When you are planning your wedding day, it can be hard to know just how much time you will need or how the day is going to feel.  One thing that I have been recommending to all of my clients is to consider having a “first look” where you have a private moment to see your soon-to-be-spouse before the ceremony.

Some couples may be concerned that if they see each other before the ceremony, the moment they see each other walking down the aisle won’t be as impactful.  As a recent bride myself and after spending many wedding days with a variety of couples, I can tell you that that is absolutely not the case.  For Kamran and I, the time we had alone before the wedding was really the only time we had alone all day, and it was great.  We were so much more calm and relaxed all day because we were able to look each other in the eyes and be there for each other.  We didn’t have to be nervous because we were doing this thing together.

I also think that a lot of people don’t realize how fast the ceremony goes.  You walk down the aisle, and you have about a second to look at your fiance and give them a smile.  Your parents are there, your partner’s parents are there, and the next thing you know you’re being pulled up to the altar and you’re married.  Doing a first look means you get to have a few minutes to just look at each other and breathe it all in.  For a lot of guys, especially, the idea of getting emotional in front of all of your relatives and all of his relatives is nerve-wracking.  Giving each other a private moment to experience all of those emotions means that both of you can feel comfortable to express all of the tears and joy without hundreds of spectators.

Then, when you walk down the aisle, you can really take it all in.  You are more calm and relaxed, so you can enjoy seeing your friends and family, seeing your parents, seeing the look on his face when he sees you.  And you’ve shared that private moment, like a secret, between you.  Trust me, it’s magical.

Usually when a couple has a first look, we schedule the rest of their portraits before the ceremony as well.  Not only are you fresh, but it makes the schedule of the rest of the day flow really well.  If we can take your portraits before the ceremony, you can just relax and enjoy the rest of the day with your family and friends from the ceremony onward.  And I know that you and your fiance want to enjoy your cocktail hour.  When we complete your photos before the ceremony, you can spend your cocktail hour with all of the friends and family members who have come to see you.  What they say is true – it’s one of the only times in your life that you will be surrounded by everybody who loves you.  Enjoy it.

Of course, we’re happy to do whatever you want on your wedding day, but in my experience, couples who choose to do a first look are usually really happy they did.  So here are a few happy first-look images: