Probably the biggest question a couple goes back and forth on before the wedding is the first look. So if you are still battling on which way to go, maybe these helpful points will sway you one way or another.

1.MORE TIME WITH GUESTS

You are planning a wedding or maybe even an elopement and are inviting the people that are closest to you and love the most. Why not spend as much time with them as you can!

What’s nice about a first look is it gives you a chance to get all the photos out of the way that you both want (Portraits, family formals, Wedding Party) before the ceremony. That way after the ceremony you both can let loose and party with your guests.

2. ALONE TIME

One thing that is usually overlooked or a couple doesn’t think about is you both never have a moment alone throughout your whole wedding day. If you both elect to have a first look. Not only does it give you time for some amazing portraits but you both have a chance to be alone and share a quiet moment together.

3. MAKING IT YOUR OWN

I remember I had a couple that was so torn on whether to do a first look or not. Deep down she did not want to do one but all her friends were saying otherwise. We shared a few text messages back and fourth. Ultimately I told her this is YOUR day and if in your gut you don’t want to do it, don’t!

What ended coming out of it was amazing. They chose to share a moment before the ceremony with their backs turned, holding hands and sharing intimate vows each of them had written to each other. A really good example that a first look doesn’t always mean seeing each other.

4. SPEND MORE TIME WITH EACH OTHER

Another nice part about a first look is you both are with each other for a longer part of the day. Let's say hypothetically your ceremony is at 5pm and you choose not to have a first look. You both will not see each other until 5pm. If you both choose to have a first look it means not only do you get some alone time but also get to spend hours more with each other the day of :)

5. IT RUINS THE WALK DOWN THE ISLE MOMENT

Usually the biggest reservation a couple has about the first look and just keeping things traditional is it ruins the moment of the bride walking down the aisle. Honestly though in my experience I have found that is not the case. Even when a couple chooses to have a first look, the emotions still come flooding back during the ceremony. I believe a big reason for this is because you are now in front of your friends and family.

By now you probably feel like you are first look experts! But honestly even though I love first looks and think they provide a great flow to your day I would be the first to tell you, do what feels right to you both! Listen to your heart and find what best works for you both. I simply want to give you the pros and cons so you can make the best choice for you :)