Love it or Hate it- Is a First Look for you?

Finally! We’ve gotten to my personal favourite subject! You’re trying to figure out the schedule and timeline for your big day, (whether you opt to have the help of a wedding coordinator or you’re a DIY Bride), and the question comes up more than likely with your photographer or videographer- Would you like to do a First Look?

Those classic first-look photos and video clips- I’m certain most of us have seen them… the Bride sneaking up behind the Groom whose back is turned, waiting in anticipation to see the person he’s going to spend the rest of his life with. It’s that smile of sheer anticipation that both the Bride and the Groom exude so freely, in the moments leading up to the first look, and that radiant smile that can light up any room on both of their faces when they finally see each other for the first time before all the magic happens. That moment itself, in my opinion, IS, pure magic, and was the most memorable part of my wedding day.

First Looks are especially intimate, and what I love most about them is the raw, unfiltered emotions of the couple, and the heart-warming hugs and kisses that really do capture some wonderful photographic and video-graphic memories.

Many couples however, still give the First Look question a big ‘NO’ for an answer. I believe that this is a personal decision. There really is no right or wrong with this one, and it’s all about what YOU and your partner desire. Many couples cite old beliefs of ‘bad luck’ as their reason, or simply believe that they prefer to trade the First Look emotions for the moment the Bride walks down the aisle.

If you're a Bride-to-Be, you've probably asked yourself if a First Look is worth the pre-ceremony photo ops, or if it will spoil the surprise of meeting your fiancé at the altar. I’m here to help you make that big decision, and I plan to do this by listing all the pros and cons of a First Look that I can think of, then I will share some of MY reasons for ultimately choosing to have a first look.

PROS

You get to have a super private, intimate, real moment with your sweetheart BEFORE the craziness of the day.

Now I’ve heard many Brides lament that they didn’t feel as intimate and connected with their partner on the big day as they had hoped to feel, simply because of the insane amount of photos, chatting with guests, and reconnecting with loved ones. The couple get swept away either individually or together, taking photos with guests and don’t realize that their special day is passing by without private moments.

If you choose to have a First Look before the ceremony, you are able to have a private moment- a chance to see each other for the first time while you are alone, and to connect in a meaningful way away from the bustle of the day. You are able to react to one another verbally and much more openly because you aren't standing on display in front of everyone you know. I absolutely LOVE this part of the day when couples first see each other before the ceremony. Photographers are able to capture some amazing emotions, then pictures are taken around the venue.  

Stresses and anxieties are dissolved before the ceremony.

Most couples experience some type of anxiety as they prepare in the morning. All the months of planning have led up to this most important day. The couples who see each other before the ceremony are anxious, but as soon as they see their fiancé, they get a chance to hug, chit chat, and connect. The beauty in all of this is that any stress that they were experiencing is now past tense, and the couple can now look forward to just enjoying and soaking in the rest of their special day.

Portraits are done quickly!

If you do a First Look, you have the luxury of getting all of your formal portraits out of the way before the ceremony, so that you aren’t committed to taking a lot of pictures when you’re hungry after your I Do’s. If you’re anything like me, hunger precedes rage and anger. I chose to do a First Look, then say our I Do’s, then go up to our rooms while the guests enjoyed cocktail hour. What did we do during that time that’s usually taken up by photos? We ATE. All the good damn hors d’ oeuvres and drinks, we enjoyed from upstairs, while our guests mingled and enjoyed cocktail hour before the reception.

CONS

You have to get up earlier on your wedding day.  

Your timeline automatically gets moved up. Hair and makeup, the groom and his party getting dressed, it all moves up. Our wedding started at 3:30 pm, and our First Look was at 1:30pm. It was perfectly scheduled by our wedding coordinator to allow us enough time for that special moment, plus some family portraits.

If you were up late the night before your wedding, getting up early can be fresh hell. LOL.

So you have to decide if this is something you would really want to sacrifice.

Your dress will be in pristine condition for the ceremony.

Many couples who do a First Look choose a scenic, outdoor locale for the big reveal–understandably so. Unfortunately, that means an increased likelihood that you’ll be dragging your train through natural elements (mud, grass, or dusty sidewalks). If you forego the First Look, you don’t have to worry about your dress, shoes, or veil getting soiled before the ceremony. Once the ceremony ends, the party begins, so you can feel free to get down and dirty (and I mean that in the classiest of ways).

Your guests get to be a part of that emotional moment when you make your grand entrance. 

Being surrounded by your loved ones, and those who have supported you and your partner throughout your journey to get to this monumental point get to witness your emotional moment as your anxious groom sees you for the first time in all your breath-taking glory.

This is one of the many reasons couples forego the first look.

You’ll ACTUALLY be married when you pose for your first photos together.

While I know some might disagree, that kind of distinct joy on your faces just can’t be replicated.

Jeez! Those were some thorough points right?

Ok now let’s get quickly to the reasons the First Look became my personal choice after being advised by my wedding coordinator.

-       -I know my man. Apart from being one of the most private, sometimes shy, persons I’ve ever met, I knew that he would feel pressured to display some raw emotions in full view of our guests. Our first look, as you can see in our pictures, was literally the most comfortable I’ve seen him. It was romantic, it was unfiltered, it was just. US.

-       -We didn’t have to fuss to take a lot of photos after the ceremony, and we just enjoyed the reception, and each other.

-       -Our photos were absolutely worth it. I’m sure our video, which we’re awaiting, will be magical.

So Brides, the choice is yours. Talk to your partner, and decide on what will ultimately make you both happy on your special day.

Photo by: Alaina Ronquillo Photography

Photo sourced from: https://www.whenhefoundher.com