Should I Consider a First Look?

Absolutely, YES!!! Definitely yes!!!

Are you torn about whether to have a first look on your wedding day? Perhaps you’ve always envisioned your groom seeing you for the first time as you walk down the aisle. However, have you explored the benefits of having a first look?

You might relate to my dilemma when I was deciding whether to embrace a first look with my soon-to-be husband.

Before entering the wedding industry, I was convinced I didn’t want a first look! I preferred the traditional approach of my groom not seeing me until I walked down the aisle… that was the only way he was going to have the best reaction, right?? But after witnessing a few first looks, I quickly discovered how incredible, meaningful, and worthwhile they can be. I was amazed by the intimacy and sweetness of those moments! And let me tell you, many grooms shed tears during the first look and again when they see their bride walking toward them down the aisle. My husband and I both cried at our first look and again as I walked down the aisle. It was truly the best experience!

I can assure you that 9 out of 10 grooms will cry. If they aren’t a cryer, they may just not cry regardless if you do a First Look or not…although I’ve seen plenty of those guys bawl their eyes out too!

Here are a few reasons to consider having a first look with your husband.

• It’s your wedding day, so why not spend more time together? – The day goes by so quickly! Most ceremonies take place in the late afternoon or evening, leaving you with little time to enjoy with your new spouse. It’s a your big day, so experience it together!
• You gain private time to exchange vows or letters without an audience. – This intimate setting allows you to be vulnerable and authentic. You can still personalize any vows you choose to repeat during the ceremony.
• You can express your feelings freely, share hugs and kisses! – You won’t have that immediate interaction at the end of the aisle. First looks enhance the magic of the day….they don’t steal it!
• They help calm your nerves! – This applies to both brides and grooms. Wedding days come with a lot of anxiety, especially with the pressure of not seeing each other before the ceremony, plus having to walk down the aisle in front of many guests. What better way to calm those nerves than by seeing the person who grounds you the most? I believe in soothing fears and finding comfort in your partner’s embrace.
• More portraits of you two!! You can have your first look, share letters, and then take your husband & wife photos. After the ceremony, you can still capture those dreamy sunset photos.
• Once you see each other, we can complete most of the portraits before the ceremony. – This includes husband & wife portraits, your full wedding party and all of your family portraits.
• We aren’t rushed to finish all of the portraits that we couldn’t get take before ceremony. – You’ll be able to enjoy each portion of the day relaxed and make those memories with all of your closest people!
• You can get to your reception sooner and dance the night away! Typically, the only photos left after the ceremony are extended family pictures and your couple’s photos, which usually take around 30 minutes, allowing you to join your guests for cocktail hour!
• Weather can be unpredictable – Having time for portraits before and after the ceremony can be beneficial.

Notice that these advantages focus on providing YOU TWO with the best experience! Now you have a glimpse of what your day could look like with a first look! However, if you still prefer not to have one, remember that we still need to capture a lot of photos after the ceremony, which may take about 1 to 1.5 hours while your guests wait for you.

It’s your day, and I will wholeheartedly support whatever decision you make!