It’s your wedding day! You’ve dreamed about this day for a long time and it’s finally here. You’ve got something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. Your hair and makeup are flawless, your wedding gown is laced up, and your shoes slipped on over your fresh pedicure. The groom walks by an outside window, and your bridesmaids run to close the blinds as you duck quickly out of sight. Phew- that was a close one. Can’t let him see you before you walk down the aisle! That’s bad luck…. Or is it?!

Evolving Traditions

Traditions evolve over the years, but the bride and groom seeing each other before the ceremony is one taboo that has remained until recently. After all, it dates back to the time when arranged marriages were common place and the family didn’t want the groom running off at the sight of the bride. As long as she made it down the aisle he was bound in the contract. Same reason for the veil draped over the bride’s face. Charming, right? Many couples are ditching this old tradition in favor of a new one: the first look.

Reap the Benefits

I am a big fan of first looks for one reason- more images! The first look creates an intimate first meeting of the couple as bride and groom, and often turns out to be some of the best photos. It helps some couples to feel more relaxed and take some of the pressure off seeing one another without an audience, and did I mention MORE photos?! You can actually get up to 40 percent MORE photos of your wedding day by doing a first look.

Additionally, if you’re open to seeing one another before the ceremony, you can also get some wedding party and family photos out of the way. It’s a win/win!  You have many choices on your big day, and deciding which traditions to keep or toss will inevitably be one. If photos are important to you, keep in mind how many more photos you can get if you do a first look, and take that into account when deciding. You won’t regret it!

Are you tossing around the idea of planning a first look? The benefits might outweigh tradition! Ultimately, it’s up to you and what’s best for your big day! Newly engaged? Congrats! We would love to discuss the photography options that would suit your perfect day. Interested in booking your own engagement or wedding? Let’s Chat!