First look, love or hate it??

Brittywest05

We are wanting to do a first look for our wedding. Did any of you married knotties do the first look??? Did you like it?? Im so torn on the first look/ traditional pictures after the ceremony!

firsttimersluck

We did a first look and it was AMAZING. 

I wouldn't have had it Any. Other. Way. 

Pros: 

- We didn't keep guests waiting in between the ceremony and reception

- We saved money because we didn't have to have a cocktail hour

- We got to spend all the time in the world together and not feel rushed

- We are best friends.. we love being together and talking, so it was soo nice and comforting to see him, calm the excitement jitters and just feel his embrace. 

- We had great photos because it was right after I had the hair and make up done so everything was fresh and pretty 

- We actually got super lucky because during the ceremony it started raining and we had our photos done outside. Ie, we avoided the rain on accident. 

- The person moment together before going down the aisle just made everything feel so real. 

It didn't take away from walking down the aisle at all. He still had tears fill his eyes and I still had a huge goofy smile on my face  

Wouldn't change it for the world. 

cwaggoner07

My 3 favorite moments of the entire day were the 3 moments we had quietly to ourselves. Our ceremony wasn't until 7, and it made NO sense to see each other for 5 hours only on our wedding DAY.

The 3 moments were:

-First look

-Eating together privately before being announced.

-Private last dance.

We had H stand at the end of the aisle turned around, and I walked down the aisle toward him and tapped him. It was SO special, and it felt right that it was private. It also got rid of all my butterflies. And I thought it was still really cool and special walking down the aisle with people in the seats and my daddy on my arm. The first look didn't take anything away from that moment. It actually calmed my nerves and overall, added so much to the day. 

bridalmarch

We're doing one and I can't wait for it. We rented a '54 Bentley and we're planning on doing something with that (widows are tinted) Our reasoning:

1) We're both nervous people. He gets nervous in front of crowds and I tend to overwhelm easily. We feel like a first look with calm us both down. 

2) We don't really stand on tradition

3) We want to go to cocktail hour and enjoy the appetizers we've heard so much about!! 

4) Timing. We both have HUGE families (just immediate family, aunts, uncles, and cousins took up 146 people on our guest list) They almost never get together all in one place, and we want to spend as much time with them as possible. 

5) We both think it will be really special. When you walk down the aisle, you have to wait for the entire ceremony to have a moment together. We get that first thing. I can't think of anything better. 

Giaspo

We did it and loved it. It was such a special moment. Like Firstimer said, we are best friends and didn't speak or see each other the night before the wedding (ok maybe a text or two in the morning) and I really missed him! I couldn't wait to see him and was glad we had that time together. It didn't change walking down the aisle. The only thing I wish I realized is that it compromised getting ready with my BMs. I got ready first and then rushed off to do pics. We didn't get a "bride getting dressed" shot or many photos of the girls. This was more of a timing thing... If this means a lot to you, just ask your photographer to schedule it in.

AddieCake

We were initially planning to do it, but we had a morning ceremony and decided it would just be too early to have to get up and be ready for it. 

B2Z728

I'd recommend a first look, but with a suggestion. Make sure you talk to your photographer beforehand and come up with a plan of how you would like to do the first look photos.

I didn't go this route, and our first look was rushed because a storm was about to roll in, and we wanted to get some pictures outside. Our first look ended up not being a private moment between the just two of us (plus photographer). Our bridal party was standing around watching and to me it was not intimate at all. There are members of the bridal party visible in the background of the photos, which I'm not happy about. We then rushed to do some family and group photos outside, and then we had a few more minutes of photos of just H and I. My sig picture shows the massive storm clouds rolling in. Even though I love this picture so much, I wish there weren't people standing in the background. I know that in the end, it's my fault about not speaking up about what I wanted. So make sure you do so. 

bridalmarch

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_wedding-recap-withdrawal_first-look-love-or-hate-it?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:12Discussion:918291e1-8dc3-49d7-808d-0e86d3e74ff8Post:9ebe0ad0-8d49-47bc-8031-c94a90b24c1f">Re: First look, love or hate it??</a>:
[QUOTE]I'd recommend a first look, but with a suggestion. Make sure you talk to your photographer beforehand and come up with a plan of how you would like to do the first look photos. I didn't go this route, and our first look was rushed because a storm was about to roll in, and we wanted to get some pictures outside. Our first look ended up not being a private moment between the just two of us (plus photographer). Our bridal party was standing around watching and to me it was not intimate at all. There are members of the bridal party visible in the background of the photos, which I'm not happy about. We then rushed to do some family and group photos outside, and then we had a few more minutes of photos of just H and I. My sig picture shows the massive storm clouds rolling in. Even though I love this picture so much, I wish there weren't people standing in the background. I know that in the end, it's my fault about not speaking up about what I wanted. So make sure you do so. <div>
</div><div>
</div><div>Oh my goodness, I've always noticed your pic and thought it was retouched because it's SO gorgeous!!  I never even noticed that there were people in the background until you just said so lol. They sort of blend with the trees. 
Posted by B2Z728[/QUOTE]

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msuprincess04

We are having a destination wedding and are definitely doing one. The wedding is at sunset, so any outdoor pictures need to be done before the wedding. We've also planned for it. We are renting two villas next door to each other for the wedding party and we will have the guys get ready in one and the girls in the other. The first look will be on the beach out front of the houses. I can't wait.

