The First Look

I want to start this post off by saying…Happy New Year! In 2023, I really hope to connect with more brides not only as clients, but really put my best knowledge and information out there. I believe in the power of doing good, and receiving good. I think the wedding industry has largely gate kept (for good reason - it’s a highly competitive industry) so many tips & tricks for TOO LONG! Couples should feel excited for their wedding day, and look back on it with joy, not remorse.

Recently, I’ve seen so many brides on social media starting what they “wish they would have done different” on their wedding day. My intention as a wedding planner is to completely eliminate even the POSSIBILITY of that happening. With all that being said, let’s discuss one of my favorite moments during the wedding day.

The First Look

Jasmin & Caesar’s First Look

The “First Look” is definitely a modern wedding trend. Whenever I have middle aged or above brides or parents, I always get asked “what is a first look?”

Essentially, its a private moment between the couple to reveal themselves after spending the morning preparing for the wedding. Brides will choose to be in their bridal makeup and hair, with their veil on, dress on, and bouquet in hand. Grooms will be in their suits or tux, hair done, cologne on, boutonniere pinned.

The First Look is an incredible moment that is captured by your photography and videography team. Your coordinator or wedding planner should be there to assist with making sure the bridal dress(es) is properly fluffed, and you have what you wish to share with your partner in that moment. Some couples choose this moment to do a private vow reading.

You should definitely take advantage of this moment and take some romantics. Your photo team should be there to direct you, and it's helpful to ask your coordinator/planner or a maid of honor/close friend to take some video photage on their phone for your own personal keepsake later (as long as they know to stay BEHIND the photography team as to not get in the way of any incredible shots!)

Some couples prefer to save the moment of seeing each other for the aisle, but still desire to have some intimacy before the ceremony. These couples choose to do a First Touch, or First Prayer. Both can be accomplished without the partners seeing one another, and the photos end up being a wonderful surprise.

Abby & Noah’s First Prayer

What should you do?

Here’s the thing…and I will reiterate this till the end of time.

You can take all of the professional advice, every piece of information available to you from every corner of the wedding industry including brides who just got married; but at the end of the day, the wedding you’re planning needs to be a perfect reflection of you and your partner.

There are so many trends and traditions that you can account for on your wedding day, but if none of them resonant to you or your partner, you shouldn’t feel obligated to do them.

When planning your wedding, keep this simple phrase in mind:

Take what you like, and leave the rest.

That is the only way you’ll have a wedding day that reflects you, your partner, and your love without any regrets.