One of the first questions I always ask each couple is if they are interested in doing a first look! I totally respect going the traditional route of waiting until you are down the aisle to see each other, but there are so many benefits to doing a first look on your wedding day! So I wanted to share some of the big reasons of why I recommend (along with many other photographers!) a first look!

40% MORE PORTRAITS

You’re investing a lot into your wedding photography. With a first look, you’ll receive 40% MORE portraits of the two of you... and those are the images you will decorate your first home with! With a first look, you make the most out of this large investment and get the most for your money.

ENJOY THE SURPRISE FREELY

You actually get to have intimate time on your wedding day with your man. Most brides don’t realize that when you come down the aisle and totally SHOCK him with your gorgeous-ness... he can’t even tell you how amazing you look. He can’t touch you, embrace you or even SPEAK to you. You have to wait until 30 minutes later when the ceremony is over for him to react and tell you how amazing you look. And after 30 minutes of the ceremony, the reaction isn’t the same as the initial first glance.

YOUR ONLY ALONE TIME

First Looks allow you to be TOGETHER and alone on your wedding day. When you see each other, not only is it intimate, it is your only time to be alone the whole day! Sometimes portraits can be a little rushed after the family formals, and it can be hard to really get back into that “lovey dovey” mode.... especially with family around! When you have just shared your first look, you’re READY to love on each other, and I always capture some super sweet images during those moments!

DIMINISHES NERVES & MAKES FOR A LESS STRESSFUL DAY

You get rid of your nerves! I’d say, literally 1/2 of my couples who have decided to do a first look, the grooms were not fans of it at first. However, because they have never experienced their wedding day before, they didn’t know how nerve racking it can be! Doing a first look lets you get alllll of those pre-ceremony jitters out of the way!

YOU CAN ENJOY SOME COCKTAIL HOUR

Remember all of those delicious appetizers you sampled before your wedding day? When you do a first look, your guests aren’t the only ones to experience their deliciousness - but YOU can too! It’s also always a great time to spend more time with your guests, have ample time to bustle your dress, and enjoy one of your signature cocktails!

Let’s also not forgot you can do a first look with people other than your soon to be hubby…

Like your dear father who has been the first man you ever loved, or your best ladies who have been by your side through it all. These first look moments are also some of my favorites and can make for a very memorable day!