First look photos—taking pictures of the first time a groom sees his bride prior to the ceremony—are becoming more and more popular these days. There are quite a few reasons to consider taking first look photos:

Convenience & Time:

Doing a first look allows for better planning and less time feeling rushed. It allows for extra cushion time to get the best photos. If you can’t get all of your photos taken before the ceremony, there will be time afterwards!

Time Alone:

Weddings can feel absolutely crazy with out-of-town guests coming in early and friends or family buzzing around trying to help get the last minute details squared away. If you have a few hours blocked out for first look pictures and just some hang out time on the day of the wedding, your nerves will thank you! It will mean having a chance to spend a little quiet time with your future husband/wife which will help make the day all the more enjoyable.

Quick Turnover:

Most traditional weddings do photos of the wedding party, bride, and groom after the ceremony while the guests enjoy a form of cocktail hour. Sometimes photos take longer than planned which can cause a delay in getting the reception started. Having all or most of your photos done before the wedding allows for a quicker turnover which keeps everyone happy!

Better Photos:

We don’t want to make anyone upset who doesn’t want to do a first look, but we do believe you’re able to get fantastic if not better photos with a first look. More time with your photographer allows them to get more creative with their shots. If you take photos after the ceremony, there’s often a feeling of pressure to get just the necessary photos completed so you can join the rest of the party and the guests can move on to dinner.

You shouldn’t be nervous about missing out on seeing your grooms reaction at the first sight of his beautiful bride! The photos you get from a first look shoot are just as genuine as the ones when a groom sees his bride as she walks down the aisle! Your future groom is guaranteed to break into a massive smile the second he sees you—no matter where that happens! We would even argue that you might get an even truer reaction from your future spouse as the moment is more privately romantic being just the couple and the photographer rather than being in front of hundreds of guests.

The idea of taking photos after the ceremony stems from tradition dating back to the era of arranged marriages; it was believed that if the couple saw each other prior to the ceremony it would give them a reason to run away. Seems like a solid foundation for a marriage doesn't it...?

With all of this in mind, will you take the traditional route and see your future husband for the first time on your wedding day as you take your first steps down the aisle towards him? Or will you take a more modern approach to your wedding photos and see your groom for the first time when you share a moment in a more private setting prior to the ceremony?

No matter which direction you choose to take we are VERY excited to host your special day!

Photo on top right by Ainsley Rose Photography; Photo on bottom left by Matt Kennedy Photography