Tuesday, November 16, 2010

To First Look or Not To First Look ...

That seriously is the question.  And for those of you who have no idea what a first look is, don't feel bad ... I didn't either until about 3 months ago, after reading about couples who had gone this route on various wedding blogs.  A first look is when the couple sees each other before the traditional "walk down the aisle" moment.  It typically is done at a location previously decided, and with the photographer/videographer present to capture the candid moment.  And before I move on ... I fully understand the shock that this unconventional concept can bring to those who are first hearing it (On a side note - I am thankful that my dear grandmother, who is still having a hard time understanding the cornhole boards & cupcakes at the reception - does not currently read my blog.).  I also did not comprehend any potential benefits when first hearing of this new trend in weddings ... but after much thought & research on the topic, here are the reasons that I am on the verge of changing my mind:

1.  Yes, I do agree that a first look defies tradition, but so does the rest of my wedding, i.e. the cornhole boards & cupcakes previously mentioned, in addition to a garden ceremony, picnic tables, and sparkler send-off, just to name a few.
2.  A first look provides an opportunity for the (future) bride & groom to share valuable one-on-one time with each other ... time that may be hard to find amidst the excitement at the ceremony/reception. 
3.  After reading blogs from those brides who had done a first look (which, by the way, all say that they are satisfied with their decision - I am yet to read one from a bride who was not!) ... the consesus seems to be that it also alleviates a lot of the "pre-wedding jitters" you often hear of before that walk down the aisle.
4.  A first look provides more time for pictures (rather than doing them all immediatly following the ceremony), thus allowing more time for the bride & groom to spend at the wedding reception that you have spent months planning for.  Isn't the standard "It went by so fast" comment one you hear entirely too often?
5.  And lastly - as Istated by a recently married bride on a blog I was reading recently- even if you have seen each other prior to the ceremony, that official walk down the aisle, in addition to the first moment that you hear the words "husband and wife" is always going to be special, memorable, & an absolutely extraordinary memory as you begin your life as a couple.

In conclusion, if I haven't sold you on the idea yet (and YES, Mr. BB - I am talking to you, too!) ... Watch this couple's video (As you will soon see, they had their own first look!):

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