone is vying for your attention
• Spend more time with your family and guests for not having to rush for more photos after the ceremony (first-look photos often double as after-ceremony photos)
• Your Indian Wedding Photographer Chicago will have more time to capture more wonderful photos of guests with the extra time available
• Your wedding day should be the happiest day of your lives as a couple. It makes sense to spend more time with your significant other, doesn’t it?
So, to make sure that your first-look photos (as well as all your wedding photos) will catch all the genuine emotions, work with an experienced and reliable Sikh Wedding Photographer Arizona such as Saiaf Films.
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While still images are an essential wedding day keepsake, we highly recommend investing in an Indian Wedding Videographer to capture your special day, too. Your wedding day goes by so quickly, so you’ll want to have a video to relive all those special moments. Being able to relive your wedding vows and the speeches that those closest to you worked so hard on is something you definitely can’t put a price tag on.
Luckily, there are a lot of talented South Asian Wedding Videographer here in Arizona, so you’re sure to find the right one to capture your wedding story. To guide you through your search, here are some tips to help you pick the best one in the bunch of professionals.
Find a videographer who is familiar with your venue
Found a Bengali Wedding Videographer you love, but notice that all of their films take place indoors while your wedding will be held outdoors, in a garden specifically? Raise the question to the videographer before settling with them. If they seem affirmative, request sample films to watch, as well as show them an example of a wedding video you like from your venue, and then have them confirm whether they are comfortable shooting in similar circumstances.
Meet Them in Person
Regardless where the videographer is from, make sure to meet them in person before hiring them. Meeting them face to face will give you a sense of the staff’s personality, who might be present on your wedding day. Make sure you are able to easily build a connection, so that things won’t feel awkward on the day of your wedding. After all, these people will be around you for most of the day. Also, pay attention to how they dress and how they groom themselves. You want to make sure that they carry themselves right in front of your guests.
Go Beyond Your City/State
Certain wedding vendors, like caterers and florists, make more sense to hire local. However, don’t be constrained by location when choosing your videographer. While filmmakers do need a certain amount of equipment, it’s usually not more than they can take with them on a plane or in a car. By expanding your options, you will surely find one like Saiaf Films who can film weddings outside of their base city. While every videographer has different travel policies, if you find someone you love who isn’t too far from your area, it won’t hurt to reach out.
Choosing the right Bengali Wedding Videographer Scottsdale to capture your wedding is just as important as finding the best photographer. If otherwise, you may end up with cringe-worthy videos you certainly don’t enjoy watching. A beautifully taken wedding video will hold onto those memories and that’s something you would want to watch over and over again.
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No wedding is complete without a wedding party. Usually, the wedding party comprises the closest people in the lives of the couple. Let everyone—your bridesmaids, groomsmen, the maid of honor and the best man—add to the fun of your wedding photos. On the day of the wedding, you can certainly request your South Asian Wedding Photographer to include your wedding party into your wedding photos. This makes your photo shoot more casual, natural and fun. After all, it’s always fun to have your BFFs around, yeah?
The Wedding Party
Just like taking wedding portraits of you and your groom, Saiaf Films has a few photography recommendations to easily bring good group pictures into cool and exciting wedding photographs.
• Look for a Nice Backdrop: If you’re having a beach wedding, take advantage of the sand, sea and the sun. Get a jump shot by the shore with everyone or casually gather and chitchat by the sea and let your Hindu Wedding Photographer take a couple of candid shots of you and the party. Garden wedding? No problem, the blooms and greeneries make for a stunning backdrop. Explore your wedding venue and let your wedding party join the fun.
• Move Around: For bride and groom shots, it creates interests in photos to move around. For group shots, have your flower girls and page boys, for instance, run around with you. Movements give energy to the image and create natural laughs and smiles to you and to your wedding party.
• Use Existing Elements of the Setting: Different heights and patterns within a group shot looks more interesting than the typical lineup. If you see patterned couches or vintage chairs around, make use of them. Stand or sit on them while doing different poses.
As mentioned, these tips and ideas are just recommendations and are a good starting point for your wedding photography. From these suggestions, you and your Phoenix Hindu Wedding Photographer can do small improvisations to make your wedding photos look more personal and one-of-a-kind.
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At Saiaf Films, our wedding photographers are no strangers to diversity in wedding locations. With a team that travels nationwide to provide wedding photography and videography to our clients, we have enjoyed a range of destination weddings. Here, we share our top destination wedding ideas in the U.S.
Arizona
This beautiful desert state is at the top of our list of ideal destination wedding locations- and that’s not because our home office is located in Arizona. (Okay, maybe it has a little something to do with it.) From the breathtaking desert landscapes in spiritual Sedona to the forested ski slopes of Flagstaff, Arizona offers a variety of wedding venue locations.
What you will need:
- Both IDs
- Certified copies of your birth certificates if you are under 30
- $76 fee that can be paid with cash or a money order.
There is no waiting period and no health requirements.
