What is the "First Look"?   The "First Look" is when the bride and groom opt to see each other before the actual ceremony.  The bride walks down the isle, I photograph her over the shoulder of the groom, I step to the side when she arrives behind her groom and I let nature take over. You can either tap him on the shoulder or give him a big hug! It's very intimate, I get expressions from the bride and the groom. I always give them a few minutes together alone and most of the time that is the only time your alone during the wedding festivities. My bride and grooms are more relaxed and spend the day with one another instead of in hiding.

I have the privilege of spending about an hour with my bride and groom when they choose to go in the first look direction. This give us time to relax, it allows more time for me to get creative photos. We can get all the family formals out of the way as well, this allows everyone including family to enjoy the reception, mingle and catch-up with guests that you've not seen in a while. If the reception is held around the same area especially outside as the ceremony site, people are anxious to congratulate you, if your stopped by five people for five minutes, 25 minutes have already passed of picture time which makes the guest have to wait longer at the reception. We have to gather family and wedding party, they too run into someone they are glad to see!

I did not have the option when Shane and I were married, photojournalism was not a part of wedding photography so much like today. I missed most of my reception, I missed tasting the food, we are just standing there in what few photos we have together, it was such a blur. But that's just my personal experience, not a bad of course!  I just see the difference of then and now.

I prefer a bride and groom to see each other before the ceremony for them, but, it does not matter to me either way. I want my bride's to be happy, I simply explain their options, educate you on what I've learned the past years and I know they'll make a the decision that best suits them. The rules and tradition are changing because times are changing. Bride's think they have to go by every single rule, can not see my groom before ceremony time, must throw a garter, must do this and that. Do what makes you and your groom happy, it's your day and no one else:)

Here are few images of First Looks!

See, nothing but happiness and joy!