As you plan for your big day, chances are that you’ve thought about a first look. You’ve gone back and forth and decided that you want to go the traditional route, after all, that’s the way it’s been done for decades. Not that there is anything wrong with forgoing the first look, but not everyone is aware of how awesome and worthwhile they are, because they get caught up in how “non-traditional” it is, and they immediately write it off. Trust me, I know, you want your groom to be so surprised and overcome with joy when you walked down the aisle that he bawls at the first sight of you! Isn’t that EVERY girl’s dream? Who doesn’t want that reaction? But little do you realize, that even if you have an intimate first look, your groom will still melt at the sight of you. You will feel so loved and also feel like a million bucks!

I’ve come to this conclusion. Some brides love “traditions”…. but what a bride REALLY wants when it comes to her groom seeing her for the first time, is a REACTION. Those who are not interested in a First Look usually think that by seeing each other beforehand, they will lose part of that reaction. They also assume that it will not be as emotional or as intimate as it would be if they were coming down the aisle. What I have found (this is starting to sound like a research paper!) is so ironic! Everyone knows that wedding days are a bit stressful for the bride and groom.

The whole day is focused on them, they need to look their best, they need to be on time, the groom has no idea what side the boutonniere is supposed to go on and little by little… the tension grows. It’s before the ceremony and the gravity of what is about to happen starts to sink in and the calm, collected groom who was playing golf just a few short hours ago is now starting to feel a little anxious. So what happens next? The groom waits in a little room somewhere for his cue from the coordinator. It seems like it’s taking FOREVER. Finally, coordinator leans her head in and hurries the groom to get ready. With clammy hands, the groom enters the ceremony and what does he find? …. he finds anywhere from 80-300 people and they’re all looking where? Right at his face… because everyone has expectations and anticipation about his first reaction.

This is the farthest thing from a private, intimate moment. Sure, it’s SO powerful and SO wonderful…walking down the aisle is one of the BEST PARTS of the WHOLE wedding day! But when you walked down the aisle… He won’t be a nervous wreck…he will have spent the morning with you and your best friends and the pressure was OFF. By the time the ceremony rolls around he will be ready to ENJOY your beautiful day!

All of the above not enough to sell you? Here are my favorite FOUR reasons why First Looks elevate your total wedding experience.

1. 40% MORE PORTRAITS

You’re investing a lot into your wedding photography. With a first look, you’ll receive 40% MORE portraits of the two of you… and those are the images you will decorate your first home with! With a first look, you make the most out of this large investment and get the most for your money.

 

2. ENJOY THE SURPRISE FREELY

You actually get to have intimate time on your wedding day with your man. Most brides don’t realize that when you come down the aisle and totally SHOCK him with your gorgeousness… he can’t even tell you how amazing you look. He can’t touch you, embrace you or even SPEAK to you. You have to wait until 30 minutes later when the ceremony is over for him to react and tell you how amazing you look. And after 30 minutes of the ceremony, the reaction isn’t the same as the initial first glance.

3. EXTEND YOUR DAY BY 3 HOURS

First Looks allow you to extend your wedding day. Normally the wedding day would start when you come down the aisle, then the ceremony would end, you would rush through portraits so that you’re not late for the introductions and then it’s reception time. With a first look, your wedding day is ex- tended by almost 3 hours! Instead of being rushed for your bridal party portraits… you actually get to enjoy them and have fun hanging out with your BEST friends on your wedding day. The WHOLE first half of my client’s wedding albums are filled with images just from this time together before the ceremony.

4. YOUR ONLY ALONE TIME

First Looks allow you to be TOGETHER and alone on your wedding day. Normally portraits are a little rushed after the family formals, and it can be hard to really get back into that “lovey-dovey” mode…. especially with family around! When you have just shared your first look, you’re READY to love on each other, and I always capture some super sweet images during those moments!

Did you find this helpful? Then you’ll love the rest of the wedding advice on the blog here.