FIRST LOOK OR NOT?

This is a question that only you and your partner can answer!

First looks vs seeing each other down the aisle for the first time both have their pros! This can sometimes depend on what your personal preference is, timeline structure, ceremony time, sunlight, etc! So let’s talk about it!

FIRST LOOKS AND CEREMONY TIME
If your ceremony time is very early in the day, you can probably get away with not doing a first look (unless you want to!) as we have daylight time afterward for photos. But, if your ceremony time is at 6pm and the sun will be setting at 7pm, you might want to consider a first look so we can do all your bridal party/bride and groom/family photos beforehand. This will save on a lot of rushing and stress after your ceremony – the last thing we want is to run out of daylight.

READ YOUR VOWS OR A LETTER
If you two are opting out of writing your own vows to read during the ceremony, or if you think your vows are too personal to share in front of everyone – consider reading them to your partner (or a note if you already have personalized written vows for your ceremony) during your first look! This is such an emotional moment that I love to see couples share in their own privacy. I guarantee there won’t be a dry eye (mine included!).

INSTEAD OF A FIRST LOOK, DO A FIRST TOUCH
If you want to save the moment of seeing each other for the first time for the isle but you still want a special moment before the ceremony – I suggest to couples that they do a “first touch”. This is when I position you and your partner on either side of a wall or doorway so you can hold hands but cannot see each other. This is a great moment where you can again, write a note, talk or even say a prayer before you two walk down the aisle. It has the emotions of a first look without the “looking” part!

To sum it up, first looks give you the chance to have some quality time before the day starts and take your photos early – meaning no one else is around (except for me of course heehee!). Or you can keep the anticipation until the walk down the aisle and do photos later! But only you as a couple know what’s best for you and the timeline of your special day!