There is a new tradition in wedding photography that I haven’t really talked about before.  It’s called “The First Look.”  For those of you who haven’t heard about it, it is an opportunity for the bride and groom to see each other BEFORE the wedding.  Yes, this may break away from the tradition of the groom not seeing the dress until the wedding ceremony, but every couple should be able to make this decision for themselves on their wedding day.  Before I go into the benefits, I’d like to explain how the First Look works.  I shot the below images while second shooting with Jennifer Weems a few months ago at Old Glory Ranch in Wimberley, Texas.  Here is how Nick and Amy’s First Look played out:         1)      The groom waits patiently for his bride to reveal herself.  From a girl’s perspective, I love this!  The groom is so excited to finally see his new bride that he is pretty nervous.

       2)      The bride enters the area where the groom is waiting.

 She can be as fast as she’d like or take as long as she’d like!

       3)      The bride kisses the groom on the cheek (or taps him on the shoulder or gives whatever signal that the couple has decided on) to let him know he can turn around.

        4)      The groom checks out his bride and tells her how gorgeous she is

 (and the bride makes sure the groom is looking stunning).

5)      My favorite part is that the two can share a real moment between just the two of them without everyone watching.  This allows them to really enjoy the moment, without the pressure of what they’re “supposed” to do.

 Including yelling at everyone within hearing distance how gorgeous your bride is and how excited you are to be marrying your best friend!

(Although, sometimes, certain people will try to sneak in a peek.)

Things to think about when considering A First Look:

A)  You will be ready in plenty of time before the ceremony begins, so everything will be set and ready giving you time to enjoy with your bridesmaids without fretting about being ready on time.

B)  Having seen each other beforehand, there will be time before the ceremony to take bridal party and family photos, so everyone can get to the after-party faster.  Who doesn’t want to get to the party as soon as possible?

C)  You can see your groom’s AUTHENTIC reaction to seeing you!  If you wait until the ceremony, he cannot hug you, kiss you, or really even talk to you, as the preacher will jump right into the ceremony.  Having a first look ensures that the two of you can truly react to seeing the other one for the first time on your wedding day!

D)  You get more photos!  Of course, you want more photos, right?  Who doesn’t?  The first look allows you two more photo ops during your big day!  You will have photos of the two of you during the first look AND can very smoothly transition into romantic portraits, as no guests are waiting on you to get to the reception (which would be the case if you only took sunset photos after the ceremony).

E)  Above all, this will give you a few moments for just the two of you.  While everyone knows this day is all about the bride and groom, the timeline of the wedding day is usually pretty tight and most couples want to spend time with out of town guest while they can.  Those two things make it rather difficult for the bride and groom to actually be alone on their wedding day.  A first look gives yall the opportunity to just be yourselves – by yourselves.

Please feel free to share your thoughts/opinions/concerns of first looks in the comment box below!

– Mylah Renae

www.Eureka-Photography.com