Saying “I do” during a wedding ceremony is a magical moment for couples, but did you know that the first look between the bride and groom can be just as romantic?
Minnesota-based wedding photographer Keighla Anderson advocates for couples to see each other before their ceremony, and I has 4 great reasons why.
In this blog post, find out why I encourages couples to do a special first look before their big day and how it can make your wedding day even more special.
Get photos done before ceremony so you can enjoy your wedding day
A wedding day first look is a Minnesota photographer's way of helping couples see each other before the ceremony.
This allows the couple to spend more time with their guests after the ceremony.
A wedding day starts hours prior to the actual exchange of vows. Getting ready is usually a process that is a few hours long so couples and their wedding parties arrive together and make it fun.
Once everyone is ready there are typically a few hours before the ceremony starts; so I suggest we take advantage of that down time! Doing a first look allows couples to get some special portraits of them and after that we have some time to complete wedding party and immediate family photos.
Minnesota wedding day weather can be so tricky to predict so when there is great weather we take advantage and get the photos done. Then all that's left after the ceremony is to capture the rest of the evening and some knock out sunset photos. Couples get to enjoy the party and participate in cocktail hour.
A first look creates a special moment for the bride and groom
When couples see each other for the first time on their wedding day before the ceremony, it creates a very special moment for them. This is a private moment between the two of them that they will remember forever. It is also a great opportunity for the photographer to capture some beautiful and intimate photos of the couple.
There are many reasons why I think couples should do a first look on their wedding day, and here are just a few of them:
1. A first look allows the bride and groom to have a private moment together on their wedding day. There is not the same pressure on the groom to have a big reaction (or to NOT react) when every guest is looking at him look at her. It can be much more authentic.
2. A first look gives the bride and groom time to calm their nerves before the ceremony. Seeing each other beforehand can help to ease any nerves or butterflies that they may be feeling. Many couples relax and enjoy the day much more once they are with the one they are going to marry!
3. There is also more control over where a first look can happen. You can choose to do it in a spot special to you. Or your wedding photographer can suggest a spot that has great light, or photographs really well. It's superior to having cell phones, heads of guests or some other distracting element in the photo.
Spend much more time together on your wedding day
A wedding day first look is a wonderful way for a Minnesota photographer to capture the excitement and anticipation of your wedding day. Here are some reasons why we advocate couples seeing each other before the ceremony:
1. Spend much more time together on your wedding day: A first look allows you to spend more time with each other on your wedding day.
2. Avoid the stress of the ceremony: Seeing each other before the ceremony can help avoid any potential stress that may happen during the ceremony itself.
3. Get those nerves out of the way: First looks are also a great way to get rid of any nerves you may have about seeing each other for the first time on your wedding day!
4. Capture intimate moments: A first look allows your photographer to capture more intimate moments between the two of you. These moments are often cherished long after the wedding day is over.
5. Your family and friends can all be together, too!
Tradition is born from arranged marriages
Arranged marriages are a centuries-old tradition that is still practiced in many cultures today. In an arranged marriage, the families of the bride and groom select a suitable match for their children and then the couple is married.
You may think of it as a romantic gesture, but it is anything but. The tradition began back when arranged marriages were common and considered a business deal between two families. During this time, the bride and groom were not allowed to see each other before the wedding at all - ever: not just the wedding day or night before.
That was the case because fathers-of-the bride were worried if the groom saw the bride before the wedding and found her unattractive, the wedding might be called off.
Interestingly, this is where the history of a veil originates from, too. Unlike today’s decorative styles, the veils of were made so the groom didn't see the bride’s face until after the deal was sealed. Once he was instructed to kiss the bride, he was allowed to lift the veil to see her, making it too late to back out from the family’s agreements.
A tradion born from fear of thinking your soon to be spouse would find you too ugly to marry is not one that makes me feel all the warm fuzzies!