The First Look is something you hear a lot about these days when it comes to weddings. There are so many pros for doing one and I can see the appeal! I went back and forth on whether or not I wanted to do one on our wedding day. There were so many reasons why I wanted to do one, but also so many reasons why I didn't!
PROS AND CONS OF FIRST LOOK PHOTOS
Since I couldn't decide whether or not I wanted us to do a First Look, I asked Cab for his opinion. He was adamant on not wanting to see me before the ceremony (one of the few opinions he had during the whole wedding planning process lol), so ultimately we ended up not doing a first look.. and I'm SO HAPPY that we didn't!
PRO: More time for pictures
If you have a fall or winter wedding, the sun sets pretty early in the evening! If you do a first look, and in turn are able to take all of the bride and groom photos and the full bridal party before the ceremony, you won't be chasing the sun! We had to bump up our ceremony a bit and then rush to finish up our photos before the sun set.
CON: Won't get THE shot of the grooms face
These are some of my favorite pictures from the entire day. The look on Cab's face makes me tear up every time I see them! If this is a priority for you, then you're not going to want the First Look. I personally don't think that the First Look photos would be as raw and emotional than seeing each other down the aisle for the first time!
PRO: Won't ugly cry down the aisle
Since you are getting the big moment of seeing your future husband out of the way before walking down the aisle, there is a better chance that you won't ugly cry down the aisle. I didn't fully cry, but I was definitely close (which I was not expecting)! The emotions I felt when I locked eyes with Cab from down the aisle was something I've never experienced before, and was just amazing!
PRO: Take away your nerves
I had soooo many emotions right before I walked down the aisle, and I don't think it would have been the same if I saw cab beforehand. I had never been as nervous as I was when it was my time to exit the bus and head to the aisle! Looking back I actually like the nerves and emotions that I felt, but they definitely aren't for everyone!
CON: Have to get up earlier
You will be squeezing in more/all bridal party photos before the ceremony, as well as bride and groom photos, so in turn you'll have to start your day (hair and makeup) a little bit earlier!PRO: Can attend the cocktail hour
Since you won't have to take any (or at least only take a few- maybe family photos) after the ceremony, you will actually be able to attend your cocktail hour! I was pretty bummed that we missed our entire cocktail hour, but at least our planner saved us some of the food!
Like I mentioned above, we chose NOT to do a First Look.. and I am so happy with this decision! The look on Cab's face and the emotions I felt we're something that I had never experienced before! I am so glad we captured them and I have those photos to cherish forever! I have absolutely no regrets on skipping the First Look, even though we missed the cocktail party!
BUT - I did a first look with my dad, and I loved it!
Did you do a First Look at your wedding?
Thanks so much for reading! xo
Photos: Virgil Bunao
