When Kevin and I were planning our wedding we decided to do the non-traditional “First Look.” We thought long and hard and realized that for us it was going to be one of the most important moments of our day. I can still remember that moment before our first look that I peeked out the window and saw Kevin. He couldn’t see me through the window but I literally started screaming inside with excitement. This was the moment we had been waiting for and I was going to spend it with just him (and our photographer of course).
There are so many reasons why we LOVE first looks. Our favorite part is when the groom gets to see his bride for the first time and holds her tight in his arms. It’s a moment that makes my heart melt. After taking each other in and having a private moment together they are both ready for their day. It is always an honor to experience this moment with our couples. We love capturing these photos for our couples to treasure for a lifetime. I still consider some of our first look photos to be my favorite from our entire wedding day. Here are our top 4 reasons why a first look is worth it on your wedding day!
Photo from our first look the moment before Kevin turned around to see me for the first time. (Photo by Ben Keeling)
IT MAY BE THE ONLY ALONE TIME YOU HAVE ALL DAY TOGETHER
One of the things we love most about the first look is that it allows the bride and groom to really take each other in. They do not have any pressure or time constraints and can really just enjoy each other. We make sure that no one else is around so that the couple can take in this moment alone. They can embrace, kiss, and love on each other and experience all of the emotions that come with seeing each other for the first time. Most brides don’t even realize that if they do not do a first look the groom can’t really express just how he feels the moment he sees her until after the ceremony. He can’t tell her just how beautiful she is. From the dress, veil, jewelry, makeup and hair. The first look allows time for your groom to really take in every little detail that you chose just for him.
CALMS WEDDING DAY NERVES
The wedding day can be very overwhelming and filled with so many emotions. The first look allows the couple to feel their emotions in an intimate setting which helps them to relax and get excited for the rest of the day. They don’t have to worry about holding back the tears when they see each other. Being the center of attention during your wedding ceremony can be nerve racking. Why not enjoy your first look in a private a more stress-free environment.
MAXIMIZES THE WEDDING DAY PHOTOS BY 3 HOURS
You have invested a lot of time and money into your wedding. When you do a first look this usually frees up more time to do portraits of the bride and groom. This also allows you to get all of your wedding party photos finished before the ceremony. After the ceremony, all you have to worry about is family photos. This allows you to arrive at your reception earlier and not leave your guests waiting. Doing a first look frees up the wedding day alleviating stress and allowing the bride and the groom to experience every moment together. This will leave your wedding album filled with so many extra photos of amazing memories shared with you and your best friends.
YOUR GROOM WILL LOVE IT
Our couples are the ones that say it best. Once they understand how special the first look is they have no regrets and can’t imagine it not being a part of their special day. Here is what one of our groom’s Chris said about his first look. His statement sums up perfectly what we want our couples to experience on their wedding day.
“We are so glad that we made the choice to spend a few moments alone before the ceremony. Seeing each other calmed our nerves so much. We had some time to react to the full outfit, and show each other all of the finishing touches. We also had some time to chat and laugh together without anyone else’s eyes on us. Even though we spent over two hours together before the ceremony, it did not take away the special moment of seeing Emily come down the aisle with her dad. I still felt so excited and honored, and she looked even more beautiful than she had earlier in the day.” – Chris
BE SURE TO CHECK OUT LAST WEEK’S TIPS AND TRICKS TUESDAY ARTICLE ON “WHY AN ENGAGEMENT SESSION IS A MUST BEFORE YOUR WEDDING DAY.” YOU CAN ALSO CHECK OUT OUR WEDDING RESOURCE PAGE FOR MORE ARTICLES.
http://kevinandannaweddings.com/2017/03/why-an-engagement-session-is-a-must-before-your-wedding-day/
