We’re big fans of a first look, and in case you’re on the fence about whether to do one, here are five reasons why you should incorporate a first look into your wedding day.
#1 Adds Hours to Your Wedding Day: By having a first look, you’re essentially extending your wedding day. Instead of waiting until the ceremony to see each other, you get to start celebrating and enjoying each other’s presence earlier. Which equates to more memories to make together.
#2) Real romance: Waiting to see each other at the aisle sounds romantic, but it can actually be constraining. Imagine you’ve been anticipating this moment all day (most ceremonies are around 4 pm) the build-up is intense. You finally see each other, but you just hugged your dad for the last time as a single woman, and everyone is staring at you, and it’s time to get on with your ceremony. Your emotions are on a roller coaster and there’s hardly any time to mouth the words “you look amazing”. Depending on your officiant you may not even get to hold hands yet. When you dip the idea into reality, its not as romantic as it sounds. Having a full, authentic reaction to actually seeing each other for the first time on your wedding day happens at first look. And it doesn’t take away from the ceremony moment, it adds to it.
Since you’ve seen each other, you actually enable your ability to be present. You’re not full of nerves or anxiety…you’re just alive, in the moment, taking in everything. This groom cried at his first look and when his bride walked down the aisle.
#3 A true reaction: It’s a chance to connect, look each other in the eyes, cry, laugh, kiss & gawk as long as you want to without all your guests staring at you. Its a time to debrief about how your morning was! Seeing each other before your ceremony calms the nerves, and gives you chance to revel in the anticipation of the day together.
#4 You’ll be more in the Moment: Seeing each other before the ceremony allows you to be more present throughout the day. You can share more meaningful conversations, enjoy each other’s company, and truly soak in the joy of the occasion. This does not take away from the ceremony moment. It adds to it.
#5 Smooth Timeline, Not Rushing photos: With a first look, the timeline of your day tends to flow more smoothly. You can complete photos earlier, which means you don’t have to spend an hour after the ceremony rushing to take bridal party photos, family photos, and couple portraits.
#6 Maximum Amount of Time with Your Wedding Guests & at Your Party:
Perhaps most importantly, a first look gives you more time to enjoy the wedding you planned. A first look allows us to photograph bridal party and family photos before the ceremony. This means you can join your cocktail hour, mingle, and enjoy every morsel of the wedding day without turning your day into a photo shoot.
It seems like a no-brainer to me. Are you in?
