Wedding Butterflies & Doves
There is hardly a day more romantic and exciting for a couple in love than a wedding day. Many brides have dreamt of that fairytale wedding since childhood, and this vision they hold has been nurtured by the princess-like images of Disney-esque weddings they've viewed in so many movies.
So, beyond the lovely location and that perfect wedding dress... a well-performed dove release can be the culmination of the ethereal, dreamlike atmosphere a girl has always envisioned.
But there is another way to add punch and substance to the atmosphere... butterflies!
And what's a girl to do, if she has to decide between one or the other? Which is right for her?
Here's my take on it:
A Wedding Doves Release:
If set up and performed by a professional and ethical dove release company (see White Dove Release Professionals, WDRP), a dove release is a powerful experience. There are numerous descriptions of the timing of dove releases on the internet, so I will focus only on the moment of release, here.
Upon their release as a flock, these snow white beauties fly with strength and poise. They rise into the air with a certain burst of energy, while at the same time exuding gracefulness. The movement of their wings creates a light breeze around them. This gentle whisper of wind further adds to the breathtaking experience of these spiritual creatures taking wing around the bridal party and front row of guests. If you embrace the doves' symbolism & beauty, it is an incredibly amazing experience.
For a "hand release" of the dove pair, the birds must be gently restrained in a proper hold. This is a great photo opportunity for the photographer, as the bridal couple cradles their birds with properly-placed fingers. The bridal couple simply opens their hands to release these doves, and the birds will then take quickly to the sky. If there are no trees or other obstructions, the two birds can be seen circling on high together.
Whether it is a flock release or a pair release, guests are able to see the doves quite well, whether they are sitting near the front row, or all the way in the back. If the photographer has listened to the overview of the dove release professional, he or she will likely catch the birds on film from any vantage point.
A Wedding Butterfly Release:
If it is a butterfly release you desire, the Monarch is my recommendation. Monarchs are larger than many other butterflies, which makes them more visible to your guests. Monarchs are not as timid as many other butterflies can be, and their flight is quite elegant.
A butterfly release occurs much more slowly than a dove release. As the container is opened for the butterfly release, rather than take immediately to the sky, the butterflies will more often hesitate. This allows for a more intimate, hands-on experience for the bridal couple. The experience is much slower than with doves, and is a bit more unpredictable. However, for many, the intimacy of a butterfly release is more desirable.
The release of butterflies is a more gentle experience. Their acension is slower, their direction less predictable. There is more mystery, less adrenaline and "pop" in comparison to the release of white doves.
A photographer will need to be close to the butterflies, for best photos. Butterflies will not show up so well with a bright sky in the background. However, there are ways to encourage the butterflies to remain still for a few moments, in order to set the stage for some beautiful close-up shots. So many of us feel that the magic of being in the presence of a butterfly unforgettable.
Whether a bride chooses doves or butterflies to add that extra splash of magic to her special day, either creature gifts us with the stunning freedom of its flight. And each is remarkably beautiful in its own lovely way. It's all a matter of personal preference -- and on a bride's big wedding day -- the one she's always dreamed of -- that's what matters most!
So, beyond the lovely location and that perfect wedding dress... a well-performed dove release can be the culmination of the ethereal, dreamlike atmosphere a girl has always envisioned.
But there is another way to add punch and substance to the atmosphere... butterflies!
And what's a girl to do, if she has to decide between one or the other? Which is right for her?
Here's my take on it:
A Wedding Doves Release:
If set up and performed by a professional and ethical dove release company (see White Dove Release Professionals, WDRP), a dove release is a powerful experience. There are numerous descriptions of the timing of dove releases on the internet, so I will focus only on the moment of release, here.
Upon their release as a flock, these snow white beauties fly with strength and poise. They rise into the air with a certain burst of energy, while at the same time exuding gracefulness. The movement of their wings creates a light breeze around them. This gentle whisper of wind further adds to the breathtaking experience of these spiritual creatures taking wing around the bridal party and front row of guests. If you embrace the doves' symbolism & beauty, it is an incredibly amazing experience.
For a "hand release" of the dove pair, the birds must be gently restrained in a proper hold. This is a great photo opportunity for the photographer, as the bridal couple cradles their birds with properly-placed fingers. The bridal couple simply opens their hands to release these doves, and the birds will then take quickly to the sky. If there are no trees or other obstructions, the two birds can be seen circling on high together.
Whether it is a flock release or a pair release, guests are able to see the doves quite well, whether they are sitting near the front row, or all the way in the back. If the photographer has listened to the overview of the dove release professional, he or she will likely catch the birds on film from any vantage point.
A Wedding Butterfly Release:
If it is a butterfly release you desire, the Monarch is my recommendation. Monarchs are larger than many other butterflies, which makes them more visible to your guests. Monarchs are not as timid as many other butterflies can be, and their flight is quite elegant.
A butterfly release occurs much more slowly than a dove release. As the container is opened for the butterfly release, rather than take immediately to the sky, the butterflies will more often hesitate. This allows for a more intimate, hands-on experience for the bridal couple. The experience is much slower than with doves, and is a bit more unpredictable. However, for many, the intimacy of a butterfly release is more desirable.
The release of butterflies is a more gentle experience. Their acension is slower, their direction less predictable. There is more mystery, less adrenaline and "pop" in comparison to the release of white doves.
A photographer will need to be close to the butterflies, for best photos. Butterflies will not show up so well with a bright sky in the background. However, there are ways to encourage the butterflies to remain still for a few moments, in order to set the stage for some beautiful close-up shots. So many of us feel that the magic of being in the presence of a butterfly unforgettable.
Whether a bride chooses doves or butterflies to add that extra splash of magic to her special day, either creature gifts us with the stunning freedom of its flight. And each is remarkably beautiful in its own lovely way. It's all a matter of personal preference -- and on a bride's big wedding day -- the one she's always dreamed of -- that's what matters most!
Labels: difference between doves and butterflies for release, Disney, flight, wedding, wedding butterflies, wedding doves
posted by The Dove Lady at 11:21:00 AM
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