First Look

dzinegrl

Thoughts on a first look?  Are you going to do one or not, and why (or for those already married, did you have one)?  I am really torn on whether we should do it or not.  My fiance has no opinion on this either way, so it's all up to me.

courtski2004

I really enjoyed our first look. Neither of us were nervous leading up to the wedding day, but one of the most important 'reaction' shots was J's face when he saw me for the first time. Our photog probably could have gotten a good shot of him from the front of the church, but I also wanted a shot of me walking in with my dad.
Looking back, I'm glad that we got to share those few minutes before the pre-ceremony pictures to just take in the day, and I will never forget the look on his face, it is precious to think about. With so many other people to see when I walked in, I don't think I would have been able to focus on just him.

winechic25

If you're not traditional as to seeing each other before the wedding, I'd do it. It allows you so much more time before the craziness gets started to do pics with just the two of you. We did NOT do it, because neither one of us wanted to each other before, but we did a first "touch"' and that was just as awesome and as sweet of a moment as I imagine a first look would have been. That said, I have great pics of all the bridal parties, etc before the wedding, but none of DH and I...

1fwdarlin

We did a first look and I loved it. It really helped me calm down and was really our only time to chat with each other. Plus we got some amazing pics.

professorscience

I agree with Kylie about what a time-saver it is.  H and I thought of doing it for a time because we were going to process to the altar together, but changed our minds kind of toward the end.

I think the first look really depends on you as a couple.  H and I (and winechic and her H) did a "first touch," and it was one of my favorite moments of the day.  Lots of other couples say doing a first look just helps you relax before walking down the aisle. 

I would say you should also consider how much time you're going to have before or after the ceremony to take all those pictures.  It might just end up being more practical to do a first look so that you can get a lot of group pics out of the way and head over to the reception quicker... I know that can be a factor if you're having your ceremony at a church sometimes.

MarieSD

H came and went while I was getting my hair and makeup done (in the hotel) so we didn't technically have a First Look. He saw me at every stage of the game And we did our pictures beforehand mostly to make the best use of our time with the photographer.

ALL of my favorite pictures are from the photos we took before the ceremony. We had so much fun together taking those. Afterward ... I just remember wanting to get to the reception!

fallbride1109

We did one and don't regret it. The stress just melted away and we were able to enjoy everything together. Getting my husband's reaction to seeing me was very important to me and the pic we got was priceless. All that being said, there is really no wrong choice so do what is best for you. The moment is special no matter when you do it.

dzinegrl

Thanks girls!
At first, I really didn't want to do a first look, because I was afraid that the walk down the aisle wouldn't be as special, since we would have already seen eachother.  After listening to everyone, and getting input from photographers we've met with, I think we are going to do a first look!  Hearing how intimate and special it is, and most importantly, capturing my fiance's reaction in photographs will be so memorable.  Hopefully it will still feel as special walking down the aisle to him.

FebDallasBride

I'm late to the party, but we are doing a first look as well, mostly cause we want to get to the reception and start partying. I am definitely looking forward to that moment when it's just us and our photographer and videographer (who is mic'ing FI to capture his reaction in words too.)

sparklingdiamond

We did one and I am so glad we did for two reasons.  First is a practical reason- we were able to get a lot of the pictures done before the ceremony, so we didn't have to spend as much time doing it afterwards.  Secondly, I was able to really see his reaction to me.  And that meant so much to me.  He just about cried and I know I would not have seen that if I hadn't done the first look.  It was nice to have that private moment together!

prlmrg08

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_first-look-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:102Discussion:effc316b-8f0b-4213-82e6-ead316cb6978Post:bad05cc2-1e9b-4f9f-a51d-3e7ec653a5f5">Re: First Look</a>:
[QUOTE]Thanks girls! At first, I really didn't want to do a first look, because I was afraid that the walk down the aisle wouldn't be as special, since we would have already seen eachother.  After listening to everyone, and getting input from photographers we've met with, I think we are going to do a first look!  Hearing how intimate and special it is, and most importantly, capturing my fiance's reaction in photographs will be so memorable.  Hopefully it will still feel as special walking down the aisle to him.
Posted by dzinegrl[/QUOTE]

<div>
</div><div>I was at at wedding this weekend and they did a first look, did all of their pictures before, and the groom still cried as his bride walked down the aisle! </div>

mandaroo7

We did the first look and it was the best idea!  I also agree with Stephie...getting my husband's reaction to seeing me was very important to me and the pic we got was priceless.  For me, it still felt as special to walk down the aisle to him.  It's actually an awesome feeling!  Focus on him and him only, that's my advice, just take in that moment.    That's probably one of my favorite moments from the day!

cwaggoner07

Choosing whether to do this has been the single hardest part about wedding planning. I am typically SUPER decisive... but not so much on this. And FI is back and forth as well.
Still have time to think about it though.....

fallbride1109

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_first-look-1?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:102Discussion:effc316b-8f0b-4213-82e6-ead316cb6978Post:98db8ad8-5521-4645-84a5-a1fc986c5713">Re: First Look</a>:
[QUOTE]Choosing whether to do this has been the single hardest part about wedding planning. I am typically SUPER decisive... but not so much on this. And FI is back and forth as well. Still have time to think about it though.....
Posted by cwaggoner07[/QUOTE]

We didn't decide until about a month before the wedding--once we saw our timeline, LOL!  We are very traditional and both of us were against it initially.  But I am so glad we did it now.