FloridaHome to 825 miles of pristine beaches, Florida is a prime destination wedding location for coastal celebrations. Whether you choose to have your wedding ceremony on the sea, an island, or an a pastel-hued bungalow, Florida is an ideal location for the perfect beach wedding.
What you will need:
- Both IDs
- Certified copies of your birth certificates if you are under 30
Arrive within three days of your ceremony. If you choose to take the four hour Florida premarital course (available online), the fee of $93.50 is reduced by a third. There is no waiting period and no health requirements.
California is a great spot for a variety of wedding venues. You have the option to visit the Lake Tahoe ski lifts, Napa Valley vineyards or even one of the many beautiful beaches that line the coast.
What you will need:
- Both IDs
- Certified copies of your birth certificates
In the state of California, same sex marriage is legal and there are no health requirements.
Hawaii
Only a five-hour flight from Los Angeles, Hawaii is a breathtaking wedding venue location for the perfect beach destination wedding. If you choose to wed in late December through early May, you can enjoy watching the whales from many of the stunning beaches.
What you will need:
- Apply for your wedding license online, but do not sign it until you meet with a wedding agent.
- Both IDs
- Certified copies of your birth certificates
There are no waiting periods and you will get your temporary certificate online. The certified copy will be mailed a few weeks later.
Las Vegas
Whether you choose to wed on the Las Vegas Boulevard or out at one of the canyons near Lake Mead or Hoover Dam, Vegas is a great spot for a showstopping memorable destination wedding.
What you will need:
- Both IDs
Visit the county clerk’s office to get your marriage license. You can tie the knot the same day and the license is good for up to a year.
New Orleans
With a contagious celebratory energy and culture, the Big Easy is an indulgent and glamorous destination wedding location. From its colorful architecture and vibrant second line, nothing brings on the wedding party vibe like New Orleans.
What you will need:
- Both IDs
- Certified copies of your birth certificates
There is a 72 hour waiting period between acquiring the wedding license and having the ceremony. But, the waiting period can be waived if a registered New Orleans officiant performs the wedding service.
The Northeast
Perhaps you are seeking a wedding venue surrounded by rural charm or the countryside? The Northeast consists of nine states along the northeast region of the U.S. and they all share a variety of historic significance with beautiful seasonal backdrops.
What you will need:
- Both IDs
- Certified copies of your birth certificates
Marriage laws vary by state, so be sure to check the specific state laws for whichever Northeast state you choose to marry in.
Puerto Rico
Looking for an intimate and memorable wedding destination location? Puerto Rico offers stunning island backdrops for the perfect beach wedding. The historic feel of Old San Juan with the salsa infused beats create the perfect vibe for an unforgettable destination wedding.
What you will need:
- Both IDs
- Certified copies of your birth certificates
You must obtain a marriage license through the Demographic Registry office in Old San Juan. There is no waiting period. The currency is the U.S. dollar and English is widely spoken.
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Wedding Spotlight: Tarick & Stella’s Muslim Wedding
Tarick & Stella’s Muslim Wedding: The Hilton in Anaheim, California
Inspired by the work on our website, Tarick and Stella contacted us to photograph their Muslim wedding. After communicating with the couple via phone and email, we finally had the pleasure of meeting them on the day of their wedding. We were impressed by their infectious personalities and immediately knew that this was going to be an amazing event to be a part of. Prior to the wedding, our team started the day off by the beach taking some breathtaking wedding portraits of the lovely couple. They were naturals in front of the camera and their love was easy to capture on film.
Wedding Decorations/Attire:
The wedding flowers were a varied palette of oranges and yellows and were an elegant touch to the wedding decor at this traditional Muslim Wedding.
Stella wore a gorgeous Muslim wedding gown along with sparkling ivory wedding shoes and was accessorized with beautiful shiny earrings that glistened as she danced the night away with her new husband.
The Ceremony & Reception:
It began with a grand entrance of all family members followed by the bride and groom. After the arrival of the bride and groom, speeches were given by close friends and family. Their accounts were humorous and meaningful and made the couple laugh adding to the already fun and surreal atmosphere in the room.
Being that Tarick is a huge fan of Star Wars, one of his friends brought props from the movie creating a fun and memorable occasion. There was never a dull moment on the dance floor and the wedding DJ never missed a beat! This Arab wedding was a blast for our team to capture and we enjoyed the every moment and person we had the pleasure of meeting.
Our Favorite Moment:
At Saiaf Films, we cherish inspirational moments. Tarick and Stella’s wedding was full of them! Our particular favorite took place towards the end of the wedding when all the guests had left. We witnessed a special moment between Tarick and Stella that left a lasting impression on us. The newlyweds were dancing on the dance floor- just the two of them. They looked hopelessly in love and were comfortable in each others gaze. As wedding photographers, these moments stay with us and remind us that love truly is the driving force of existence. Thank you Tarick and Stella for sharing your amazing and wonderful wedding day with Saiaf Films.