I also second pp's loving the intimacy of the moment. When FI proposed he said he wanted it to be "just us" forever. (Admittedly, it reminded me of the Carrie Brashaw moment.) So, I know having that 5 minutes of personal time, will be amazing for us both.  

entropicbeauty

We did all of our wedding party photos before the wedding. DH and I got ready in the same hotel room and hung out with friends all morning before the wedding. It was more practical getting all the pictures done before the ceremony and we had a blast. I liked that there wasn't a ton of pressure or build-up, we were able to relax and be ourselves.

This is one of the things I think we did right.

lovesclimbing

We did the first look (technically, I had seen him already that day [I would have had a nervous breakdown if I didn't] but it was the first look with us actually dressed in our wedding clothes with my hair and makeup done)  At first, I did not like the idea at all and it took me several weeks to come around.  Finally, after considering it and discussing the pros and cons, DH and I decided to do it.

I am SO glad we did!!  Our photographer pulled us out for about 15 minutes after we had eaten our cake while our guests were still eating the cake to take a few more formals.  DH and I were both antsy and wanted to get back in to the reception and were preoccupied with seeing the groomsmen wrecking our truck (not literally) outside the window.

I know I would have hated having to leave or having to wait to join the reception for half an hour or more to get the together shots if we had done it traditional.

Plus, we have this really good shot of me looking over my shoulder as he comes up blindfolded and these really cute shots of this huge grin on his face as he pulls the blindfold off.  

I don't regret it!

jesslamb830

I was totally against the first look until I found out the reasoning before "not seeing hte bride until she comes down the aisle"  I'm a very super stituous (i know that is spelt wrong) person and Ya don't want that so we are doing a first look and pictures before hand!!! I think walking down the aisle will be completely different feeling because it will be the begining of the ceremony ... and my Daddy will be right by me!!! I'm a huge Daddys girl

reynasylene

My best friend (I was her MoH) just got married and they did the whole first-look thing at our hotel right before we all got on the bus to drive around the city and take professional photos, which were all done prior to the ceremony & reception. They also had a videographer, so the video of them seeing eachother in their wedding gear is going to be pretty neat. My wedding is coming up in November and I thought about doing that too, but decided that our first-look will be at our church when I get ready to meet him down the aisle, especially since our professional pictures will be done between the ceremony & reception.

Its all up to personal preference, really. But either way you go, just make sure your photographer is ready to snap that shot!

Eyejewel

We did a first look and I definately recommend it. This is the only reason we got outdoor photos. We when got to the church before the ceremony the skies opened up with massive storms, tornadoe watches etc.

The only thing i regret it i wanted it the two of us first moment. the girls, guys and parents were outside the limos and everything watching. So his mom took a bunch of unoffical not the best angle shots that everyone saw on the website before photographer photos came out. So after they had some of just us then everyone came and did other shots.

I dont think it took away from the church aisle moment because we were apart from the night before and when i saw him at the first look it was a sigh of relief of all the stress of the whole day. When i started walking down the aisle i was terrified with all the people on me (not much for center of attention) so i focused on him down the aisle and it was like noone else was there. Just as special.

kipnus

We didn't do one. My favourite part of any wedding is watching the groom as the bride comes down the aisle. I didn't want to miss out on any of the surprise/awe/emotion. I can understand why people do them, but I don't regret our decision not to. (Also, we took all of our separate photos beforehand, so there were just a few family and bridal party shots to do after the ceremony. We waited and did a photo shoot with just the two of us in the evening, on our way to the hotel).

anne elizabeth1

We did not have a first look, and I'm glad!  I did not pick up my gown until 3 days before the wedding.  I wanted him to wait until I came out of that door to walk down the aisle...and the look on his face was worth it!  If you ask him now, he will play it cool, but I could see the look on his face, and the way he shook my brother's hand when I was handed over to him.  He was blown away!

It's really your decision, but there is only ONE first look.  You can always take more pictures after the wedding, and you both will be happy, smiling, relaxed, and not have to worry about ruining your gown.

