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To look, or not to look.  That is the question.

By: Amy on August 26th, 20100 Comments. View Comments

This post is for all of you upcoming brides. I would hate to say that this is a trend, but it may be. More and more couples are choosing to see each other before their ceremony. MANY of you may ask the most important question... why? What could be the benefits of breaking a time honored tradition in weddings? I will tell you straight forward I am captain of Team First Look. I love the way that the photos turn out and more importantly, the private moment between the bride and groom. So to get back to the question... why? Some photographer's first reason is time. My first and main reason is emotion. Plain and simple. You and your fiance will have so many emotions running through yourself on that day. My husband and I did a first look before our ceremony and he waited for me in our chapel on the alter with the photographers in the room. The photographers were able to get his anticipation as well as mine, and when I walked through the double doors, they were able to capture both of our emotions. Our RAW emotions. We didn't feel as if we had to pretend or hide our emotions because it was just us. Our photographers were completely respectful of our space and time, and even un-noticed. Once we saw each other they snapped a few more photos of our embraces and quietly slipped out of the room to let us have our moment with each other. I wouldn't trade those images for anything. They are probably the most emotional images to me because that moment was so special. Yes, a photographer can snap a photo of a groom seeing his bride for the first time walking down the isle with her father. If that is what a couple wants, that is perfect for them. I have never tried to persuade anyone into doing a first look, I've only suggested.  You may wonder, what about the emotion from the ceremony?  Let's be honest, the bride can be walking down that isle in jeans and a t-shirt but everyone still realizes the importance of that moment.  The groom will find her more beautiful than ever even if he has seen her 1,000 times before just because of the moment that is happening.  Trust me.

There is also the benefit of time. If a bride and groom are willing to see each other before a ceremony, there is more time for photos of the couple, bridal party, and family. There are more opportunities to get the family portraits before the ceremony so the couple and family can get to the reception a little quicker. I don't think this should be the one and only reason a couple decides to do a first look, but it is a perk.

Here are a few of our photos from our first look:

 

Yes, he waved.

 

Ok, so I'm NOT a pretty crier.  Every time I see this photo I remember the moment like it was yesterday.  The emotion is so raw and tangible, I love it.

 

 

I wouldn't trade this image for anything.

 

 

Thank you so much (again) to Lauren Clark Photography for these wonderful images.  I hope this gives all of you brides out there something to think about!  Make sure to discuss this option with your photographer, whomever they may be.  Most importantly, have fun!!!