Why do couples choose to see each other before the wedding?

It’s been said that it’s bad luck for a groom to see a bride before the wedding ceremony. Well, I’ve never really been one to believe in bad luck. Personally, I prefer to believe in God and leave the odds to him. 🙂 This post is inteded to explain why couples do choose to see each other on their wedding day before the ceremony, despite the superstitions.

This is a big decision and one that does require both the bride and groom (and sometimes the families) to be on the same page. Before beginning I also want to explain that the term First Look simply means that the bride and groom do a reveal or have a moment together before the ceremony.

When I sit down with a couple for their initial consultation to go over what their wedding day could look like, I always come to a stand still discussing the pre-ceremony activities. If a couple DOES decide to do a First Look, their day will look like Adele + Jared’s (photographed last Saturday) and seen below. They knew immediately they wanted to do a First Look for all of the reasons that I am about to explain. They had a beautiful outdoor wedding and the environment was absolutely perfect.

For a First Look to take place approximately 1.5 hrs before the ceremony, I bring the bride and groom to a remote location (somewhere with good light, where no one else is around). I place the groom (so in this case, Jared) with his back to his bride (Adele). I step back, and help Adele position herself and her gown.

There is complete silence, no one else is there except for Amelia and I (who remain silent and are just photographing the moments that are about to unfold). When Jared is ready, he turns around. Please continue reading to understand:

A) How beautiful this moment is.

B) More Perks of Doing a First Look

….About this time, I am usually crying as well.

A First Look can last anywhere from 30 seconds to 5 minutes depending on the couple….what they want to say to each other and how long they want to spend holding on.

Once this moment subsides, we move straight into a 15-20 minute session with the bride and groom. Adele + Jared, at this point, were past the tears, and laughing…so happy in the moment.

Approximately 20-25 minutes after the First Look, the bridal party meets up with us to do the full bridal party pictures. This is HUGE for so many reasons!

Typically on a wedding day, there are few (if any) combined & creative shots of the bridal party as a whole. Especially for weddings held in a church (without a First Look),

these shots are usually taken on the alter after the wedding. At the time, the mission is to shoot quickly in order to get the bride and groom to the reception.

As a result, there is less time for multiple poses (and usually the inability to leave the church and head to a beautiful outdoor location such as what’s seen below).

We will still shoot the groom and his groomsmen….

….as well as the bride and her bridesmaids. <—and we can do them outside in natural light, in the same location as the groomsmens pictures (which looks great in an album).

Approximately one hour before the ceremony begins, we will also shoot family photos.

…..Do you know what THIS means? The bride and groom will head STRAIGHT to their reception after the ceremony. 🙂

I realize that a First Look is not for everyone and ultimately, I (along with whichever photographer you so choose for your wedding day) will respect your decision. However, I do wholeheartedly believe in this moment. Especially after having seen and photographed so many First Looks, I can only assume that on my wedding day, I would like to do the same.

• The moment is absolutely beautiful.
• There is no rush after the bride walks down the aisle to get to the alter and begin the ceremony.
• It is PRIVATE. No one else is around, and the groom is the ABSOLUTE first person to see his bride.
• The bride and groom are able to be vulnerable, open, and excited about their love and their marriage to each other on the wedding day.
• Lastly, it allows the bride and groom to head to their reception immediately following the ceremony.

If someone asked me my opinion, I would recommend it.

And I want to end with this. I have NEVER had a couple regret their decision: whether they chose to wait to see each other until the ceremony begins or whether they do a First Look.

Ultimately, every couple is happy with their decisions, because at the end of the day, they’re married. And THAT is what’s most important. 🙂