First Look

A question I get asked a lot is should the bride and groom see each other before the ceremony? The tradition of not seeing the bride before the ceremony was born during a time when most marriages were arranged back when the couple often had never seen one another until they met during the wedding.

While there is no right or wrong answer,  a “First Look” with your soon-to-be will still allow for the opportunity to capture that element of surprise and often I find couples share a more genuine and affectionate moment alone than surrounded by friends and family at the alter.

Creating a First Look also takes away from the stress of attempting to accomplish a long list of posed photos with your bridal party and family following the ceremony, leaving your more time to mingle and enjoy cocktails with guests. I warn couples that if you have 150 guests attending your wedding and you were to spend just one minute talking with each guest do you realize that you would devote 150 minutes – 2 and a half hours – of your reception greeting guests?

Brides also prefer to have their First Look and portraits captured earlier in the day while their hair and make-up is still looking its best. Typically, by the time we capture formal photos following the ceremony, the bride has already had her hair and make-up applied often 4 hours prior.

Ultimately it’s a personal preference but don’t let every tradition rule your day. It’s your wedding … do what’s best for you!