37 replies to this topic

[VegasBride121314]

Over the last few years I've been hearing about first look photos taken before the ceremony. I'm not sure how or why this started and not really sure how I feel about it. I think there is something magical about seeing your lover waiting for you, or coming towards you on your wedding day. But then again, I can see setting aside time to spend with each other before the ceremony, but then what is there to look forward to?  I'm not sure how this will fit into our wedding day. The jury is still out. So, are you doing a first look? What factors went into your decision? Will you allow your BP to participate? 

[tygrrlily]

I made my decision based on pragmatism. We are not because our ceremony is at 2pm, and we have a lot of time for pictures after (sunset at 5:15pm). We almost got a 4pm ceremony time, and if we had done that, I would have did a first look for sure just to make sure we had enough time for pictures

 

I can see the pros of both. Either way, I think the first look will be incredibly romantic, whether it's at the actual ceremony or before

[VegasBride121314]

@tygrrlily I think they are romantic too! The look of love in the eyes of the couples melts my heart. I just wonder if I'll have the same feeling if I actually see him in the hall by the elevator. I hate to think I'm that old-fashioned!! But if the shoe fits, I guess I have to put it on! 

[beckys98]

We will be doing a first look, but I honestly am not concerned about him seeing me before the ceremony so it was an easy decision. In fact, we've been together so long that it feels natural for us to walk down the aisle together instead of me being given away.

 

That sais, the real deciding factor is I want to do photos before the ceremony. I don't want to miss my entire cocktail reception due to photos because the MOST important thing to us is having fun with our guests who made the trip!

[Mrsktobe]

I wanted to but it was my fiancé who was against it - he really wants the moment he sees me walking down the aisle to be special. However, we are very fortunate that his sister is a wedding photographer, so even though we are doing a sunset ceremony, we can do couple pictures a few days later

[Lilian84]

I had never heard of this. Whenever I go to a wedding I always love watching the look on the grooms face when he sees his bride for the first time, maybe i'm old fashion too but I absolutely want to have that moment. 

[tygrrlily]

@VegasBride121314 - I think most photographers would arrange your first look to be in a more romantic way than beside the elevator . I think they usually make a bit of a production out of it, so you should still get that same special feeling!

[VegasBride121314]

Thanks @tygrrlily I needed to hear that! Thank goodness for professionals...otherwise we can see how my first looks would be! LOL! 

[kmk2016]

We are definitely doing one. I want that first moment he sees me to be between him and I... And to have 10 minutes with out guests and bridal party staring... Just us (and photographer) spending some "still time" to absorb the moment and enjoy that quiet moment together. Some take that moment to pray together- but for me it's just to take 5 minutes in the craziness of the day where it's just he and I. The fact we can capture that moment? Even better!

[pddcmc]

@kmk2016 - we are doing the same thing! plus, it gives us more time to get sunset photos