First Look for your Wedding? (and happy anniversary to us!)

This is somewhat of a personal post, as my hubs and I are celebrating our 7th wedding anniversary today!  Happy Anny babe!!!!  It seriously feels like just yesterday!   In taking a peek at our wedding photos (courtesy of Three Blondes & a Camera), I came across the photos of our First Look, and I wanted to share them to show/tell you guys why I really encourage my couples to consider seeing each other before the ceremony.

What is a First Look, you might ask??  A First Look is simply the opportunity for a bride & groom to see each other before the ceremony, away from their bridal party, family and friends.  It’s a private moment between the couple, when honest emotions can be expressed (your guy might tend to repress any tears in front of his friends & family), and where they can reflect on the gravity of the day ahead of them.  It also helps to dispel any nervousness they may have. 🙂

Ok, so THIS.  This right here is why I really push and encourage my couples to do a First Look.  While there is something to be said for tradition, there is more than something to be said for the sheer excitement, the awe, and the JOY of seeing each other for the first time on your wedding day.  The moment should be celebrated, as well as documented, rather than standing next to each other at the end of the aisle, not talking to each other, with little more than a hand squeeze to calm yourselves.  And I always tell my couples – the First Look was our only 5 minutes alone all day long.  I was able to see his reaction to me up close.  I was able to get a big hug to calm my nerves.  Pozzie spun me around to see me in my dress.  And we wiped our happy tears away together.  We took the time to reflect on the vows we were about to say to each other, to share in each other’s elation that the day was finally here, and to laugh about the wedding planning shenanigans that really didn’t matter when all was said & done  (those dang programs…!!!)   And you can see a few photos below – the First Look did absolutely nothing to detract from that walk down the aisle!  😉

And as you can see – doing a First Look, did in no way shape or form, take away from the moment I walked down the aisle to my handsome groom.  I mean – can you SEE the excitement on my face!? 

In case that look on my face isn’t enough to convince you, here are some things you should consider for a First Look.  And when you are considering whether to do one or not – the only opinions that should matter are yours & your fiance’s.

• Time alone – those few moments may be the only time you spend together alone on your big day.
• Your nerves – getting a hug from each other will help to calm your nerves!  Every.Single.Couple. that has done a First Look has stated that they are SO happy that they did it!  Not one person wished they had waited.
• That walk down the aisle – He’ll be thinking “Man, I hope I don’t pass out.”  You’ll be thinking “I hope I don’t trip on my dress” or “Aaack! Everyone is staring at me walking down the aisle!”   You’ll have more sincere reactions to seeing each other ahead of time!
• Cocktail Hour – with all of the pictures out of the way beforehand, you can join in & sample all the goodies you picked out for your guests to enjoy!  (Who doesn’t love crab balls!?)  In addition, you have the chance to mingle with your guests and start the PARTY!
• Photos – doing a First Look allows for better and MORE photos!  Beautiful, wall-hanging-worthy, photos.  Even with the best-laid plans, timelines can be thrown off, and that time we originally had between cocktail hour & the reception dwindles, giving us less time, a rushed photographer, and not as many photos.  And let’s be honest – you paid good money for photos, and I want to do the job I was hired for – creating lots of beautiful images and capturing the moments of one of the biggest days of your life.
• Pure vanity – Your hair & makeup looks best earlier on in the day  😉

Happy Anniversary Babe!!  Cheers to many, many more years of wedded bliss!    ♥   xoxo