My absolute favorite part of a wedding day is “The First Look”. As a wedding photographer, I’ve seen many weddings done the more traditional way where the bride and groom don’t see each other before the wedding, as well as the much more popular first look.  Today I want to share with you five reasons why you should consider doing a first look at your own wedding!

Five Reasons You Should Do A First Look

1. It’s most likely the only intimate moment you will have all day.

The absolute best reason to do a sneak peek on your wedding day is because it gives you an intimate moment that is just between the two of you.  It’s one of the very few times of the day you get to just stop and realize the magnitude of the moment and simply enjoy each others company before the busy day begins.  When you see each other for the first time walking down the aisle, you are thinking a million other thoughts while all eyes are on you and it’s just not quite the same.  Your man will be a little more uninhibited in his reaction to you without all the eyes on him.  You will be able to chat with each other and share your thoughts.  If you choose the more traditional way of waiting to walk down the aisle, being able to chat about and relish that beautiful moment is over and forgotten by the time you walk back down the aisle as husband and wife.

2. You can get your formal pictures out of the way before the ceremony.

When you choose to do a first look, you free up SO MUCH time for your day.  Not only does it eliminate the worry about having to stay hidden from each other before the ceremony, but you have a chance to get the formal pictures out of the way! Bridal party photos, family formal photos and even bride and groom photos can be wrapped up before the guests even arrive.   Instead of the cocktail hour becoming a time when the guests are eagerly awaiting the bride and groom to return from photos, it becomes a time that you can actually be present with your friends and family.

Wedding day timelines can be wildly unpredictable.  Sharing a first look allows us to be sure we capture some great moments of just the bride and groom so that no matter what happens the rest of the day we know those important photos have already happened.

3. Your stress and nerves will diminish after seeing each other. 

If you are the type of person that gets a little nervous around crowds then this is a great option for you. I have found that everyone gets just a little bit anxious right before the ceremony, even those that thought they wouldn’t be! Being able to see each other, hug and chat about all your feelings changes the tone of the day and sets you both at ease.  You will have a peace of mind after seeing each other that you didn’t have before.  Time and time again I see the stress just melt away after you have held each other in your arms. It’s like a weight has been lifted and the rest of the wedding day is a breeze!

4. You can choose the location.

Choosing to do a first look means that we can choose a beautiful location with perfect lighting that makes for great photos.  You can also choose to even walk down the aisle just like during the ceremony but before the guests arrive.  A first look allows you so many options – it can be just the two of you (with me there too of course), or just your parents watching, or even extended family off in the distance able to witness the love you share but still having it feel like a private intimate moment.

5. You still have time to touch up your make up after the tears!

Your hair and make up will still be perfectly fresh for your man (and your photographer) for a first look.  Let’s face it – you are most likely going to cry and possibly even ugly-cry! Choosing to do a first look leaves you plenty of time to do a touch up while your make up artist is most likely still around.  If you ugly cry walking down the aisle, you are out of luck in the make up department!

In all the years I have captured the love that couples share, not one of them have ever regretted doing a first look.  I always hear things like, “I feel so much better” or “Let’s get this party started”.  It changes the tone of the day. So drop the old superstitions and traditions and have your wedding the way you WANT! More beautiful images, less stress, and more time to enjoy your wedding guests!

Much Love,

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