One of the decisions you will make for your big day is how you will see your future husband or wife for the first time on your wedding day. You can’t go wrong whether you choose to have a first look, keep things traditional, or have a first touch. Here is a look into your options.

FIRST LOOK

First looks are always the sweetest part of a wedding day, if you chose to go that route. By having a first look, you are able to calm each other's nerves before the ceremony. This allows you both to share a private moment and take a deep breath together before the day officially begins. Nerves can be at an all time high before the ceremony and I have seen my couples relax in an instant when they see each other. It is the sweetest thing.

Another perk of having a first look is to be able to take all your portraits before the ceremony. Right after the first look, we can jump right into photos and get a majority of photos done before the ceremony! If you are getting married later in the year where the sun set is a lot earlier, planning a first look is great logistically. After your first look you can plan on taking family formals and bridal party photos right after and this gives you more time to enjoy your cocktail hour!

Here is why Amanda and Jason chose to have a first look on their wedding day: “My favorite part of our wedding day was our first look. We were able to step away from the craziness, and share a beautiful moment together. It was like time stopped and it was just us, looking at each other for the first time. It was the best decision we could of made for our special day!”

If you chose to have a first look, don’t forget to slip on your wedding bands for your photos before the ceremony. Also, be sure your bridal party and family knows where to be and at what time for photos before the ceremony.

KEEPING THINGS TRADITIONAL

Story time! In 2018, I married my husband Andy and we decided to keep things traditional when we first saw each other. We had the luxury of getting ready, married, and having our reception in the same location. Personally, I really wanted to share the big reveal with our family and closest friends. I also knew our parents would love to be part of that big moment and share in the joy. There wasn’t a dry eye when Andy and I saw each other for the first time and that moment will forever be ingrained in my heart.

photos by our amazing wedding photographer, Janelle Elise Photography

If you choose to see your love for the first time down the aisle, there are a few things to keep in mind when planning your wedding timeline. Be sure to check what time the sun sets so you can schedule your ceremony early enough to give you time for family formals and portraits after the ceremony.

FIRST TOUCH

A third option that is the happy medium between the two options above is a first touch! Before the ceremony, you can go back to back with your love moments before your ceremony. Holding hands and just being next to each other before the ceremony without seeing each other. This is also a chance for you to read vows to each other in private if you would like and another opportunity to calm each other’s nerves before the ceremony.

Hilary and Evan decided to have a first touch and read their vows to each other in private. It was such an honor to photograph this beautiful moment before the ceremony. Here is why Hilary chose to have a first touch: “While I originally would’ve opted for a first look, Evan’s only request for our big day was that he would see me for the first time as I walked down the aisle. We also both agreed we wanted to write our own vows, but we preferred to read them to each other in a more intimate, private way than during our ceremony. So, for us, a first touch was the perfect compromise! It was quite easily one of our most cherished moments of the day. It was such a calming and centering moment amidst the craziness of the day that reminded us to breathe, slow down, and take in every moment. The raw emotions that Nikki captured so beautifully in the photos makes me cry every time I look at them!”

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The best thing about your wedding day is that you get to do WHATEVER YOU WANT TO DO! It is your day and there is no wrong answer! I hope these tips help you decide what is right for the two of you and planning that big moment you have been dreaming of ever since you knew your love was THE ONE!

NK