Plug for a First Look
8/29/2022
This video inspired us to share why we like the first look idea. Video courtesy of MRP Weddings. Awww away….we did!
The first awesome advantage of a first look is that you will be able to enjoy more of your wedding reception! Without a first look, pictures are typically taken directly after the ceremony while your guests are enjoying cocktail hour. With the first look you can get a majority of your pictures done beforehand and then be able to join cocktail hour and mingle with your guests. This means at our venue you will be able to enjoy your whole reception of 5 hours instead of missing 20% of it taking pictures. Plus, who doesn’t love cocktail hour!
We also find that doing a first look takes a lot of pressure off the rest of the day. Let’s face it, this is probably all new to you, and you aren’t really sure what to expect. There are so many emotions and nerves on your wedding day and the first look can relieve a lot of them. You can release them in the arms of the one you will spend the rest of your life with and share in them together. A lot of times the nerves and emotions make going down the aisle cause the whole ceremony to be a fog. The first look and time with your soon-to-be spouse beforehand will allow you to breathe and take in the whole ceremony. We find our couples are much more relaxed for the ceremony when they have already seen each other, and that shows in their body language and pictures. Your wedding day will go by so fast and you want to remember every minute! Nerves can distract you from taking it all in. The first look will not take away from the walk down the aisle, it will still be just as special and memorable….just without all the anxiety! Rest easy and be confident as you walk down the aisle to the love of your life.
Another perk of a first look is that you will ultimately have better and more photos. You will be all dressed, with fresh makeup and a hair style untouched by sweat, happy tears, wind, etc. Your first look will capture you at your best. The added time before the ceremony can allow for more group pictures with the bridal party and family and make pictures after the ceremony go quickly. When you time it right, you will also have time to do touch ups so you will look fresh again walking down the aisle. You will not regret having lots of beautiful photos as they capture you on the happiest day of your life.
The first look will probably be the only time all day that you and your soon-to-be spouse will have a moment alone. The first look is meant to be private and intimate. You do not have to worry about what anyone will think, so PDA it up! Laugh, cry, kiss, hug, and smile together, just the two of you. It is also the perfect time to talk and share all the things that have happened while you two have been separated. This is the happiest day of your life – spend as much time together as possible!
If that doesn’t convince you and you still don’t want to break tradition, you can use the first look in another capacity to create beautiful memories and photographs. You can do a first look with your parents where they get to see you all done up. This will be a special moment for your parents where they can celebrate with their grown-up daughter and enjoy the last time together before their daughter becomes a wife. Another way to do a first look is with your bridesmaids. Capture your best girlfriend’s reactions as they see you in your dress for the first time ready to marry your Prince Charming.
You may have a strong opinion for wanting the first look but check with your fiancé. He might feel strongly about seeing you for the first time as you walk down the aisle. You never know until you ask, and once you do that might stop this debate right there! But, if there is some wiggle room, remember all the pluses listed above and make the most of every moment of your wedding day!
