A first look is a fairly new tradition. Many couples are beginning to gravitate toward this concept for various reasons. What happens during a first look? Couples are able to have a private moment between the two of them prior to the wedding to make room for intimate moments without anxiety.
The decision to participate in a first look requires heavy consideration of both the pros and cons. It should be made with a mutual agreement between the bride and groom, one that is best for you. No matter if you choose to see each other for the first time walking down the aisle or prior to the wedding there is no wrong choice, whatever is best with you will be okay with everyone else especially me.
We have asked our past brides that have gone the traditional and first look route to provide input of the pros and cons.
REASONS I CHOSE A FIRST LOOK FROM A BRIDE'S PERSPECTIVE:
1. Anxiety! Getting to see my future husband prior to the ceremony eased my anxiety. I was able to focus on him going down the aisle because I was calmer.
2. Party! Doing a first look meant we could enjoy our guests at the cocktail hour because we were able to do our bridal party portraits as well as family before the ceremony started.
3. Intimacy! I wanted more time for polished portraits of the two of us. Getting it done prior to the ceremony meant we had more time together for gorgeous and intimate images without feeling a sense of urgency to greet our guests.
4. I got married during the late fall/early winter, it gets dark at 5pm that time of year and my ceremony was at 4pm, I wanted to ensure I received beautiful images before it was dark.
REASONS I MADE THE TRADITIONAL CHOICE FROM A BRIDE'S PERSPECTIVE:
- I always dreamed of my wedding day and the emotion I would feel as my groom saw me coming down the aisle for the first time. It was also super important for me to remain classic and traditional.
- My venue only allowed for a certain number of hours in our package. I wanted to allow for more time at the reception instead of getting to venue earlier for hair and makeup.
- I just knew if we did a first look in the pictures neither of us would have our wedding bands on because we were not married yet, the rings are very symbolic of our union and super important to me.
WHAT DO YOU THINK WE SHOULD DO?
That is not a decision I am capable of answering with a hard yes or no. I want you to make the decision that is ultimately best for you. I am confident I can get great results in 15 minutes or 2 hours. Just remember the wedding day is a sacred event, the joining of two families that I get the honor to witness and document beautifully. What is important is that you feel supported in whatever decision you make, I will be there with you and for you.
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