The tradition of the bride & groom being kept away from one another before the ceremony began many years ago in the days of arranged marriages. Back then, it was not about two people finding true love and joining lives; it was a business deal between families. The bride & groom were not allowed to see each other (or even meet!) before the wedding day in order to prevent one backing out of the nuptials if she/he didn’t find the other attractive. It’s true!! Obviously, we don’t have to worry about that happening now, but the “bride in hiding” tradition has held strong. Seeing each other before the ceremony is still considered to be bad luck for those who believe in superstitions, but some couples are kicking that idea to the curb. I absolutely respect your choice if you would like to keep with tradition, but hear me out on the benefits of having a First Sight before making your final decision.

Having a First Sight presents a unique chance for the bride and groom to meet alone before the ceremony. The couple is separated until both are fully dressed and ready for the wedding. Then, the groom is sent alone to a designated private area, or the ceremony sight, while his bride is brought in behind him. He stands with his back facing her until the reveal moment when he turns around and sees his bride for the first time. Some brides even have their father present them during their First Sight too. A few photos are taken to capture this special moment, then the couple is given some privacy. When they are ready, photography resumes privately. We’ll get all your portraits done, and we can even complete wedding party and family photos before the ceremony even starts.

WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER A FIRST SIGHT:

– We don’t have to play hide and seek with the couple before the ceremony.

– Make-up, hair, clothes, and flowers are all fresh: unharmed by the wiping of tears, clothes wrinkling, and the flowers’ chance of wilting in the weather.

– The bride is not as stressed after she sees her groom. Actually, there is much less stress for everyone involved in the wedding day!

– The groom usually has a more genuine look on his face at a First Sight because he doesn’t have a room full of guests staring at him.

– The couple gets to see each other alone for the first time, instead of in front of a huge congregation. It creates a no pressure situation where they can talk, hug, kiss, and cry privately; whereas they wouldn’t be able to if they traditionally saw each other for the first time at the altar.

– Depending on the time of the ceremony, there would be more natural light available, which is vital to successful photography.

– All of the photographs of the couple are taken before the ceremony so everyone in the wedding party can arrive at the reception at the same time.

– Most importantly, it gives you a brief moment with just the two of you on your wedding day. Think about this:  you walk down the aisle, say “I do”, immediately start family formals, rush to the reception, greet guests, and dance with friends. When is there a moment to be alone in that timeline? This is a great option if you want to remember some special time with your hubby.

If you still have questions about your own First Sight, please feel free to ask! And of course I had to share some of my favorite First Sight moments. Enjoy!