One of the things that I wish I had been told as a bride was to seriously consider doing a First Look. It’s definitely something that I regret not doing.

I immediately shunned the idea, reminding myself that I wanted to see my husband’s face light up when he saw me walking towards him. But I wasn’t thinking about the fact that when I reached him, I wouldn’t be hugging him or kissing him. The reality was that I turned to face the priest and the wedding started. I couldn’t talk to him and be all giddy and excited. I just stood there next to him, sneaking glances and holding in my excitement. And then, although we planned for a good amount of time for photos to be taken after the ceremony, the Florida weather had a different plan. Thus, we only have a few photographs of the two of us. If we had done a First Look before the ceremony, this would have been completely avoided, and the afternoon thunderstorm wouldn’t have been a problem at all! (Florida brides: don’t forget about our those thunderstorms from May to October!)

A First Look isn’t for everyone, and it’s not the “traditional” thing to do. But if photography is important to you, then you should seriously consider a First Look. Some of the absolute best wedding photos I have seen have been when the bride and groom have a First Look.

Photo by Jeremy Gilliam

I asked around for some pros and cons of a First Look to share with you all.

Cons

– If you’re extremely traditional, a First Look could take away from the build up and suspense of walking down the aisle.

– Your guests won’t be able to see that “first look” you and your groom have when you’re walking down the aisle. (This con and the previous are thanks to Aleah of The Good Life Event Specialists. I really couldn’t think of any.)

– Chances are good that you might cry when walking down the aisle and seeing each other for the first time (yep, happened to me…resulting in, you guessed it: the ugly cry).

Photo by Jason Angelini

Pros

– You can revel in seeing each other for the first time, soak it up, and enjoy some quiet moments alone with each other. Cry, laugh, do a little dance- whatever you want to do!

– You will get some awesome photographs of you and your soon-to-be husband and have ample time to do so. The emotion captured by your photographer is truly a once in a lifetime emotion. Don’t you want photos like this? (see photo below)

Photo by T2 Photography

– Having a First Look will allow you to have most of your photos done before the ceremony. Then you can enjoy your cocktail hour and have fun with your new husband and the bridal party.

– You won’t feel rushed getting pictures taken after the ceremony.

– Melanie of La Dolce Vita Studio said, “Often our couples finish all their photos, have time to go touch up hair and make up if need be, hang out with their wedding party, have a drink and relax in those last few minutes before the ceremony.  They also love being able to mingle with their guests at the cocktail hour because we only shoot the formals after the ceremony.”

Photo by Kristen Weaver Photography

– And I’m pretty sure anyone who has done a First Look has never regretted doing it. :)

As you can see, there are A LOT of pros to having a First Look. Doing a First Look is completely your decision, just as everything for your wedding should be is. I’m just here to share some insight and personal experience. And that insight and personal experience is that I regret NOT having a First Look. As a bride I didn’t give it much thought because I wanted to be traditional, but now after the wedding, I definitely wish I had done it! Just some food for thought for all you brides out there!