Why You Should Consider a First Look

First looks are becoming more and more popular. If you are planning a wedding right now, this topic has probably come up quite a few times. While the decision is ultimately yours and no one should ever make you do anything at your wedding that you don’t want to, I wanted to do a post about why I am all for First Looks and discuss a myth I hear all the time!

Here is the myth: If you do a first look, you won’t have an emotional reponse walking down the aisle or you will lose that magical moment.

Speaking from someone who did a first look at my own wedding and having shot quite a few weddings where couples have done them, this couldn’t be further from the truth. The first look and walking down the aisle will still get you two very real and very different reactions. The first look will be that anticipation of finally seeing each other. You get to admire how awesome your partner looks and have a sweet moment just the two of you. That stress or anxiety you may have felt NOT being able to see one another is now gone and you just get to have fun. Then you get to do the whole thing over again as you walk towards each other just as you are about to get married. Totally different feeling. Trust me. Plus, if your parents or friends want to see your reaction, they can be a part of it! Lots of bridal parties and family members watch from the sidelines. And we love it :)

Rachel and Marlania had the cutest first look crashers <3

See both Cierra + Ty’s first look and ceremony photos!

Less stress.

First looks cut down the stress! All you want to do all day is see each other. I have had brides who are so anxious to see their future spouse they felt sick. But once they see each other, that anxious feeling is replaced only with happiness.

You get more time together.

You two are getting married, don’t you want to spend as much time with each other on your wedding day as possible? When it comes time to the reception, you may barely see each other from dancing to talking to your loved ones. At mine and Lex’s reception there were so many times I looked around and go “Where is Lex?”. We had over 200 guests and a large set up in my parents backyard so it was easy to get separated and realize we barely saw each other much of the reception. So take the time before the ceremony where you can spend it together and with your friends and soak it up.

Photo time.

This is a big one. Logistically, it makes sense. I have had couples not do a first look and still want to get to cocktail hour. With all the family formals, bridal party shots, and couples portraits they made it with about 5 minutes to spare. If you get all of your photos done before the ceremony, you can enjoy more time with your guests after! This means you can chat away with everyone before dinner and dance the night away too. You get the best of both worlds.

Again, this is not to say weddings that don’t do first looks aren’t great. Because definitely they are! And we have a ton of clients who DON’T do a first look and their day is equally as wonderful as a couple who did. I just can’t recommend this enough. You still will get your magical moment walking down the aisle. But you will have a better timeline set up for your photos and any other activities you may want to do. Plus you get to hang out with your future wife or husband more. And to me, thats a win.