Are you Doing a First Look?

We're doing a first look. It changed because FH relealizd pics could take up to 2 hours after the ceremony and he wants to be in the reception by then. So we're going to do a first look and enjoy the reception

We didn’t do a first look

We're doing one. We want to maximize our time with guests, plus we're having an expansive cocktail hour and don't want to miss the food!

We did one and it was so incredibly special! My photographer had Adam (my husband, I love saying that!) stand with his back facing where I would be coming from. She talked to him about not turning around until she told him to so she could get some cute pictures with me walking toward him, me holding his arm while his back was turned, etc. I will never forget his expression when he turned around. Our photographer snapped the pictures as we laughed and cried together, but was not intrusive at all. When she was done, she told us she was going to take her time and round up the rest of the bridal party (we did bridal party pics before the wedding ceremony because it was super hot and we just got our hair and makeup done and wanted to look as fresh as possible). Adam and I were hidden behind the house at this time so no guests would see us and we took in the view and talked about how happy we were and about the rest of our lives together. It is a moment I will treasure forever!

We really really really didn't want to do a first look but since we are getting married in January we are already fighting daylight with a 4:30 wedding. So we opted to do a first look to have as much daylight and time as possible for photos. It was just less stressful this way.

We are doing a first look. We want to be able to spend time with our guests!

We did a first look. We are both pretty traditional, but we're both also practical - realizing that having a first look really helps knock those photos out early and lets you enjoy more time with your guests.

We decided to stay traditional and wait for the aisle.

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Awww, this is beautiful Ashley!! I love how your photographer captured real-time candids that captured your emotions!! So precious!!

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Ha, awesome way of making the decision!!

We did not do one - no regrets. I will NEVER forget the look on his face, coming up the walk and seeing me for the first time, though!!!

We’re not doing one. We want to have the special moment of seeing each other the first time at the ceremony! Can’t justify to ourselves having that emotional moment for a photo shoot... would rather have it at our ceremony

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The traditional "aisle moment" is also so beautiful! It upholds that element of surprise so nicely!!

We did a first look. Both my husband and I wanted some time where it was just the 2 of us (and the photographers). We knew the day would be busy and we probably wouldn't get a lot of time alone after that. It didn't take away from the awe and love on his face when I walked down the aisle at the ceremony either. It also meant we could attend our cocktail hour and we were able to greet and hug every single guest before we even entered the ballroom for dinner.

First look for sure! This was one of the very first decisions we made when planning the wedding.

I wanted to do a first look for the sake of spending more time with guests but FH had one thing he was insisting upon for this wedding and that was that he doesn't get a first look until I'm walking down the aisle.

Im doing a first look with my papa who is walking me down the aisle.
But my FH and I arent seeing eachother until the ceremony.

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Aw, this is absolutely precious Jillian! I loveee it!!!

I was against doing a first look as I like the idea of my guests witnessing our first time seeing each other but with timing we will be doing one. We are taking pictures before the ceremony so that we can have more time to socialize with guests at cocktail hour therefore leaving more time to dance at the reception! Plus, our hair and makeup will be fresher looking for pictures before the ceremony!

I fought a first look for a long time. but now I'm really glad we're doing one, and I'm SUPER excited to do it!

I'd probably have an anxiety attack if I waited to see my FH until I walked down the aisle. The first look will allow me to de-stress a little bit before the ceremony. He's my rock and he's able to calm me down in a second, so it'll be nice to be able to touch him, kiss him, have him be there before the craziness of the day. It'll take some huge pressure off of me!

Also, I want a real, genuine reaction from him, and I know if he's in front of his brother and cousins, I won't get that. I don't know if he'll cry, if he does I can't wait to see the emotion in his eyes, but I will get a genuine smile and we'll be able to talk and laugh and be ourselves without the pressure of everyone watching!

I'm also doing a smaller first look with my daddy

I'm tearing up thinking about it, honestly. Lol! 17 days!