What is a First Look and Is It For Me?

bride walking down hotel stairs during first look on wedding day in Tennessee

In the last few years, a wedding trend I am obsessed with has become so popular. The first look! A first look traditionally has been when the wedding couple sees one another for the first time on their wedding day. However, it has slowly began to evolve and I am here for it. Brides have begun having a first look with their parents, especially dads, and even bridesmaids. It’s always an incredibly special event, and I look forward to it at every wedding! Being a Knoxville wedding photographer, sometimes my couples opt for a first hand hold, or praying together on their first day. These options are just as special and I love being able to help coordinate these events!

First Look with Dad

black and white image of father with his back to bride before first look
father seeing daughter for first time on wedding day in Knoxville

Throughout the wedding process, things can become incredibly stressful, and put a strain on some of our closest relationships. I always encourage a first look with Dad because it’s a special way to honor him, while moving onto the next chapter in life. These moments are always incredibly emotional, and almost an ending of a chapter. Dads and daughters have an incredible bond. Having always been protected by their parents, leaving the nest to be with their new spouse is a big change.

Before you say, “I do” we’ll pull you and your Dad away for a few moments for this to happen. It’ll be the first time he sees you in your wedding gown, all dressed up and ready to walk down the aisle. There won’t be a dry eye around and we’ll capture these moments to look back on forever. Some brides present their dads with their wedding day tie, or a gift at this time. Nevertheless, I love a good moment with Dad!

daughter walking down to beach to see dad on wedding day
dad smiling and crying seeing daughter on wedding day in wedding dress

Include Your Bridesmaids

Your wedding day is going to be filled with special moments, and this could be another one with your girls. Your closest friends have been cheering you on throughout the wedding process, and have been by your side since day one. It’s always incredibly fun to surprise your bridesmaids seeing you right before you walk down the aisle. Throughout your morning you’ll spend time getting ready together, and then I’ll pull them away while you put on the finishing touches.

We’ll bring everyone back together for the big reveal, and those moments are so much fun. It’s going to make you feel like a million bucks right before walking down the aisle. You’ll have all your friends cheering you on, and supporting you the whole way through.

bride turning to see bridesmaids during first look on Knoxville wedding day

Don’t Forget Your Spouse

bride walking up to groom on wedding day to surprise him
groom smiling and covering mouth while seeing bride on wedding day in Knoxville Tennessee for the first time

Last but not least, of course, the first look with your spouse before walking down the aisle. You’ll have been spending the morning getting ready, and not seeing one another. This moment will be an incredibly intimate and romantic moment that oftentimes ends up in tears. The realization of the day and the meaning it holds hits, and emotions run high.

Wedding days are filled with events, and family, and the moments with you and your spouse alone are far and few between. Let’s create some time during moments like this, a first look could be just the thing you need for your big day. It’s moments you get to just be together, and remember why we’re all here in the first place.

If you are considering planning these incredible moments in your big day, do it. You won’t regret it! Oftentimes if you need help planning and making it happen, reach out to your photographer (me!) to help make it happen. Let’s chat about planning your dream day, and making sure all your moments are captured in the most authentic way.

bride walking up behind groom on wedding day
bride walking up to groom, and groom smiling on wedding day
bride walking up to groom with hand on shoulder to see him for first time on wedding day
bride walking up to groom for first look
groom smiling at bride on wedding day while seeing her for the first time
bride and groom hugging on wedding day in Knoxville Tennessee

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