Like many couples who get married in the Catholic Church, we initially didn’t plan to see each other before the ceremony. I’m no believer in superstition, but I did want that special moment when I would start down the aisle and Stephen would see me for the first time that day. Or did I?
Actually, maybe not. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that this would mean I’d spend half the wedding day without the most important person sharing it with me – my groom! So, instead of waiting for the big reveal, we decided to do a “first look” at Gardens of the World, the site where my sister snapped our first set of engagement photos last spring.
We got to hug and talk, and were then able to capture some of the best photos from the day pre-ceremony, while my makeup was fresh and before things got crazy. Seeing each other also did wonders for our nerves, since we were both more nervous than we thought we’d be.
Here, a few of our favorite still shots. The video footage will be ready soon, too!
(Photo Credits: Alex Neumann Photography)
I used to want the first time he’d see me to be when I was walking down the aisle. However, the logistics of the day have since changed my mind. I want to be with him as much as possible that day, and why not get the family and bridal party portraits out of the way before-hand so we can get to the reception that much quicker? (Or stop at a few bars on our way…)
Great photos!
I don’t like to think that I’m traditional or old-fashioned, but the best moment to me at any wedding is when the groom looks up and see his bride standing at the end of the aisle just looking beautiful. At every wedding I’ve been to that’s when the groom has his first tear. For me that moment is priceless.
On my wedding day, sure we both felt nervousness, but I couldn’t wait to see his face during my “reveal” amongst family. Seeing me in my gown, and all dolled up like that. I loved him whispering to me that I looked beautiful. I also only wanted that kiss to be sealed once the pronouncement had been made, b/c we had been waiting for a while. It made it all the more special.
So for me having the bride & groom see each other beforehand takes away the element of surprise and I have less to look forward to.
I love the new tradtion of the “First Look”. I think it is precious and intimate and very, very special. Plus… as evidenced on your post… it produces some amazing photo ops!
I’ve always planned that Captain D. and I would see each other before the ceremony to take our posed photos. The decision was for practical reasons more than anything — I hate the idea of my guests partying without me while I’m whisked away to pose for pics! Plus, our ceremony is at sunset and I want some photos taken in full daylight.
But as I’ve browsed dozens of websites recently in search of the perfect photographer, I’ve been repeatedly struck by the romance of the “first look” photos. There is something very intimate about giving your groom a private first look. In my case in particular, I think a private reveal will result in a more honest reaction from my groom (because he won’t be as self-conscious as when he’s standing in front of our guests). And I think the photographer is much more likely to capture his spontaneous emotion in that setting.
So, call me selfish, but I will be depriving my guests of witnessing my groom’s first reaction to seeing me in full bridal regalia. I plan to keep it all to myself (and my photographer, of course!).