Are you planning a wedding and wondering whether or not you should break tradition and see each other before the ceremony?? It is a decision that a lot of brides and grooms struggle with.   Almost all couples I know that have done a first look end up saying that it was one of the best decisions they have ever made. Those end up being some of their very favorite images.

If a bride asks me I will always recommend doing a first look for the reasons you are about to see below; however, I will never force a couple to do this on their wedding day.  This is such a personal decision for the couple to make together and their wedding day will STILL be just as amazing regardless of their decision. With that said, let’s get to it!

1. It takes away the pressure!

Seeing each other before the ceremony can help ease those nerves so much! More often than not there are over 150 people watching as the bride walks down the aisle and for someone who isn’t used to that, it can feel like a lot.   A first look takes off the pressure and allows the couple to be themselves since they are the only ones there (and me as your third wheel of course! But I promise I’m quiet).  This very special moment that they get to experience together is always so sweet and so genuine.

2. The anticipation of walking down the aisle will still be there.

From what I have experienced, a first look does not take away any of the emotion from the anticipation of the bride walking down the aisle. This is a very common misconception among brides. I can promise you that you will still be SO excited to see your person at the end of the aisle.  It will still be such a genuine and special moment!

3. You get wayyyyy more portraits.

With seeing each other early in the day, it allows for a significant amount of time for bridal portraits.  It means that you would have bridal portraits right after your first look in addition to portraits before the reception. It can also result in being able to use multiple locations to ensure you have a couple different looks and vibes in your portraits. It really is a win-win situation!

4. You get to spend almost all day together!

You are marrying your best friend! Why wouldn’t you want to spend as much time as possible with them on your wedding day?? I can guarantee that you will have so much fun spending all day together! The only time that you would have to be separated is right before the ceremony.

5. Your wedding day overall is much more calm.

Since a first looks allows me to capture almost all of the portraits before the ceremony, it can make your wedding day seem significantly less rushed!  What we would otherwise have to do after the ceremony and before the reception we are able to spread out over a few hours before the ceremony.  Everyone ends up being much calmer and is able to soak in each moment rather than rushing through it.

I hope this helps any brides that read this blog post.  If you have any questions at all about first looks, please do not hesitate to leave a comment or send me an email. I would love to help you out! PS – keep scrolling to see some images from one of the sweetest first looks!

xoxo,

Lauren