when i ask my brides and grooms if they would like to do a first look, that is their initial question: “what’s that?” i then do my best to explain to them what it is without letting my excitement get in the way. i get a little too excited sometimes when i talk about weddings. haha. so for those of you who know what a first look is, bare with me. those of you who don’t, listen up and let me know what ya think. :)

a first look is when the bride and groom see each other BEFORE the ceremony. the glowing couple makes time before the ceremony to have their  portraits taken. this is an intimate and special moment between the couple that they might not normally get on their big day. they have some down time to just enjoy each other and not have to share that moment with anyone else (well, besides the photographer off in the distance ;). this allows them to get out all of their nerves, pray, talk, and just enjoy their time together. time is a very precious thing right?! knowing how hectic a wedding day can be, it’s important to take advantage of it when you can.when the couple is finished having their moment, that’s when the portraits can begin. this is beneficial because you can get the bulk of the pictures (couple portraits, wedding party, family shots, etc.) taken before the ceremony so pretty much right after you can head straight to the reception and celebrate. this allows for the couple to have MORE time together.  MORE TIME TO ENJOY THE SPECIAL DAY. wouldn’t that be awesome?! while this is something new in the world of weddings, i believe that it will be a new part of the lineup that will be sticking around for a while.

a lot of couples are pretty hesitant when you suggest to do something different aside from what’s traditional – when the groom first sees the bride when walks down the aisle. however, i feel this is about to be the NEW tradition. when i suggest a first look for my clients, their main objections are because they won’t get the same “awe effect” as they would when they first see each other at the ends of the aisle. the bride fears she won’t receive the same REACTION.  from what i’ve learned and seen, you STILL have that experience even when you see each other before the ceremony. the groom STILL has a REACTION to seeing his bride walk down the aisle. the bride STILL gets butterflies to see her groom. this is just BETTER. why? because there are no more nerves. everything that stresses you out about the big day can be forgotten about when you have a first look. that way, when you’re walking down the aisle you can just ENJOY that moment.

while i’ve never been married before and can’t speak on this subject first hand, i can say that i will DEFINITELY have a first look when i get married.  i want to be able to have as many pictures from that day as i can. i want to be able to soak in all the memories from that day and just enjoy it. i know that having a first look would allow me to have that opportunity.

so, if you’re still on the fence about doing a first look, here are some bonus factors:

• more time added to your special day
• less stress
• 40% MORE portraits added to your images (thanks katelyn! :)
• precious time with your loved ones
• privacy – quiet moments alone with one another, away from the stress and craziness. alone time to just enjoy each other without any distractions.
• more time to hang out with your best friends!
• no more rush
• more portrait options
• more time to celebrate with your guests longer
• calms your nerves
• a private moment that you don’t have to share with anyone
• stress-free pictures because you’re not in a time crunch
• did i mention, MORE PICTURES?! :)

 

doesn’t that make you want to get a first look?!?! :)

if you decide not to get a first look, it’s okay. i’ll still love you. for real, though. if you really do want the traditional, walk-down-the-aisle first look, i’ll understand. it’s YOUR special day. i’m just there to capture how it unfolds. :)

here are some of my favorite moments i’ve captured of my brides and grooms: