What photographs don't capture is our fluidity and a lot of other things that can add to attractiveness in person. I'm not saying it doesn't mean we can't work on getting rid of double chins if they bother you (I know I've got one when I hold my head a certain way, and it does bother me) but photographs aren't the only evaluative tool to use.

This is totally true. And in general, even if a double-chin photo of me makes me wince, I know it's just one moment in time -- literally a second -- from one angle, etc. And I'm cool with that.

Except for the wedding pictures part, because those are the ones that family members put on the wall forever (although generally those aren't candid profile-shot pictures, but you never know). So that keeps poking at the back of my lizard brain.

I know some downright beautiful women who just don't photograph well.

I do, too. I know at least one woman who is seriously heart-stoppingly beautiful in person, and I have never ever seen a picture that did her justice.

Steph, also remember that any wedding photographer worth the price of admission will be retouching those photos. Most of ours were candids and not posed, and I was pleased with them.

Normally, I cannot stand pictures of me. I don't think I look good in person or in pictures. My issues, they are legion.

Also: holy crap, today is 3 months to the wedding! I need to get off my ass and finish all the little fiddly bits of planning. If it were a few little fiddly bits, it wouldn't be a big deal, but I have a list about as long as my arm of little fiddly bits: take dress to tailor, buy shoes, order invitations (THIS WEEKEND), send invitations, buy/make table decorations, make playlists, buy wedding bands, get marriage license, make practice bouquet to determine if I really should be making mine, and, oh, write the ceremony and vows, among other things I know I've forgotten.

We picked the venue, photographer, cake, dress, and officiant so quickly that then we kind of stopped doing anything. So time to get my ass back in gear. Prepare for silly posts about the travails of making one's bouquet, etc.

Steph, also remember that any wedding photographer worth the price of admission will be retouching those photos. Most of ours were candids and not posed, and I was pleased with them.

Exactly. Wedding photographers are going to work very hard at getting the absolute most flattering pictures of both of you as possible. Which means in some shots, Tim will need to bare his chest and abs. :-)

Steph, also remember that any wedding photographer worth the price of admission will be retouching those photos. Most of ours were candids and not posed, and I was pleased with them.

Oh, yeah. Our photographer asked if there were specific things we really didn't like (hello, my teeth) that she should try to avoid shooting or touch up afterward. I also specifically asked about her experience shooting plus-sized brides, because sometimes photographers don't even think about the angle they're shooting from, and that isn't kind to anyone of any size. I feel really good about her. (She also got married in the past year, and told me where the candle outlet is for table decorations, so yay!)

Which means in some shots, Tim will need to bare his chest and abs.

Hee! I should have him do this, at least once. But maybe in our room, not in front of the guests.

Pictures or it didn't happen.

javachik, I get what you are saying about some people being natually photogenic. (And anyone who would walk out of a date with you is an idiot and not deserving of your attention).

I wish I knew what the disconnect was in my mind over photography. I'll see pictures of me and be suprised that I'm wearing glasses (have worn since I was 18, duh) or that my hair is short/curly/whatever. I don't know what my mental image of myself is, but I have yet to see a picture that matches that mental image.

Pictures or it didn't happen.

Oh, I meant I would TOTALLY take a picture! But his family might not appreciate the gesture, so we'll save that for later.

N, you are beautiful inside and out, and he was an idiot for walking out.

Tep, you are a gorgeous woman and you will make an even more gorgeous bride. The happiness in your face will outshine any perceived flaws.