First looks may be one of our all time favorite parts of a wedding. It’s usually the only chance that the bride-and-groom-to-be get to have a moment alone together. Seeing each other for the first time as the bride traditionally walks down the aisle is classic, awesome and extremely powerful. But, seeing each other for the first time in a private picturesque location, where you get to get out all of those emotions (laugh, cry, be super anxious, etc) and then get to just be yourselves, by yourselves (and with us), is an amazing thing.
Don’t get us wrong, tradition is tradition for a reason, we just wish this was the tradition.
The groom patiently waits for his soon to be bride – she comes around the corner from behind – she can see him, he can only hear her – nerves kick in – she makes her way over with a little nervous conversation – she’s now close – they turn towards each other – and just like that, a year of planning, a year of excitement, and a year of waiting to be together comes rushing in – this is it, and it’s soooo awesome. Oh, and we capture all of that with photo and/or video, for you to relive again and again. Seriously, its so awesome!
So if you are on the fence about adding this in your day, consider the above experience, but also know that with a first look (and a shorter wedding day), you can also then take your bride and groom portraits, wedding party photos, and even sometimes add in some family shots all before you actually take the wedding ceremony plunge. Then, once your ceremony is over, you, now a married couple, head right to your cocktail hour and begin celebrating with your friends and family. This is all about you two. Soak it up and make sure to step back occasionally and take it all in. Oh, and smile for the camera!!
Rose Bank Winery // Caelen + Kevin
Westmoreland Club // Casey + Kurtis
Urbanski Farms // Maraya + David
Stroudsmoor Country Inn // Lindsey + Daniel
And if you want to have the photo opp, but just love the thought of seeing each other for the first time at your ceremony, consider a “no first look” first look. Peek around corners, but not too far… be within earshot but not eyesight. Just as much fun, and your traditional side will sleep better at night.
(from top left – clockwise) The Frederick Stegmaier Mansion // Kristina + Richard , First Presbyterian Church // Tina + Brad, Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel Scranton // Nikki + Mike
And don’t forget about dads!! They love seeing you just as much as your soon to be husband does. Try this with them… who knows, maybe dad’s a crier. #dadsacrier
