By Alexandra Dillard | Photo by Callie Rose Photography
Throughout history, weddings have been celebrated as a ceremonial union between two individuals, often accompanied by rituals, customs and traditions that have been passed down through generations. One of these enduring formalities is for the couple not to see one another before the ceremony. In fact, it used to be unheard of — and even bad luck — for couples to see each other before their wedding ceremony.
There is a romantic notion inherent in this suspense. But within the last 20 years, this beloved custom has been upstaged by a modern addition to the wedding ritual arsenal: the first look. Once considered a wedding taboo, the first look allows couples to share an intimate moment together before saying “I do,” as well as an opportunity for some sweet photos before the rush of the day. With a perfect blend of efficiency and romance, you might consider skipping old-school conventions to embrace this new tradition.
EMOTIONALLY SOUND
Having a private first look with just you, your future spouse and your photographer allows you to express your genuine emotions without the pressure or stage fright that may come from being in front of all your loved ones. It’s an intimate setting where you can shed tears, laugh and truly be yourselves. A skilled photographer will capture these magical and tender moments authentically, creating lasting memories for you to revisit.
A MOMENT FOR YOU
After the ceremony, the whirlwind of the reception festivities will sweep you away (in the best way possible!). In the midst of all the celebrating, you might not be able to find a moment to candidly speak with your new spouse until much later. That’s where the first look comes in — it provides a precious opportunity to truly connect with your beloved before getting caught up in the revelries. During this time, some couples choose to read letters to each other, exchange special gifts, pray together or simply express their excitement and expectations for the day ahead.
CAPTURE YOUR GOOD SIDE
A first look offers the opportunity to capture the reactions of both you and your partner, which can be more challenging when you’re separated by an aisle during the ceremony. Furthermore, a first look allows photographers to take advantage of ideal lighting and picturesque backdrops. While nighttime portraits are romantic in their own right, natural morning light is oh-so-dreamy.
TIMING
The ultimate time-efficient solution, a first look allows you to complete most of your posed photos and couple portraits before the ceremony. Couples who wait until after the ceremony often find themselves missing out on parts of their cocktail hour as they’re busy taking all the must-have photos. By opting for a first look, you free up time to ensure that you capture all the pictures you want, leaving you more relaxed and fully able to enjoy the reception.
