The best part of the wedding day.

Well. The best part is when you become husband and wife and you’re announced as “Mr. and Mrs.”

But the second best part? Getting to see each other for the first time.

Every bride and groom I meet with usually has a different outlook on First Looks and whether or not they’re important, good/bad, etc.

And well, First Looks really depend on the couple. While I think it’s one of the most precious parts of the wedding day, it’s such a special and intimate moment that you have to decide if you want to share before the ceremony with your love!

But while we’re on the subject….let me break it down to you. Here’s some pros:

1) As the groom, YOU are the first one to get to see your bride on the wedding day. It’s not a shared moment with the guests as she walks down the aisle. It’s a private, special, intimate moment that you two get to share.

2) It’s just the best. It’s emotional, sometimes tear-jerking, and always worthy of goosebumps.

3) The best part? The groom always whispers when she gets close. “I can hear her dress.”  :)

4) Brides? It’s the day you’ve been waiting for all your life. It’s your fairy tale dream from a little girl coming true. And now you get to go tap your prince on the shoulder and see his face when he sees you for the first time.

5) You get to spend a few moments alone as bride and groom while everyone is fighting for your attention. It’s a time to sneak away, breathe, and focus.

6) Practical wise: From a photographer’s view, all of the photos with family and friends can be captured before the ceremony. Then, once you’re Mr. and Mrs., you get to enjoy the rest of your wedding night free from obligation!

Cons:

1) You share this moment before the ceremony, so it’s not quite as much a “surprise” when she walks down the aisle.

2) Sometimes. Sometimes there is more emotion from a groom’s face when he sees his bride for the first time when she walks down the aisle.

Some might say that First Looks are just becoming a trend. But to me? They’re precious. They’re priceless. And that’s what I believe photography is about. I believe that life should be captured as it is. A First Look is raw, real emotion shared between bride and groom. Regardless of what some might say, a First Look really isn’t staged. It’s real.

Now it’s time I turn the talking over to some of our favorite 2013 First Look moments!

 

Xoxo,

Emily