Tradition says that the bride and groom shall not see each other on the day of the wedding, until the moment she walks up the aisle. It has been a tradition for decades and here is why…many years ago, when marriages were arranged, the bride’s parents wouldn’t allow the groom to see the bride before the ceremony, jut in case he wasn’t attracted to her. Luckily, modern-day times allow you the opportunity to date before committing yourselves to each other for life!
You put a lot of time and effort into your dress and over-all look for your wedding and understandably want the moment he finally see’s it to be special. That is where the first look comes in. This moment is similar to the one you have down the aisle. He is still seeing you for the first time in your dress and on your wedding day, however with a first look, he can actually tell you how he feels, embrace you and you can share the moment privately and authentically, rather than in front of hundreds of family and friends. We truly believe the moment you have walking up the aisle is not lost. It is a completely separate moment, all on it’s own, and an entirely different set of emotions go along with it.
We encourage couples to consider the benefits of a first look.
- We don’t have to play hide and seek with the groom before the ceremony.
- Because we take all the photographs before the ceremony, the couple, family and all guests all get to the reception at the same time. This allows you to maximize the time you actually get to spend at your wedding.
- The couple gets to see each other for the first time privately, rather than in front of hundreds of people. They can say things to each other and embrace like they wouldn’t be able to if they saw each other for the first time at the altar.
- Your hair and makeup is fresh!
- Last, but certainly not least, doing a first look allows us to do our job without the restrictions of time. For couples who choose not to see each other pre-ceremony, we will need to conclude family, wedding party, as well as couples portraits in a 45-60 minute window of time. Because your guests are anticipating your introduction into the reception, this often makes the couple feel rushed. We strongly believe the experience is much more enjoyable for the couple, family and wedding party when they are able to relax and take their time.
“I was very much against it initially, not because it was non traditional, but because I thought it would take away from the moment of first seeing her in the ceremony. In reality, it created one of our most memorable moments from the wedding, and made the ceremony slightly easier on an emotional level.
Aesthetically, even though our entire session was outstanding, the first look photos are particularly good…The photos and moments from the first look never would have been captured if we decided not to do it. There is just something special within that private moment where you finally get a chance to breathe and truly appreciate the fact that you’re about to make a lifetime commitment.”
-Nick Rutledge, Groom