first look or no first look...that is the question

Christinab22 · May 2010

I am getting married in March and I know that there will be a lack of daylight after our ceremony. I've been asked by photographers about doing a first look. At first I thought - absolutely not...but after thinking about it I thought it might actually be a good idea.

So I'm posing the question to you ladies....

If you're still planning - Are you considering doing a first look? why or why not?

If you are already married - Did you do a first look? If you did, did you feel as though it took away from that moment when your groom saw you at the end of the aisle?

Any thoughts would be appreciated

Thanks,
Christina

ktwish · May 2010

Haha, I'm there with you! We're getting married in March as well and have the same concerned about lighting. At first I thought "no way" about photos before the ceremony. But I realized I will want a few moments with my FI before the ceremony for a piece of mind. and why not have the photographer there? Won't those moments be magical? And we're not really a superstitious couple to begin with, so why start now?

As an added bonus, by having a photo session before the ceremony we will be able to get the cocktail hour/reception faster after the ceremony. And who couldn't use a drink by that time?

Let me know what you decide!

Mrs.Farrell To Be · May 2010

Im struggling with the same question I really dont want my Fiance to see me until I walk down the aisle for the first time.
Because we are also concern with the lighting our ceremony is at 5:30 we thought perhaps the photograher could take formal photos without us together.

Like do all the groom and the groom's men and his family.
And our other photographer since we have 2 will do myself and the girls and and my family and after we tie the knot, we can get together with everyone and do those shots other extra shots leaving more time for us as husband and wife shots while everyone esle is in cocktail.
I hope i didnt confuse anyone lol

Brandles17 · May 2010

I know that would save time during the cocktail hour but I want the first time FI sees me to be when I am walking down the aisle. I just don't think it would be the same reaction if he already saw me before the ceremony. Plus, isn't that supposed to be bad luck!?

We will have the photog take pictures of all the girls before the ceremony and also all of the boys. Then after the ceremony we will do the whole bridal party/family and husband/wife photos. HTH!

mrspanzica · May 2010

We will be together that morning and see each other for a little bit during the day, then we will go our separate ways to get ready. We won't see each other again until I walk down the aisle. To save time taking pictures we will have all other family pictures done before the ceremony.

dogluver315 · May 2010

We did not see each other until I walked down the aisle. I still remember my Hs face when he first saw me and it was wonderful. Our group photos of just guys and just girls were done before and it was very quick after.

[Deleted User] · May 2010

We are doing a first look. We are having a dry wedding and since we'd rather not have people waiting around doing nothing, we're doing pictures before the ceremony.

redklein · May 2010

we did a first look.
I would highly recommend it.
It is such a special moment and you get to do it privately. if you choose. which made it way more meaningful.
Plus, it took all my nervous energy away.
I am still waiting to see the pictures. Hopefully this week

You still have that "so in love" feeling walking down the aisle but all the nerves are gone.
PLus this way you get to spend more time with your guests

Hope this helps.
good luck!

Melis1273 · May 2010

We are not doing a first look. It's an interesting idea and really didn't know what it was until I started watching the Bridal tv shows and it seemed very popular. It is funny (for me) that this topic came up today because my FI and I were watching one of those shows last night and the grooms and fathers were seeing the girls in their dresses before the wedding and my FI kept saying to me "Why are they doing that?" "Aren't you suppose to be a surprise?" LOL- needless to say I wasn't bringing it up!

I think it is a great idea and agree with pp's about it being a very private moment for both. I say if you want it and it works for you, why not?!?!

*Mrs.CPH* · May 2010

We did a first look and i'm sooooo so so very glad we did.

It was so nice to get to spend some time with H before the wedding and the first look was great to get out all the crazy crying. LOL. Not to mention we were able to get so many amazing shots before the ceremony.

moonstone523 · May 2010

I got married in February at a 5 pm ceremony. I did not see my H before walking down the aisle. There was plenty of time to get pictures of him and I afterwards.

Call me traditional, but I couldn't wait to see my H's face as I walked down the aisle for the first time as his bride.

Bre2Be · May 2010

This something we have gone back and forth about. I started out thinking NO WAY! Then, I talked to photogs who convinced me it was a good idea because of the time thing. But, after careful consideration...it's OUR DAY! People can wait for us to take pics. I absolutely want the first time he sees me to be when my dad is walking me down the aisle. The nerves, excitement, and tears are all a part of the big day and I believe it should be shared with your family and friends.

sara76 · May 2010

We did a first look with our photographer and it is one of the fondest moments of my life. I was so excited to see him and we were able to hug and kiss it out instead of having to contain all the emotions listening to a sermon. I was still excited to get married but I was able to do it without crying which was important to me.

erinbc87 · May 2010

I'm going the traditional route! My wedding is this weekend and I want that special moment when I walk down the aisle. I've looked forward to that my whole life and I think it will be very meaningful

thinkingpink2010 · May 2010

We are doing a first look. There is a beautiful stair case at the hotel and I will get to walk down that so it's kind of like two trips down the aisle

I think he will be very nervous so it will be good to get that out. Also I really want to enjoy cocktail hour with our guests.

Christinab22 · May 2010

Thanks ladies! I think I have decided to go with it. I think it will be a very special private moment which will probably calm me down. Thanks for all of your thoughts!

btw Sara76 I love your picture

first look or no first look...that is the question

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