Should We Have A First Look?
For many couples, the decision to wait until the ceremony to see each other is an easy one. For others, deciding to have a private moment together before the ceremony is best. Each couple is different, everyone feels strongly about the tradition of waiting to see the bride until she is arm-in-arm with her Dad on the way down the aisle. Maybe, you don’t know how you feel about it. I personally whole heartedly believe in a first look. And while I will not stop you from waiting to see each other, I will do my job and inform you on why I believe in the first look.
First, so many couples are nervous and anxious before the big moment. All this excitement and nervousness can take a big toll on a person. And not being able to see the person who calms them, makes them feel safe and supports them can only add to this anxiety. The months leading up to the wedding (especially currently with all the crazy changes) can already cause so much stress, but you have each other to lean on and to work through all these difficult decisions and even cry on. Then the BIGGEST day of your lives (so far) comes and you can’t run to each other and hug each other to get to that calming place. If you have a first look, you can run into each others arms, hug, cry, laugh and finally relax! If you wait until the alter, it may be an hour before you can even hold hands. And you certainly can’t kiss or hug on another until after the first church appropriate kiss is complete!
Second, you will get a lot more portraits if you have a first look. Imagine this, you and your partner are escorted separately to a secluded spot chosen for it’s photographic scenery. As you call his name he turns to see you walking toward him, a beautiful goddess draped in white, looking absolutely stunning. The two of you spend as much time hugging and loving on each other as you want. With nobody else there except your photography/videography team. It’s just the two of you in this moment together. You may not get another moment like this all day. Take it all in. After you are finished, we begin your couples portrait time. This is uninterrupted photography, planned and scheduled without having to worry about waiting on a bridesmaid or ring bearer. You get to focus on you and what your day is all about, YOUR LOVE.
Third, More time to enjoy your guests. I know this seems odd. How can doing a first look give me more time with my guests? By moving up your couples portraits, you can also move up your wedding party photos to be completed before the ceremony. This way you are free to enjoy your guests during cocktail hour and will help your guests feel good about getting to spend a little time with you. This also frees your photographers up to photograph all the reception details during the cocktail hour, many times we arrive at the reception site after most guests have placed their personal items on the tables and chairs.
Fourth, Less time between the Ceremony and Reception. Many guests don’t know what to do after the ceremony. They sometimes have to wait several hours before the reception venue opens for them. For those who traveled and don’t have a hotel, this can be burdensome. But if you have a first look, you will go from the family photos right to the cocktail hour. This makes your guests feel comfortable and gives them the chance to mingle with other family and friends without having to drive from place to place. It’s always nice to take your guests into consideration when planning the days events. Many people travel from far away to be part of your celebration.
It’s also very important to remember that not everyone is super emotional, even on their wedding day. I have heard many people say they will be upset if their partner doesn’t cry when they see them. This is a very difficult expectation to put on someone. I have had several couples who did a first look and the groom didn’t cry, but the minute he sees his bride coming down the aisle his eyes fill with tears. The first look doesn’t take away from that moment, it just makes it more about the marriage then the moment.
So before you decide one way or another, weigh the pros and cons. And if you would rather wait to see each other until the altar, work with your photographer to build a timeline that will ensure you get the most out of your wedding day.
