Ohhh, first looks! You’re probably thinking to yourself, haven’t you talked these to death already, Alicia!? After all, I have shared about my own personal thoughts on first looks, thoughts from past brides, thoughts from past grooms — what else could be left to say? But first looks will always have a spot on my “Best Of” series as long as they continue to be popular with my couples. This year, a whopping 75% of my brides and grooms did a first look which is amazing. There are truly so many perks to seeing one another before the ceremony, but my favorite of all is just THAT moment. That moment you couldn’t possibly have if you saw one another down the aisle for the first time on your wedding day. That moment when he turns around and sees you in your dress… then reaches out for the biggest embrace you could ever imagine. Tears certainly still flow, perhaps even harder than they would in a church because there is no one around. You can fully let go and enjoy the moment, together. You can hug, kiss, and talk until your heart is content. Because while myself and my second shooter are there to capture those emotions, we will certainly never cut you off. That time is important and it’s all yours. 

Speaking of time, time is the other best gift a first look gives to you. More time with each other and more time with your guests. And really, isn’t that what your wedding day should be all about? In all of the first looks I’ve ever photographed, not once have I heard a couple say they wish they had waited. But I will tell you this, I have definitely heard it the other way around because those jitters are hard to alleviate alone. Just look at some of the incredible and emotional exchanges below and I think you’ll see why these have become so popular!