Traditionally, couples didn’t see each other before the ceremony. This dates back to the days of arranged marriages - the woman was heavily veiled and the couple-to-be didn’t see each other until they were at the altar, just in case the wife wasn’t much to look at ... Horrible, right? However since you already HAVE seen each other, you can forget about this whole “bad luck to see each other before the ceremony” business. If you want to see each other, go for it.

Some couples worry that seeing each other will take anything away from walking down the aisle towards each other – it doesn’t. You’ll try as hard to keep it together as if you hadn’t seen each other.  Trust me, I’ve seen it. And photographed it.

Now what exactly is a first look session?  It is a moment that is carved out just for the two of you. Away from your guests & the rush of last minute details. A moment to enjoy together before you say “I do”.  And a moment for me to sneak incredible pictures of the two of you.

Another cool bit about you seeing each other before the ceremony is that it lends itself to a much smoother flow for family pictures because we do those right after our first look session thus freeing you from any further formals after the wedding ceremony. In short: you’re going to be able to join cocktail hour and hang out with all your friends & family and actually enjoy your wedding.

I’ll be honest - as a wedding photographer, I LOVE when a bride and groom see each other before the ceremony but in the end, it doesn't matter because it’s not my day. It’s yours.  There is no “right and wrong”, just what feels right to the two of you. So many times couples ask me “is this how you do it?” or think there are rules to weddings (can’t see groom before, must throw bouquet, can’t be seen together as a couple until the grand entrance) but what it comes to is this: Do what makes you happy.

Enjoy & happy wedding planning!