Last week you heard straight from past ALP grooms about their experience doing a first look on their wedding day, and now it’s the brides’ turn! Below are their honest thoughts and opinions — enjoy!

Brittany & Stephen | Cathedral of the Sacred Heart Wedding in Richmond, VA
“One of my favorite moments during our wedding day was the first look…no question about it. No words can describe the tender emotions and reactions of that instant when Stephen and I saw each other for the first time on the most important day in our love story. Doing a first look also gave us more time to finish the bridal party and family photos without feeling rushed. The first look also eased my nerves; I was just as excited and anxious, as was Stephen, but less nervous since we had already had time together before the ceremony. The first look and walking down the aisle gave me two different experiences – walking down the aisle was something I had always dreamed about and the first look was something I looked forward to in the months leading up to the wedding. I would highly recommend doing a first look for future brides; being able to enjoy and savor that first moment of seeing each other without the guests watching, being able to hug/kiss/cry/laugh/smile and not feel like you have to hold back is something every bride should experience and document!”

 

Jordan & Ridge | Hanover Tavern Wedding
“I never really thought I wanted to do a first look, but given that we were getting married in November, it was the best option. Once it was in our timeline, the first look became something I was looking forward to! I couldn’t wait for Ridge to see me or my dress before anyone else in the church. When the day finally came, the first look was one of my favorite moments. When my groom turned around and saw me  at our first look, I immediately felt at ease. It was very calming to have a few moments of the two of use admiring one another before the craziness of the rest of the day took over. We were able to take all pictures before our ceremony and spend more time enjoying the celebration together. I would recommend a first look to any bride and groom.”

 

Kira & Dan | Fawn Lake Country Club Wedding
“We went back and forth for months on if we wanted to do a first look or keep it more traditional. In the end we decided to do a first look and it was one of the best decisions we made. It was such a special moment for us and looking back I don’t know why we even considered skipping this. Being able to see him before the ceremony put so many of my nerves at ease and it also freed up so much time after the ceremony to enjoy our happy hour with family and friends. Even with the first look and spending time with him before the ceremony, I still had that wonderful butterfly feeling walking down the aisle and seeing him standing there waiting for me. It was the perfect start to our life together.”

 

Katy & Mike | Riverside Wedding by Clore
“I always wanted to do a first look for the logistical reasons of getting all the photos done before guests came! It was important to be to have a seamless transition from ceremony to reception and only do the larger group family photos immediately following the ceremony. Beyond the logistical reasons, I also knew I wanted to do a first look because we were both so nervous we wanted those moments to be private for just us. Allocating time for first look was so important to the entire day and overall vibe. Our nerves were much calmer for the ceremony and we could fully enjoy the moments!”

 

Alicia & Ian | Stone Manor Country Club Wedding
“Ian and I both always wanted to do a first look. He was especially excited to surprise me with his suit because he had it custom made and kept it a secret from me during planning. I wanted to do a first look so I could see only his reaction when he first saw me. We would both recommend a first look because it’s nice to have an intimate moment with your fiancé before everyone else arrives. You spend all this time prepping and it honestly felt like a moment where time stopped for a minute and you got to feel like the wedding day was finally here. Neither of us felt like it took away from seeing each other when the ceremony started. We both felt like it was a good way to kick everything off and spend more time together on our special day. “