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Last night was Anthony and Beth's wedding rehearsal in Crown Point, Indiana at St. Matthias church. I don't always get to attend rehearsals, but I like to if possible, as I get to meet the family and of course, take a few test shots such as the one above.

This also gives me the opportunity to take in the ceremony and plot out my positions for various photos. The example above is a time in their ceremony when I will have to immediately head for the center aisle as they will be pronounced man and wife after this moment. I will want to be able to capture the first kiss and of course the procession out.

If I'm unable to attend because of a scheduling conflict, I will go over things with the officiator beforehand and of course the bride and groom.

When this post is published I will be already covering Beth and Anthony's big day. We will start with Getting Ready shots in Lowell, Indiana with Beth, her bridesmaids and mom. Before the ceremony, my assistant and I will track down the groom for formals at St. Matthias. Then it will be time for some outdoor winter shots in the downtown Square of Crown Point and then the reception at Avalon Manor in Merrillville.

If you see a bride and groom walking down Main St., be sure to honk and yell congratulations to Beth and Anthony!!

I always try to make it to the rehearsal of the ceremony if possible. I do this for a variety of reasons.

I get to take test shots of the venue. Not only do I get to test out my exposures, but I test out different composition and angles as well.
I get to give "the speech" to the wedding party. Beyond introducing myself, I get to give tips on how to stand, placement of hands and flowers, etc. that will help make them all look good in the photographs. I also get to tell everyone to SLOW DOWN when walking down the aisle. :) Sometimes the jitters of the day have folks running a marathon. I like to get several shots off of the procession just in case we catch some odd expressions in one. I can then have an alternate to choose from.
This is a perfect opportunity for me to chat up the Pastor and find out his or her rules.
Sometimes major changes get made at this time. This ensures I'm in the loop.

It is perfectly understandable if you would not like me to be there. However, consider letting me drop in and take a few shots. One cool idea is to place some rehearsal images in their own little section of the wedding album.