Tradition or First Look?

Whenever I meet a couple, I always ask them what their thoughts are on doing a first look or doing the traditional 'not seeing each other until the ceremony.' I would say 8 times out of 10, one of them has a serious opinion, usually going the traditional route, but most don't think about the many benefits of doing a first look. We certainly live in a time where people challenge tradition and like to go rogue, but there is no right or wrong here, it's all just what you prefer! Here are a few points to consider when determining which works for you:

1. Calm the Nerves
Many people can be a ball of nerves on their wedding day, especially if they don't like to be the center of attention. By being able to see your significant other before the ceremony, it can put you at ease and give you a sense of, "ok, I got this!" 

2. These are pictures you wouldn't be able to get otherwise
Let's be honest, you're both going to be all fancied up, and it might be the best you look (possibly ever), so why not get some intimate photos? The pictures always come out very raw, and simply put, they embody you two as a couple. There may be tears, shocked faces at how good each other looks, and there will definitely be an abundance of extremely large smiles. These pictures will definitely be 'mantle worthy.'

3. You can actually embrace each other
By doing a first look, you can kiss, hug, touch, and just embrace each other. Whereas if you don't see each other until the ceremony, you can't have that moment to embrace and chat about how great the other person looks. 

4. Not everyone listens when you say it's an unplugged ceremony
I'll let you in on a secret, it's not super easy to get pictures of both faces as you're coming down the aisle. Especially if your photographer doesn't have a second shooter and even more so if guests have their phones, iPads, cameras, drones, and any other kind of device readily available and smack dab in front of your photographer's perfect picture. 

5. Saves time on pictures later
So you have 348723842346 family portraits you want to get done during cocktail hour? Doing a first look is your best option to get some bridal party and parent pictures out of the way so formal pictures don't feel like they're taking forever. Even if you only have a couple pictures you want, then you get to go enjoy cocktail hour and be with your guests. There is nothing your bridal party hates more than standing around for long periods of time for pictures when they could be enjoying delicious cocktails. 

6. You can do first look pictures anywhere
There is no rules on where you can do first look--it can be outside, inside, where you met, where you had your first date, the list goes on and on. It can be anywhere that is special to the two of you! 

Again, I'm not looking to sway anyone or tell you that you have to do a first look. I am just giving you a few thoughts behind why it's popular! No matter what you do, it is guaranteed to be one of your best days, ever!