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Confession! I wasn’t sure if I wanted a first look at my own wedding. I wanted to get that “wow” moment from my husband to be when he saw me walking down the aisle. That’s what we all want, right? Luckily I had an amazing photographer, Cortney Carney, who set me straight.

So why should you have a first look?

You get more photos!

You’re investing a lot into your photography! Why not get the most of it? With a first look, you’ll receive 40% MORE photos of the two of you together. Those are the photos that you’ll decorate your home with! To be completely honest, the photos from my first look are probably my very favorite from the day.

You get to enjoy the moment together

Most people don’t realize this but when you walk down the aisle and send your soon to be spouse into awe, they don’t get to tell you right away! They can’t hug you, kiss you or share any intimate time together. You’re walking into a full room and launching straight into your vows! After 30 minutes of ceremony, the reaction just isn’t the same.

Your day is automatically extended

First looks extend your wedding day by 3 hours! Normally the wedding day starts when you walk down the aisle and after the ceremony ends you rush through your photos so you’re not late for introductions and then cake, dances, you get the picture. When you do a first look, you can do all of your bridal party photos before the ceremony and feel less stressed to hurry your family formals after your ceremony.

It may be your only alone time

When you see your soon to be spouse, not only is it intimate, it may be your only alone time all day! Without a crowd watching you can feel free to let loose. I guarantee you’re more likely to get a genuine reaction with a private moment. My own husband cried during our first look and I KNOW I wouldn’t have gotten that reaction if we had skipped it! As a bonus, it get you into lovey-dovey mode for your just married photos after the ceremony!

It diminishes nerves!

I’ll be honest. Most people don’t love the idea of a first look before they learn about all the benefits. But because you most likely haven’t been married before, you don’t realize how nerve racking it can be! Having a first look melts away all of that tension! Suddenly you feel reassured, comforted and excited!

Is it worth it?

Take it from me, tradition is WORTH breaking! I’m as superstitious as the next guy but there’s nothing but good luck when you choose to do a first look. 😉

Until next time,

Randi Idelle