Ahhhhh, the controversial First Look.  The traditionalist in me was not down with it when I first started, but then I kept getting to witness them and now I am hooked.

I didn’t have a First Look.  I’m actually not so sure it was a thing when I got married.  I had sooooooo much time the morning of my wedding and what did I do?  I sat in a room for what felt like days waiting and waiting to see my love.  Literally forever.  Then, come to find out he didn’t wear his glasses and can’t wear contacts, so I’m pretty sure I was just an ivory blob coming at him *Sorry to put you on blast, B ;)

Ok, so why should you have a First Look?

Well, for starters, there’s more time for photos.  More time for photos is always good.  You see your guy or girl, we get to take all of the bridal party photos and I get to spend more time with just the two of you being yourselves.  This is especially good for if your ceremony and reception are in the same location, because a lot of times, there isn’t much time set aside for photos with those weddings.  Once the formal family photos are done, you’re done!

Another reason and my favorite reason; it’s deeply personal.  Your wedding day will probably be a little chaotic.  People rushing around you all day, a million hugs and your face will hurt from all of the laughing and smiling you’ll be doing.  But then you get into your dress and go see your Husband or Wife to be.  Just the two of you, somewhere quiet where you can really see each other.  You can hold each other and get those jitters out.  You can cry and laugh and be.

I don’t know about you, but my Husband and I were really uncomfortable with a lot of the wedding stuff.  Being the center of attention can be a lot.  A First Look is the perfect thing for a couple who just want to have a moment.  When I blog my weddings, I always ask my Brides & Grooms what their favorite moment of their wedding day was.  I’m pretty sure every single couple who had a First Look this year said that was their favorite moment.  It really is that powerful.

After all of that, are you still not so sold?  We’ll you could do a blindfolded First Look like one of my recent couple’s Corbyn & Lucas.  It won’t help you save any time in your timeline, but it will certainly help get some jitters out for the both of you.

But the most important thing to think about when you’re deciding if you’d like a First Look or not is you.  If you aren’t super traditional (and if you hired me, chances are, you aren’t).  Don’t stick to a tradition because it’s what you’re supposed to do.  And don’t not do a First Look because your Mom or Aunt or Best Friend might be mad.  Your wedding day is about the two of you and your love.  Do what makes sense for you as a couple.  If you need help with your timeline or have more questions about First Looks, you can always reach out to me :)

xo,

e