You know that age old tradition where the bride strolls down the aisle, anticipation builds, and everyone is asked to stand as she (usually nervously) approaches her soon-to-be husband or wife? Super special, right? Well, these days, following tradition isn't expected, and couples are forging their own way of doing things- one of those things is called the "first look." It's when the couple takes a moment to themselves before the madness ensues, and they see each other for the first time privately in most likely the most intimate moment of the day. Some folks love it, some aren't so sure if they are ready to take the road less traveled. So for those planning to tie the knot in the not to distant future- have you ever wondered if you should go for a first look on your big day?

Should we do a first look on our wedding?

A First Look is when the couple see each other for the first time on the wedding day, before the ceremony. It's a newer thing in weddings, increasing in popularity over the past few years, particularly with couples getting more confident to break wedding traditions.

So the question is- should we do a first look? – it really depends on what feels right for you as a couple. Some folks love the idea of having an intimate pocket of the day just from them, away from the fuss, drama and expectations. You get to see each other before anyone else lays eyes on you- and take in the momentous step you are about to take, and really absorb and be present with one another.

The other train of thought, is that it might take away from the big emotion and the crescendo of seeing each other at the ceremony. It's your day- and there’s is certainly no one right answer, but I’m here to help you see what could work best for you.

So why a first look?

It's not something that is openly said, but wedding days are super crazy, and depending on how you decide to live the day- you often don't actually get to spend that much quality time with your soon-to-be spouse.

First looks give you an opportunity If you miss seeing your fiancé before the ceremony, you might go the whole wedding day without even getting a chance to chat with the person you're marrying. Sure, you'll see each other during the ceremony, but then it's all about the schedule and the love and excitement from your family and friends. But if you do a first look before the ceremony, you get a special moment just for the two of you – a chance to see each other alone and really connect before things get wild.

Spending an entire day away from your person can be kinda awful, Why not cut your time apart a little shorter? A first look can also give you a chance to shake off the wedding jitters together, particularly if the thought of standing in front of everyone staring at you gives you the nervous ick!

Often, you can even have your bridal shoot done straight after, so once the ceremony is done- your free to join the cocktail hour, and you get to enjoy more time with your guests and your spouse! First looks can often assist you in creating more space in your timeline to enjoy the parts of your wedding that are really a priority.

Having that first look in private instead of in front of everyone allows you to be more real with each other and to real be mindful and absorb the whole experience. I Love it when couples see each other before the ceremony. As a photographer, I get to capture those emotional moments, away from the expectations of the crowd, and when a couple gets to simply experience and revel in one of the most loving surreal moments of their lives.

First Look vs. Traditional Aisle Meeting

The first look will hands down be the best part of your day. Whether it is in private or at the ceremony amongst your loved ones, It's a super emotional, momentous part of the day that you will likely never forget.

Now, for those still not sold on the first look, let me tell you, you’ll still get all teary-eyed when you walk down the aisle. It's totally legit if you want to do the traditional first look. There is nothing like the anticipation, the build-up, then the crescendo as your partner in life walks down the aisle and meets the eyes of their partner for the first time. If you have dreamt of that moment for a lifetime- There's nothing wrong with that! There's no right or wrong here. Just weigh the options and pick what feels right for both of you!

Variations on the “first look”

First touch photos

Still not convinced you want to throw away tradition? A first touch is a really sweet alternative that allows you to hold your partner's hand, have a private moment, read letters, vows or promises, without actually seeing each other. You can do this in addition to the aisle first look.

Doing a first look with bridesmaids

A bridesmaid’s first look is just what it sounds like- a special moment with your girls! Basically, after you'll get dressed with your Maid of Honour and Mum. Then we'll set up a big reveal with your bridesmaids, where they get to see you all together! Get ready for lots of squeals, hugs, giggles, and happy tears!

Father and Daughter First Look

A father-daughter first look is all about those heart-melting moments as Dad gets ready to give his daughter away. The first look between a dad and his daughter is super special and sentimental. It's when he gets to see his little girl all grown up and ready to move forward on her new path. These quiet moments before the ceremony are a beautiful celebration of their bond. Plus, they can help ease some of those pre-ceremony jitters before Dad walks his daughter down the aisle. These photos usually capture lots of emotion and pure love!

Mom’s First Look

Wedding days are a big deal for mums, often playing a massive role in all the planning. A mother-daughter or mother-son first look is a lovely way to honor and celebrate a mother’s love and dedication to her child. In a mother-daughter first look, she might pass on a special piece of jewelry or family heirloom for her daughter to carry down the aisle. For a mother-son first look, she might help pin the boutonniere on his suit. It's just a beautiful moment to celebrate the mum and her part in getting her son or daughter to this stage of their life.

Hopefully, this article has give you some things to consider when planning for what is sure to be one the happiest days of your lives! Remember, whatever way you decide, there will always be the moment at the wedding where you both lay eyes on each other for the first time. It’s a moment for taking for breathing in the commitment you are about to make, how freaking amazing you both look and the significance of this moment in your lives. Be it with a more modern first look, or sticking with tradition, I love capturing it all!