I know this is a controversial hot topic in the wedding world, but I just want you to know that I am PRO first look. This is coming from someone who did not do a first look, though I wish I had. When I got married all those years ago, first looks weren’t popular. I hadn’t even heard of it. I wish I had though, because I absolutely love them!

A first look is a special time set aside where you and your fiancé get to see each other before the ceremony. I generally take the groom and set him up in a location, then bring you out to him while his back is turned. I will then ask you to tap his shoulder and he’ll turn around, seeing you in your dress for the first time.

Let me explain a few of the benefits of first looks.

No More Nerves

Getting married is nerve wrecking. Even if you aren’t nervous about devoting your life to your fiancé, standing in front of all your family and friends can be terrifying. Having a first look erases all of those nerves. When you see each other for the first time, it reminds you how worth it everything is. How strong you are together, and how you can face anything (even all your friends and family!) so long as you’re together.

Less Stress

Seeing each other before the ceremony eases the stress factor so much! No matter what it is that is stressing you out, seeing your fiancé will calm you down. It’s several moments with just the two of you that will give you strength to face the rest of your day.

Intimacy

Seeing each other for the first time is such a precious moment, and first looks allow you to share that moment alone. Not in front of all your friends and family. It’s so much more intimate as a first look. You don’t lose the beauty of him seeing you for the first time as you walk down the aisle. Instead, you get to keep that beauty and his reaction, but in the privacy created by having a first look.

More Photo Time

First looks allow extra time for photos! You can get all your bridal party formals done before the ceremony, along with a lot of your couple portraits. That means all that is left after the ceremony is family formals and some golden hour portraits of you two. Less photos after the ceremony means more time you get to spend enjoying your cocktail hour and guests.