Should we? or should we not?

There is a lot of debate regarding the first look. Should we see each other before we walk down the aisle or not? Some people are very traditional and some people are not. Some brides absolutely do not want their groom seeing them before that first "ahhh haaa" moment and some people really just don't care either way.

For those of you that do not know, a first look is where the bride and groom see each other for the first time before the ceremony. I typically have the groom facing the other way and the bride walks up behind the groom, taps on his shoulder, and then the groom turns around and sees his gorgeous bride for the first time. I give you several moments to talk, kiss, and do whatever you need to before proceeding with more pictures. That time is yours. Take however much time you need.

The first look helps the couple get over those jitters. It calms their nerves and helps them before they walk down the aisle. With the first look the couple still has that amazing moment where the groom sees how gorgeous his bride is and reacts accordingly. However, with the first look you don't have that initial reaction between the couple when they walk down the aisle.

As a photographer I have found that a first look works best for the guests at the wedding. We can literally get all photos done before the ceremony so that after the ceremony we can go straight into the reception and your guests don't have to wait. There have been several weddings where we have not done a first look and wedding guests are very unhappy. People are rude when they're hungry.

I don't like to sway my brides either way. If brides are set on not seeing each other until the ceremony that is completely their decision. In fact my husband 100% did not want to see each other before the wedding. It's traditional and it absolutely allows the couples to have that "ahhhh haaaa" moment when they first see each other.

My advice to my couples is to do the first look. Coming from a photographers point of view we can get all the pictures done including family pictures before the ceremony. It allows you to go straight into the reception and mingle with your guests. However, if you choose not I would encourage you to do some kind of cocktail hour for your guests so that they don't get "hangry"and leave.