His first site of me was walking down the aisle as he stood at the front of the chapel, but it was hours before we pledged ourselves to each other for life, and we stood in an empty sanctuary with ushers standing guard behind the closed church doors.
This concept, a sweet, private exchange between the couple before the ceremony, is now referred to in bridal magazines as the first look. Sometimes a photographer will discreetly stand in the back permanently capturing these timeless moments. As a wedding photographer, I will admit, when this option is taken, I’m giddy.
For me, the first look was intimate. We laughed. We prayed. He told me he loved me. He told me he had been looking forward to this day his whole life. I cried. And all the gitters were gone.
The first look is not for every couple, but it was perfect for Matthew and me, and years later I remember those sweet moments with great fondness.
Is the first look for you? It’s a personal decision for each couple, but here are 4 questions to consider.
1. What’s most sentimental to you? Do you dream of walking down the aisle and seeing your groom’s smile, surrounded by friends and family? Or are your most romantic thoughts more private, just you and the one you love?
2. Are you a verbal communicator? Most weddings don’t have much time for the bride and groom to talk privately, so if you tend to express great emotion verbally, the first look might be for you.
3. Are you up for the extra logistics? The first look does take some planning – you have to be ready earlier; and most importantly, someone has to get everyone out of the sanctuary or a different location so you can share those moments.
4. It might be obvious but… what do you and your fiancé want? It’s okay to do what you feel like doing. It’s your day. Your memories. When it comes to weddings, sometimes that’s the most important thing.
1 comment