First looks have become more popular as of lately. At first, I really wasn't sure what I thought about them. I mean, come on, what about that moment when the Groom hears the music, turns to look for his future wife and then catches that first glimpse....all that anticipation, the nerves, the excitement. Sigh. So romantic and full of beautiful tradition. BUT, I guess in the end, everyone else sees her for the first time as well. So, here is a look into "First Looks"- why so many Brides and Grooms partake of them, forsaking an age old tradition.
Firstly, 'First Looks' provide an intimate setting and time for the Bride and Groom to see each other before the big walk down the aisle. For some, it is even more special, since they get to experience it without anyone else present (except the photographer that is). Secondly, it gives the photographer time (before the ceremony) to take those special pictures with just the soon-to-be married couple, then their parents and other close family and their entire bridal party, only leaving the group family pictures for after the ceremony. Have you ever been a guest at a wedding where you finished the cocktail hour and still waited a long time for the bridal party to join? I mean you already made it thru the whole cocktail hour with just your date while the parents of the Bride and Groom, along with all other family members, were not present (so basically anyone you would like to congratulate and converse with) and now you're waiting even longer to welcome the main attractions...and finally EAT dinner! It is definitely a plus for guests! With a first look, you can easily take family pictures within a few minutes after ceremony, so they can rejoin the guests quickly, but it also gives the Bride and Groom and their bridal party the option of joining everyone earlier or having some down time to themselves before the intros, special dances, dinner and many, many congratulations and conversations.
Bride, Sarah, loved that tradition of her future husband seeing her for the first time at the end of the aisle, so she chose not to do the first look with him. However, she loved the idea of doing a first look with her own Dad. She realized that this was a very special day for him as well. Her Dad was about to walk her down the aisle and "give her away" to another man - another man who would now be the most important man in her life. Phew! what a hard, but cherished moment that will be for him. Sarah decided that her wedding day was one that her Dad dreamed about as well. What a super special moment for them and a very proud moment for Dad!
If you want tips on how to cut down on picture time when NOT doing a First Look, see my blog on "Making Time for your own Wedding."
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