Doingitoutside2013

I LOVED the fact that we waited. I love to see the groom crying as he sees his bride for the first time. That anxiety and emotion is often different with a first look. First looks are practical, but for us the practicality for pics that would be tucked away in a photo album did not outweigh the benefits of having our families share in this once in a lifetime moment. It is still just as intimate even with hundreds of people watching. All I saw was my husband tearing up, all i heard were the awes and compliments, and all I felt was my dad holding my arm in safety and proudly presenting me to a man that clearly was in love with his precious daughter. Go with what your heart desires regardless of convenience. If I were to do it again, I would have done "first touch" pictures. I love the pics where the bride and groom gather to pray or share loving words before the ceremony but they do not actually see each other. They are either blindfolded or holding hands around a corner or door. But for me, the "look" would still have been reserved for the grand entrance.

brielleinlove

We aren't doing it because it's very important to FI that the first look be as I'm coming down the aisle.  I also feel like it just takes away some of the specialness of that moment.  

cwill6212

We did and it was one of the highlights of the day. My groom was a little late arriving, but once he got there and once I saw him, the jitters faded and I could focus on enjoying the day. We got some intimate photos, we got group photos so we didn't have to leave our guests waiting after the ceremony and it did not take away from our ceremony at all. When H saw me at our first look, he was all smiles and amazed at how beautiful I looked. But the ceremony still overtook him and there were tears as I made my way down to him. I'm definitely glad this was a part of our day.

LizM61409

I'm actually open to doing a first look but FI's opinion is absolutely not, which actually kinda surprised me. If anything, I'd think that most guys would want to get the pictures done early. Guess not!

brielleinlove

kipnus said:

We didn't do one. My favourite part of any wedding is watching the groom as the bride comes down the aisle. I didn't want to miss out on any of the surprise/awe/emotion. I can understand why people do them, but I don't regret our decision not to. (Also, we took all of our separate photos beforehand, so there were just a few family and bridal party shots to do after the ceremony. We waited and did a photo shoot with just the two of us in the evening, on our way to the hotel).

This was exactly our reasoning behind not doing a first look.  No regrets here.

braunm88

I wanted to badly to do a first look, esp to help calm my nerves (I am usually overwhelmed). But it didn't work out (we knew awhile beforehand that it wouldn't work), and I am grateful we didn't do a first look. The girls took all morning to get ready and I felt semi rushed getting to the ceremony. It was amazing looking at my husband for the first time on the alter; I thought I would be overwhelmed with everyone staring at us, but I felt as ease holding Joe's hands. I do not regret not being able to do the first look:)

NJackson520

I love the thought behind doing one but I really want to actually be married in our wedding photos. We are going to do our individual pics before so we can get photos done quickly in between

sde546

I'm torn on the first look issue. I went to a wedding where they did the first look; my fiance was a groomsmen, so I stood around watching them take all their pictures; and it did seem to make the day go more smoothly. The couple had a moment together away from the venue where they exchanged letters that they had written to each other the night before, then came back to do their pictures with everyone. The transition between ceremony and reception was smooth.

On the other hand, you aren't married in the pictures, you're still technically engaged, so it does seem to be a bit of a bummer having your very first photos of each other not as husband and wife. You could do what some others have suggested and take 20 minutes after the wedding or even the next day to do some you and him shots as a married couple.

I have been going back and forth in my mind about this. Our ceremony isn't until 4 in the afternoon and we are so used to seeing each other all the time and I just know that I will miss him so much the morning of. I know for a fact we aren't spending the night in the same hotel room and only going to see each other as we are decorating the night before our wedding. I must admit, I would have us do a first look just to avoid the guests being bored while we are taking pictures. We aren't able to fork out a lot of money for a cocktail hour, so there won't be much for them to do before the reception starts. It would be nice to say 'I Do', go outside for a little bit just to breathe and take in the moment, and then come in and start to party!

WriterInthePink

I'm debating this for my wedding. I'm planning a very late evening reception at 6ish. The time isn't set but I don't want take another hour of out of that time just to take pictures with my family. I was considering a first look with just us and then meeting at another location for bridal party and immediate family for the rest of the pictures. 

sarahroslansky

We're not doing one. I was open to it but my fiance said he'd prefer not to. I can't wait to see his face when I come down the aisle!

teachermegs

We did one and we also had our Thank You photos taken. I loved a bit of alone time before everyone else saw me. 

libby2483

We did not do a first look, and I'm very glad that we didn't.  Seeing my H's face as he saw me for the first time walking down the aisle was a very special moment. 

aleykit42514

I actually never considered doing a first look, but it seems like a great idea. I'll have to ask my fiancé what he thinks; He's pretty traditional though, so he might not be for it. I'll just have to see!

melb2013

We actually got ready together and had a private morning together before the wedding.  We took all of our photos before the ceremony.  Didn't take away from the ceremony moment at all- H was still completely overwhelmed with emotion when he saw me walk down the aisle- not because he was seeing me dressed up for the first time, but because I was about to become his wife.  That in itself is a big enough deal!

JoAnne1027

THIS >>>  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ge-masana/should-you-see-each-other_b_3045586.html

Puts it really well and shows you what it's about!