Planning your elopement or intimate wedding day and stuck wondering if you should do a first look or not? There are so many resources out there telling you why or why not.

WHAT EVEN IS A FIRST LOOK?

If you aren’t sure what a first look is, here’s the formal description:
A first look is just what the name implies—it’s the {very intimate} first moment you see your partner (all dressed up) on your elopement or wedding day, before a ceremony or chosen activities on your special day. A first look is a newer wedding day tradition, and is meant to replace the tradition of seeing your partner for the first time when they come down the aisle.

NOTHING COMPARES TO SEEING THE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE ON YOUR WEDDING DAY

First things first, whether you are doing a first look or seeing each other for the first time at the altar, it’s absolutely going to be an intimate and emotional moment, but the question is: how do you want that moment to feel and look like? Deciding whether or not to do a first look with your partner is something that can be difficult to decide. I’m here to help you figure out what is best for you!

YOU GET TWO AMAZING REACTIONS FROM YOUR PARTNER!

Let’s debunk one thing: If you decide to do a first look, I promise you, your partner’s reaction seeing you come down the alter will still be JUST as amazing. In fact, if you really want to embrace this special moment with your partner, the reaction of seeing one another for the first time away from the alter is SO much better. Just think about this: most people are able to let their guard down more in an intimate setting. Most people don’t realize that when you come down the aisle and totally shock your partner with seeing one another for the first time in front of everyone else, you aren’t able to fully take in how amazing you each look. Once you arrive at the alter, your partner can’t touch you, embrace you or even speak to you. You have to wait until a little later on when the ceremony is over for you two to be able to communicate how amazing you look, and to be able to take that moment in… and after 30 minutes of the ceremony, the reaction isn’t the same as the initial first glance because now you’ve had that time together and not only that, now you’re likely moving on to the next thing- an activity, mingling with friends and family who are there to congratulate you, ect. Since the first look is just the two of you (plus myself), your partner’s reaction will be more genuine and you will have the time and space to let your guard down and show your emotion and love on one another, rather than feeling restricted to do so when at the alter. And believe me, the buildup before the first look is just as exciting as the altar! With all this said, there’s just something special about that moment when your partner walks down the aisle, so even if you’ve seen each other before the ceremony, you can often expect the tears and sweet reaction all over again! #win

Still not convinced on a First Look?…

MORE TIME TO ENJOY WITH YOUR GUESTS & EACH OTHER

If your special day is planned to be celebrated with more people than just the two of you, than having a First Look will allow you to have more time with each other, AND more time with your loved ones. First Looks allow you to extend the amount of time you spend together on your wedding day. Instead of spending the majority of the day hiding from each other until you come down the aisle, you actually get to spend several hours together before the ceremony starts! With a first look, your time together on the wedding day is extended by almost 3 hours! Instead of being rushed for your bride & groom and bridal party portraits…you actually get to enjoy them and have fun hanging out with your best friends on your wedding day. The WHOLE first half of my client’s wedding albums are filled with images just from this time together before the ceremony. This means that as soon as family photos are done, you get to spend almost your entire cocktail hour mingling with your guests! Your wedding day goes by so quickly and you will find you are constantly being pulled in different directions. This is the perfect opportunity for you to get to say hello and hug those friends and family members that you don’t get to see often!