Let me tell you why I feel you should have a first look.
You have spent countless hours preparing for a single day that is finally here. You and your best friends in the whole world move into the bridal suite and completely take over the place. Bluetooth turned up and mimosas are flowing. You walk around the venue and you see staff busily setting everything in its place. Flowers are being meticulously arranged and it looks like things are coming together. Hair and makeup are well under way and the bridal suite seems to be a bit more crowded than before. The rest of your dedicated vendors begin to arrive along with your photographer and videographer and things start to move a little quicker. Questions about details begin to come your way and the pace has reached a point of seriousness.
Your timeline just got real!
After everyone is dressed and ready, the promised photos and video are taken in all the places and poses you were hoping for. Guests start to arrive and you are hurriedly rushed back to your bridal suite to wait for the words “it’s time”.
The venue has become eerily quiet and still as everyone has made their way to the ceremony room and is awaiting your entrance.
The doors open and all eyes are on you as you make your way down the aisle.
Here’s my point.
It happens just that fast and it doesn’t stop until your grand exit.
As magical as this day will be, it will also be a day that is shared with friends and family in a very public manner. What a first look gives you is a brief moment where your timeline stops. It will be a private moment with no one around. A moment for just the two of you. A moment where he can truly share how he feels seeing you for the first time this day. A moment for you to tell him how excited you are to marry him. A moment where you both can be totally yourselves.
Every single event, every single moment is designed to be a celebration of your joining as it should be. But it is also designed to be a very public celebration.
Your first look is most likely the only time during the entire day you will be alone with each other.
I have filmed countless first looks and every one of them created a moment that was so real and beautiful and sometimes funny, it has become one of my favorite parts of the day.
On the practical side it makes amazing footage for your film. It also helps to ease the anxiety and nerves from having to “keep it together” for both of you during the recessional and ceremony.
Yeah, I’m a big fan of a First Look!
One more thing. I am also a fan of a First Touch as well.
These are also very moving moments. If you are not comfortable with a First Look a First Touch is a beautiful option.