One of the most common questions I get asked by brides is if they should do a first look on their wedding day.  Some brides aren’t aware of doing a first look and if you don’t know what one is either, that’s okay.  It’s when the bride and groom decide to see each other for the first time on the wedding day when they’re fully dressed, prior to the ceremony.  Typically it will be just the two of them (and myself and maybe second shooter), so the moment is very intimate.  I’m asked why they should do a first look, so here are my top 3 reasons why you should do a first look on your wedding day.

It helps with nerves.

It is so sweet when brides and especially grooms are nervous on their wedding day.  Many of those nerves are because they are very anxious about seeing their future wife or husband for the first time that day.  While a groom seeing the bride coming down the aisle for the first time can be wonderful, it really can help calm the nerves if you have already seen each other.  After almost ever first look that I’ve shot, the couple both say, “I’m so glad that part is over, I feel so much better!” This is such a true statement because the couple feels like they can relax a little more after seeing each other.  It really helps set the tone for the rest of the day too!

You get to actually kiss each other before a long ceremony.

This is one that most people don’t realize, but if the bride & groom see each other for the first time during the ceremony, you really can’t embrace or kiss until after the officiant gives you the go ahead.  If you do a first look, you can kiss and embrace for as long as you want.  Many times couples will exchange gifts or letters during this time which makes it extra sweet.

You can get a lot of photos out of the way, getting you to the reception earlier.

This to me is one of the biggest reasons to do a first look.  You can schedule this so that after the first look, you go ahead and do the wedding party photos as well as the family photos.  This way, you can have your wedding party and family members going on to cocktail hour while you can take a few more ‘just married’ and sunset photos before making your grand entrance into the reception.  Your guests will stay happy not having to wait 1-2 hours for the newlyweds to join the reception (I have been to weddings where it was almost 2 hours for the bride and groom to come to the reception!).  This is a huge timesaver, plus you’ll end up with way more photos in the long run because you would essentially have two sessions as a couple, prior to the wedding and after.

Here are a few of my favorite first looks over the years.