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First Look vs First Walk

For years we have heard the superstitious “bad luck” of seeing your significant

other before the ceremony on your wedding day, but have you ever wondered

why? I always have, so I decided to do some digging. It turns out this tradition

actually began with arranged marriages which led to seeing each other for the

first time as the bride walked down the aisle. Some say it was to ensure they

didn’t have time to “change their minds,” but maybe seeing each other is the cure

to cold feet, who knows. Still, it’s kind of funny to think such a special and

cherished moment started from something very different. This is still a practiced

and beautiful tradition that I am coining a “First Walk” for this post, but some

others have begun their own tradition of a First Look.

First Look: The definition of a First Look is when the couple sees each other for

the first time prior to the wedding ceremony.


Photo by Andrea Cauneac Photo

Photo by Andrea Cauneac Photo

Today, we are going to list some reasons to try the First Look & some reasons to

do the traditional First Walk. There is no right choice, every decision for your

wedding day is unique to you and your partner, so I hope this helps you know

which is the best choice for you!

1. A Private, Special Moment


photo by Dawn Elizabeth

photo by Dawn Elizabeth

That emotion of seeing each other for the first time can be a more

an intimate moment for just you to share.


photo by Allison Jeffers

photo by Allison Jeffers


photo by Allison Jeffers

photo by Allison Jeffers

2. More Time to Enjoy Your Reception and Guests


photo by Sam Hurd

photo by Sam Hurd

A First Look allows you to take photos prior to the ceremony, leaving

you with fewer photos after the ceremony, and more time at your

reception with your guests.

3. Ease Your Nerves


photo by Bend the Light

photo by Bend the Light

Day of nerves can be a real thing, it’s a huge day! Being with your

significant other can calm your nerves and take away any of those nerves

you might have had about accidentally seeing each other.

First Walk

1. The Buildup


photo by West Vita

photo by West Vita

Throughout the day leading up to the ceremony you will most likely

both feel a form of excited nerves that continue to grow. The aisle

between you can create such an emotional and special moment in a

different way than the First Look.

2. Sharing The Moment


photo by Jessica Chole Photography

photo by Jessica Chole Photography

Seeing each other for the first time as your guests stand and watch

the emotion unfold can be very meaningful for both them and you.

3. Better Lighting


photo by Allison Jeffers Photography

photo by Allison Jeffers Photography

Taking all of your photos after the ceremony can be better lighting

than taking them before due to the time of day. Make sure to get with

your photographer about whichever you choose!

Other First Look Ideas

1. Bridal Party -Show your bridal party your look for the first time as a special

photography moment!


photo by Camera Shi

photo by Camera Shi

2. Speak, but Don’t See – Some couples like to share letters, prayers, or just a private moment

before the ceremony, but without actually seeing each other. This

gives you the best of both worlds!


photo by Dawn Elizabeth

photo by Dawn Elizabeth


photo by Dawn Elizabeth

photo by Dawn Elizabeth

3. Parents- A more common first look is with the Bride and her father, but this

can be done with either partner with any significant person in their

life.


photo by Ashley Medrano

photo by Ashley Medrano


photo by andrea cauneac photo

photo by andrea cauneac photo

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