Actually, maybe not. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that this would mean I’d spend half the wedding day without the most important person sharing it with me – my groom! So, instead of waiting for the big reveal, we decided to do a “first look” at Gardens of the World, the site where my sister snapped our first set of engagement photos last spring.
Looking back, I can honestly say that seeing each other beforehand is one of the best decisions we made about the entire wedding. It was such a special, unforgettable moment – much more memorable than his seeing me from the end of a long aisle while standing before a church full of guests.
We got to hug and talk, and were then able to capture some of the best photos from the day pre-ceremony, while my makeup was fresh and before things got crazy. Seeing each other also did wonders for our nerves, since we were both more nervous than we thought we’d be.
Here, a few of our favorite still shots. The video footage will be ready soon, too!
Are you planning to do a “first look”? Why or why not?
(Photo Credits: Alex Neumann Photography)
We didn't do a first look. We both really wanted to keep with the tradition of him seeing me for the first time walking down the aisle. That's just always how I imagined it and he agreed. Plus the pictures of him seeing me walk down the aisle are priceless though I suspect now he probably wishes he had seen me earlier since he had a hard time not crying in front of everyone :)
ReplyDeleteI love all of these photos!
ReplyDeleteWe will definitely be doing a "first look," since that will be the only time we will have to take photos in our American clothes. I think we'll do it at the venue, since there are lovely rolling hills and vineyards all around it. But the plan is to get there two hours before any of the guests do so that I can hide away again before the ceremony begins.
We didn't do a first look either...too cold! We got married in December..I just wanted to get into the church, haha
ReplyDeleteOh I love these shots! I totally love when Stephen is kissing you on the forehead...so sweet. I want some shots like that! :)
ReplyDeleteI am all about the first look. I think it will continue to gain popularity as time goes on but you will always have those couples worried about losing something from seeing each other down the aisle. It's like how our older grandparents probably swore they'd never use a microwave but eventually everyone gives in to the changing times and you realize you're not losing anything :)
PS I just voted for you !! :)
ReplyDeleteWe did a first look and we loved it! It was so amazing, and got rid of all the nerves and jitters. It was so intimate and special. And we had an outdoor wedding, so we had very limited time to take photographs.
ReplyDeleteLove the "first look" idea...what a great moment to capture...so genuine and real. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat pics!
ReplyDeleteWe are choosing not to do a first look. By the time we get married we will have been together almost 10 years and we just want that moment to be really special, so we're keeping with tradition and waiting to see eachother until I walk down the aisle towards him :) Can't wait! :)
So sweet! We're definitely doing a first look. I think it'll be nice to see my fiance before the ceremony and then be able to take some pictures so we can attend most of our cocktail hour after the ceremony.
ReplyDeletewe didn't, but we didn't feel strongly about it one way or the other. i love these photos though! you guys look so happy!
ReplyDeleteWe're not doing a first look. I think it will just be more fun to see him for the first time from the other end of the aisle. We're pretty traditional.
ReplyDeleteI think the first look is also the best decision we made. At first I wanted it to be me walking down the aisle but the opportunity to spend max time with our guests had us pick a first look.
ReplyDeleteSERIOUSLY BRIDES-TO-BE: DO A FIRST LOOK!!!!!
(you could have super awesome photos like these and remember, a marriage is really about the two of you - and its amazing to spend those moments together, as just you two)
Love the picture of S kissing your head - so sweet!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! My friend and her husband said doing a first look made the walk down the aisle much more enjoyable and less nerve wracking. Plus they got to have a moment to themselves before the madness began. I love the idea!
ReplyDeleteAWW!!! I love this cute little smile he gave you and that OMG Im in love with this woman look!! So sweet! You two look so romantic together! ♥
ReplyDelete