Why is the First look becoming so popular with Modern Brides?

Traditional Wedding portraits of the past consisted of a stand and smile of the bride and groom, some family groupings, and then the couple went their reception for entrances.  The cocktail hour was generally a thing that happened as a buffer for guests to have something to do while traditional portraits were taken.

Wedding photography has evolved so much over the years and today’s couples want a larger selection of couples portraits, fun bridal party photos and singles instead of just the one group stand and smile, a lot more family portrait groupings, pinterest worthy reception details, cocktail hour candids, and more.

A lot of couples either have a private cocktail hour for their bridal party, or they want to go mingle and actually get to spend time with their guests during cocktail hour before the  entrances. I know when my husband and I got married we felt like it ran so fast we didn’t even get to spend time with each other let alone our guests.

By doing a first look, you control the timeline and it isn’t crunched into a 5ish hour period of time. You start the day early, have time to actually enjoy each other’s presence and avoid the “stressful timeline crunch” when something inevitably runs late. You have plenty of time to do all the portraits you want and actually have a drink with your friends and family after the ceremony is over.

The biggest argument I hear about the first look, is wanting the groom to see the bride the first time as she walks down the aisle. I can tell you BOTH times are emotional! The first time you see each other, it’s the anticipation of getting to see each other for the first time in your wedding attire. You can actually spend a moment together to take in everything that is about to go on and really be with each other.

Most of the time I find couples fight the tears, stare at the floor, etc so they don’t cry in front of 100+ guests. The first look gives you time to really be in the moment with each other, cry, (And get your makeup touched up after.)  The walk down the aisle will still have just as much impact as that is the moment where you both realize you are finally getting married. You are about to say your vows. The emotion is different but still there, and now you have two beautiful moments to remember.