One of the biggest wedding trends I’ve seen since I started shooting weddings about six years ago is couples putting more and more photographic stock into the moment they see each other for the first time on the big day. More and more couples are opting to have a “first look” prior to walking down the aisle, whether to make it more intimate or private or to have a touch up of their make-up right after since they know tears were going come! Although I recommend a first look if a couple’s cultural practices allow it to minimize stress on the wedding day, it’s always one of my favorite times whether if it’s at the end of the church pews, in a hotel lobby, or a little patch of a park. Here’s a few of my favorite grooms getting giddy when they see their wife for the first time.
And first off, my inspiration to pull this post together, Alice and Allan who were super giddy to see each other in the Box House Hotel
Although I prefer couples to let me know what they’re planning on doing and when so I can be in position for the first look, Emily was so overcome with excitement that she just sprinted to her husband, Willy, as soon as she saw him. It was wicked cute, so I can’t hold a grudge.
Lori and Jayar couldn’t have picked a more picturesque spot for their first look in Dumbo. Their faces should be next to the dictionary definitions of “joy.” Check out more of their wedding beyond their first look here.
Chris was already watery-eyed before Arielle came down the aisle, but his happy tears went full on when he saw her at the back of the farmhouse. They have one of my favorite weddings ever, and you can see more of it on my blog.
Gigi and Brennan braved a chill to spend some time together before they tied the knot – which was a full on winter wonderland.
Although Catherine and Joe didn’t want to actually see each other before the ceremony, they planned a quick and easy way to spend some time together without actually seeing each other – I’m thankful for these hotel partitions and whispering secrets between them!
I’ll say Coleman didn’t cry full on cry when he saw his gorgeous bride Gretchen, his eyes were just sweating on his humid July wedding day.
I don’t know what Lori was expecting from Jon, but I was totally surprised when he let out a giant “WOO!”
Heba and Eli braved the crowds on a Jersey Shore boardwalk to have their first look.
Despite their near foot height difference, Lauren and James locked eyes before they locked hearts on their wedding day.
I also love first looks that happen at the ceremony!
Basically I think the first look will almost always look gorgeous, whether it’s like Tracy and Barry’s on a sprawling late summer afternoon….
…or on a chilly spring day where you use your honey to keep you warm, like Lauren and Jesse did.
This post would be remiss without a special shoutout to my amazing second photographers who often helped coordinate and shoot these great moments when I couldn’t be in two places at once!
Have any questions about how to fit a gorgeous and memorable First Look into your wedding? Don’t hesitate to message me in my contact form!
