The "First Look" - Is it for You?

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There are hundreds of special moments on a bride and groom's wedding day.  However, the one moment that the bride has most likely been dreaming about more than any other is the moment when her groom sees her on their wedding day for the very first time.  As tradition has it, the bride and groom are to stay separated  on the day of the wedding until the bride takes those first steps down the aisle.  Although that is the tradition, many brides are choosing to abandon that tradition and see their groom during a "first look" before the ceremony!  If this is something that you are considering, here are some reasons why you may be persuaded to see each other before the ceremony.

Awesome photographs!
The number one reason why most brides choose to see each other before the wedding is because of the amazing photographs they are able to get!  Many photographers love doing a "first look" because it allows them to capture moments of the bride, groom, and wedding party all together in a setting other than the church sanctuary or wherever the ceremony will be.  It is pretty common for the wedding party to travel a short distance to a nearby park or field to take photographs together.

It gives the bride and groom a few moments of privacy during the hectic day.
On their wedding day, the bride and groom are sharing all of their special moments with their guests.  As wonderful as that is, the "first look" gives the bride and groom a few moments of privacy with each other on their special day.  Usually the photographer will have the bride waiting alone in a private location, and then will bring the groom to meet her.  They are able to have their time together, while the photographer discreetly can capture photos of their special time alone together.  Many times this private meeting of the bride and groom can calm nerves and allow the bride and groom to be able to relax and enjoy their day even more!

Less wait time for the guests between the ceremony and reception
We all have been to weddings where we have had to wait for what seemed like an eternity for the wedding party to arrive at the reception to get the party started!  No one enjoys waiting for long periods of time, and so the "first look" is a great way to cut down on that wait time.  Since a large majority of the photographs will be taken before the wedding even takes place, the photographer will just take a few quick shots with family and friends after the ceremony and then everyone will be off to the reception in no time!

It's fun!
The "first look" tends to get the party started early!  The bride, groom, bridesmaids, and groomsmen can spend all day together enjoying each other's company instead of having to wait until the reception!  These times can be just as fun as the time at the reception.

Is it for you?
Of course only you can decide if seeing each other before the wedding is right for you.  Talk to your photographer and  your fiance and decide what is right for you.  There is no right or wrong.  If you decide that you want to save that special  moment for the traditional walk down the aisle, then that's the right choice for you!  Go with it and embrace it.  However, after talking to your photographer if you want to give the "first look" a try, then go for it and have a blast!