One question I always ask a bride and groom is if they’ll plan on seeing each other before the ceremony. A lot of couples say no, but once in a while a couple will choose to have a first look before the ceremony. I know what you’re thinking, this means it won’t be as special as it would be when you’re walking down the aisle right?! I can honestly say that no matter what, the moment you walk down the aisle to marry your fiance’ it’ll just as magical and sacred as you dreamt it would be! Just recently I was asked why it would be a good thing to have a first look and if it would benefit them or not. I always encourage couples that if they want to have a first look then lets make it private. I’m guilty for being a hopeless romantic so having the honor of being in a room when a couple sees each other for the first time is bliss for me. I love it when its just the couple and the groom has his backed turned and when he hears her coming he turns around and its pure joy in his face seeing his stunning bride for the first time. When asked, all couples have said that the feeling didn’t change just because they had seen each other prior to the ceremony, it was just as special as it was hours before if not more! I feel like couples have a moment to talk, express how they feel on their big day privately and they have a moment to breathe together! Another important reason for seeing each other before the ceremony is lighting. A lot couples forget that if you’re getting married in December and your ceremony begins at 6:30, you’re probably not going to be getting any photos outside with the sun setting in the background. Its hard when I have to tell couples that some photos will be taken inside and some will be outside, they’ll all look great but it will be dark outside. We as professional adjust to whatever comes our way and we may prefer shooting with daylight but we’re very capable of working in the evening we just like it when our couples are aware!

Just a small but wonderful perk is the fact that your makeup and hair is fresh, and most of the time it helps calm the nerves a little bit! Its so fun for us to have a little longer to take photos so I won’t lie when I say that I do enjoy getting to photograph the photos before the ceremony. Couples are able to end the ceremony, maybe take some family photos and then go straight into their reception and enjoy the rest of the evening knowing they’ve had some time to take some fun fabulous photos prior to the event. You must always remember that it is YOUR big day, all decisions should be made by you and your fiance’ but you must also remember to be good hosts and hostesses! Saying hello to your guests at least once is a must, being able to go visit with guests at the cocktail hour or table to table is a very nice gesture and most guests really appreciate the fact that you’ve taken time to say thank you for coming!

So a post is not a post without some photos… here are some from Jeremy and Kristin’s moment before the ceremony!

I love this picture! It just makes me laugh that he had to pull her away to get a full glance at her dress! So cute Jeremy!

Check out this article on Theknot.com about having a “first look”!