As I enter my seventh season (!!) as a Washington, DC wedding photographer, I’ve seriously considered starting a list called, “Things You Hear at Every Wedding”. Okay, okay, clearly that’s an exaggeration, but there are some key phrases I hear quite a bit, including “You can photoshop that, right!?“, and “Don’t let your dress get dirty!“. Another is, “Make sure you don’t cry, you’ll ruin your makeup!”.

And I know these are well-intentioned thoughts, but the underlying message being sent to an already stressed bride is that on a wedding day, it’s more important for her to focus on how she looks rather than how she feels.

YIKES!

That kind of thinking can make a bride think twice about doing a first look with her dad. Or it can stop her from reading that sentimental note from her future spouse. Essentially, it causes some brides to shut off their emotional sensors so they can ensure they look their best for the ceremony and photos.

I say, makeup be damned. Yep, that’s coming from your PHOTOGRAPHER who absolutely cares that you look your best in photos!

But your wedding day only happens once. And as cliche as it may sound, it really does go by as fast as everyone says it does. So you should enjoy the moment and soak in every emotion that is thrown your way! Because truly, how often does your dad get to see his daughter for the first time in her wedding day? Or how often do you get to read one last letter from your future spouse before getting married? You only get one walk down the aisle to the person of your dreams — embrace that!

If you’re working with a professional makeup artist, they are using high end products that can withstand a bit of wear and tear (after all, think about brides who get married in the August heat!). Simply ask them about leaving behind a touch-up kit so you and your bridesmaids can refresh your look after those emotion moments have passed — you won’t regret soaking it all in!