To do a first look or not do a first look? That was the question.
Actually, it wasn’t a question at all! Ryan & I knew we wanted a first look from the moment we started wedding planning. Having only an hour after the ceremony to take pictures and make our guests wait on us sounded like a logistical nightmare. Unless you happened to have a 2pm Catholic wedding, then by all means I would take photos after the ceremony. We wanted to get our portraits, wedding party photos and some family photos out of the way so that later we could focus on other things (like practicing our dance!). We got to spend some extra time with each other that day and it was completely worth it. Here’s a look at the first time I got to see my handsome groom!
I think I vaguely remember a time when I wasn’t interested in a first look because I wanted to get that emotion from the groom when he sees his bride for the first time. Some people say this keeps things traditional, but do you know the meaning behind the tradition? Or maybe I should say superstition.
Some might say it’s “bad luck” for the groom to see the bride before the ceremony but this all stems from arranged marriages. Same reason for wearing a veil with a blusher that covers the bride’s face- all of this so the groom couldn’t back out in case the bride wasn’t attractive enough for him. Yikes!! So yes, it might be “traditional” but most of us don’t do it for those olden-day reasons.
When I first saw Ryan, I thought I would be more emotional but no ugly cry here. I think I did tear up a little but but I was just SO excited to finally see him after sitting around all morning. All the preparations can make a girl anxious!! This day was about us, after all, so I wanted to spend as much time together as possible.
Our first look took place at The Green in uptown Charlotte, a small park with a beautiful ivy wall tucked away behind a church. It was intimate and special… and boy, did Ryan look handsome!! I love to see my guy in a tux, who’s with me ladies?? I often like to get his opinion when shopping but obviously that wasn’t happening when it came to my wedding dress. I just really hoped that he would like it and thank goodness he did (I knew he’d go for the form-fitting look). I even showed him pictures of dresses that didn’t make the cut on our honeymoon which was pretty funny!
The first look was over in a flash and then we had some time to take a few photos in this beautiful location. This was such a surreal moment as we were both couldn’t believe the time to get married was finally here!
I hope y’all enjoyed this post and to all my married readers- I’d love to hear why you did or didn’t choose to have a first look. Next week I’ll be sharing some fun photos of our awesome wedding party so stay tuned. In case you missed last week’s post, check out the wedding tab in the menu bar for all sorts of wedding-related fun!
Photography: CaptureMeCandid Photography | Hair: Mirror Bomb | Makeup: Erin Ashley Makeup
Wedding Dress: Ladies of Lineage | Veil: Hayden Olivia | Tux: Combat Gent
Flowers: Lily Greenthumb’s | Hair Clip: Nordstrom
Wedding Dress: Ladies of Lineage | Veil: Hayden Olivia | Tux: Combat Gent
Flowers: Lily Greenthumb’s | Hair Clip: Nordstrom
Oh my gosh beautiful pictures! Our wedding was in December and it was a 6:00pm wedding so it was pitch dark when our ceremony started. We knew if we didn't do a first look we wouldn't have any pictures together or with our entire wedding party outside. Neither of us cried for our first look but we BOTH bawled when I was walking down the aisle! I didn't think we would since we had already seen each other but the music, the people, it all got me! Ugly cry for sure!
Your first look pictures are absolutely stunning! I LOVE that ivy wall in the background. SO perfect! You looked absolutely gorgeous girl! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes
I love that you guys did a first look!! I think it helps to get some of those nerves out!! I ugly cried and Gary teared up a little bit, but after that we were so happy to just see each other! You were stunning!! I love the photos in the garden! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston
Girl these are GORGEOUS! We opted out of the first look (since that was one of the only things that Patrick requested in regards to the wedding) and skipped the whole holding hands around a door thing (because we both knew we would totally cheat and look). The first time I got to see my groom was walking down the aisle and it was perfect for us
Granted, I did avoid looking at him until I got to the front because I didn't want to do any ugly crying 
but it worked out!
We did a first look because we knew it would really be the only time we could spend together on our wedding day just the two of us. This was because we had a BIG Indian wedding with over 400 people which was insane. So, getting to spend that time together was so worth it!
The photos are so beautiful! We did a first look for basically all the same reasons. And it was our favorite moment of the day!
Awww you both look so happy! And so frickin gorgeous!
We didn't do a first look and partly it was because that was the only request my husband had in regards to our wedding. I don't think a first look takes away from that 'moment' as the bride is walking down the aisle, because NOTHING mimics that. It is such a special moment not matter how many times you saw your bride/groom that day! I don't necessarily wish we had done a first look, but I do wish I could have spent more time with my groom the day of our wedding. Obviously you need time to get ready and what not, but on your wedding day you only spend like a 1/3 of the day with your bride/groom and it all goes by so fast. These pictures are gorgeous! Your dress is amazing!
The first look was beautiful. Pictures turned out beautiful!
*Side note* If anyone has a second, please stop by and check out my post in regards to my family who was directly affected by the flooding in Louisiana. Any support would be greatly appreciated!
I LOVE the idea of doing a first look. I just think it is such a special moment for the two of you.
Gorgeous girl! The morning of our wedding was so crazy and chaotic that all the time that I had alotted for bridal party pictures and our portraits were completely trashed. We did do a first look and we were both really glad that we did because it was a special moment that was just him and I! You both look incredible!! Thanks for linking up with us!
Your pictures are beautiful! What a beautiful bride! We did a first look because of all the reasons you listed plus we had a beautiful cabin and meadow to play in for our first look so why not? It also helped me with the anxiety! It was definitely amazing to have some time just the 2 of us before the chaos of the wedding.
Absolutely stunning! We did a first look because I wanted that time together before all the craziness of the ceremony started. Those were my favorite pictures for sure!
You look so stunning Kristina! And these photos turned out wonderful- capturing such a special moment between you and Ryan! I never knew that about the veil- thanks for that fun story
How fun! You look GORGEOUS! We didn't do a first look, but we had the Catholic wedding that started at 2 and knew we would have time afterwards
Can't wait to see the rest of the pictures!
These pictures are stunning!! You were a gorgeous bride!
xo,
Angela
This made me TEAR UP!!! Having a first look definitely didn't take the emotion from Ryan's face when you walked down the aisle–if I remember correctly, he was pretty taken aback
Such gorgeous photos friend <3
What a beautiful set of pics! Wishing you all the happiness in the world. Thanks for sharing! XO
Elsa
http://cafesocietyxxi.blogspot.de/
This is so inspiring! I love the post:)
irenethayer.com
So beautiful! I wanted our first look to be when I was walking down the aisle. But to help with some of the picture stress I took bridal pics 3 days before the wedding. Got fully dressed, hair, makeup, the works. Those are actually some of my favorite pics!
These pictures are stunning!! I'm sure y'all are so thankful y'all did a first look! We did a 1st touch and we're so glad we did
We missed out on our cocktail hour but the pictures we got during then were probably better because of the sunlight – we got married at 5:30pm in July
What beautiful photos! The first look trend really seems to be taking off. I can definitely see the pros for it!