Check out Jessica and Jarrett’s first look video!

A “first look” is a private and special moment between a bride and groom when they get to see each other, just the two of them, for the first time before the ceremony. Here’s how it works!

We set up a location where it is just the bride and groom. I like having the groom stand still facing away from the bride and the bride will walk up from behind until she is about one foot away – then she tells the groom to turn around. At this point, the look on the groom’s face is always priceless; his expression ranges from jaw dropping to tears, but he always has an ear to ear smile! It is an intimate and priceless moment. The bride’s hair and makeup is also at its best immediately after it is completed.

Jodi and I did a first look at our wedding and I am so happy we did because I LOVE the pictures. From my own personal experience, a first look does not take away from the moment when the bride walks down the aisle – it adds to it! It’s almost like you get two incredibly special moments during the wedding day instead of just one: seeing each other for the first time, and seeing the bride walk down the aisle.

Because the bride and groom have already taken their portraits before the ceremony, if the ceremony runs behind schedule (which they always do) then the portraits following the ceremony will not be rushed because there is no time crunch for photos after the ceremony and before the reception. Many of my couples even plan to have abbreviated portraits following the ceremony so they can get to their cocktail hour early to mingle with their guests.

I have never had a couple regret doing a first look! I have only ever had couples who decided not to see each other before the ceremony wish they had done so. No pressure! It is completely up to you.