Hey we get, it’s not “traditional” to see the bride before the ceremony…but there are so many great reasons why you should see each other! First Looks are becoming more and more popular. Just type in “First Look” on Google and you’ll see many great photographs and moments. I personally think, it’s becoming it’s own tradition, for the modern bride and grooms.

Here are 5 reasons why you SHOULD have a first look:

By having a first look, you free up so much more time to take stunning portraits of the two of you, and even bridal party photos. I almost always suggest taking bride & groom portraits and bridal party photos before the ceremony. This way, everyone is still sweat free, hair and makeup are on point, and everyone is feeling fresh and energized. I say we have more time for these photos because you get to dictate when we start the first look and portraits. Sometimes there just isn’t much time after the ceremony to squeeze all the photos sessions in before the reception starts. Also, since all the photo formalities are done, your bridal party and go enjoy the cocktail hour. If you want, you can join the cocktail hour as well! After the ceremony, all the stress is gone and you can enjoy yourselves.

The moment is pure joy and love! Each couple’s different, some are super emotional, some are filled with laughter, and for some it’s not a huge to-do. But regardless of how you react, and there’s no right reaction, it’s a pure moment in time that you can be with each other before the chaos of the day kicks in.

Use this moment to reflect on the day, on the roads you took to get to each other, and your love. There will be no other time in the day you will get to be alone and savor the moment like during the First Look. Take advantage of this time and enjoy it. Don’t let the worry of the day stress you out, everything will work out. At this point and time, just BE together.

Get your friends and family involved! If you don’t want to be alone, you don’t have to be. It’s always so fun to watch when your bridal party and family members are present. Don’t worry, you can still get emotional, the crowd won’t take away any of the special feelings!

It’s another opportunity to have fun! Make it an event, a moment to look forward to. You’ve seen photos and video of brides pranking their grooms or vice versa. Have fun with it, be creative as possible! We love capturing these moments.