iiiiiiiit’s Contest Time!
So, Mack and I talk about the First Sight quite often. About 80 percent of our couples choose to see each other before their wedding ceremony, and they have a variety of different reasons for doing so. If Mack and I had our wedding to do over again, we’d do a lot of things different. But if we could only change one thing, we would without a doubt choose to see each other before the ceremony. That decision would have very little to do with our photography, and a whole lot to do with the emotion of it.
See, I’m all for symbolism. I’m all for tradition. And I’m all for choice. Whatever our clients decide, we’re down with it. But for me, I would have loved it if I could have seen the love of my life before that long walk. I would have loved to have a moment of quiet with him… an intimate time for just the two of us to breathe together. We didn’t get that. And so so so many other reasons why I would really cherish that opportunity if I’d had it.
As I said, we talk about the First Sight to our clients all the time. We talk about it from an emotional standpoint, from a romantic standpoint, and obviously, from a practical standpoint. Having a First Sight can often lead to a smoother wedding day schedule with more time for portraits. And while I think my opinion comes from a place of experience and truth, and our clients respect the opinion we give… I can’t talk about the First Sight as a BRIDE. Mack can’t talk about it as a GROOM. And really, when it comes right down to it, aren’t those the people that matter?
So we’ve decided to add a section to our website. A little clicky link up there at the top of the blog all about the First Sight. We’ll talk about why WE love it… as both photographers and a couple. But more importantly, we’d like for our past brides & grooms to share what they have to say about it!
Here it is, past McG Brides & Grooms. We want to hear from you!
If you’re a past McGowan Images bride or groom who chose a First Sight, email me the story of your experience, and why you’d recommend it to another couple. (chelsea@mcgowanimages.com). Don’t forget to attach your favorite McG photograph from your First Sight experience (the actual time together when you first see each other, not the portraits following).
Oh, and yes… the bride and groom can, and SHOULD, enter separately. If you have your own pictures and write-ups, it counts as two contest entries.
You have until Friday, June 29th to enter. On Monday, July 2nd, a winner will be announced on the McGowan Images Facebook page… and will receive a 16×20 canvas gallery wrap of the image they submitted.
I really can’t wait to see what kind of submissions we get… I’m looking forward to the torture of trying to choose a winner, and also so grateful in advance for your help in building this new informative section of the McG blog.
Because blog posts are boring without pictures, I wanted to choose two or three of my favorite First Sight pictures from the past couple of years. Um. Choosing “a couple” is pretty impossible.
So here’s a dozen (and know that there are dozens more). If you’re a McG bride or groom and I’m about to post one of your own favorite pictures, no worries… you can still send it to me!
Now hurry up and send me those entries!
by Chelsea
Mandaroo - What a fun and exciting contest! I love so many of these pictures too!
Lacey Reid - Caleb and I are so glad that we did our frist site photos. I am glad that Chelsea and Mack made time for our frist site got to take time to ourselves without everyone else it he pictures are the best. I love the look on Caleb’s face and it was the perfect way to remember the moments before husband and wife. Thank you Chelsea and Mack for helping create such perfect memories we can share with our friends and family.
Rachel - I’ll be honest, I’ve heard this from photographers and couples before but I think every couple is different. There is a lot of pressure to do a 1st sight in this day and age, but my favorite moment of my wedding day was the look on my hubby’s face as I walked down the aisle. The unspoken communication there that’s not filled with words and kisses and posing for portraits was worth everything to me, and I think it would have detracted from the anticipation if we had chosen to see each other beforehand. If I could go back, I would have done it the exact same way.
First Sight Contest — our Favorite Entries! » McGowan Images Blog - [...] Monday, we announced the winner of the First Sight canvas contest on the McG Facebook page. Choosing a winner took hours and hours of reading (and sniffling)… [...]