Why is it traditional for the bride and groom not to see each other before the wedding?

Here is a little insight to the tradition:

Many years ago when arranged marriages were the only way to go the brides parent's wouldn't allow the bride to see the groom before the ceremony just in case she thought he was ugly and would run away before the wedding ceremony. This kind of takes away from the need to not see each other before.

Here are some good reasons why to see each other before:

1. My number one argument for the first look is OBVIOUSLY- the pictures are way better! :) There's no garauntee that capturing the picture of his face when he sees you is going to be easy. Some venues won't even let us on the ground level or we are simply too far away and although you may get the experience for that split second-without the photos of it-you won't remember it 10 years from now. When we set up a first look we always try to choose locations with the best possible light-for the best possible pictures. period.

2. The first look (at least in my opinion) is 10 times more intimate than having that first look in front of 300 of your wedding guests. Chances are, his look will be more genuine. He will be more expressive knowing that you are the only one seeing him (and not all 300 family, friends, or people he doesn't even know)

3. The first look gives you pretty much the ONLY alone time you will have with your groom on your wedding day-(besides after the wedding, of course) It's the one chance to see him, have him see you, and then actually get to sit down, talk a little, and relax some before the rest of the day unfolds. HELLO--you don't get to talk to him and hear what he has to say about how darn BEAUTIFUL you look when you are standing at the altar...I'm just sayin'...

4. We get to take all the formal portraits before the ceremony; therefore, leaving you and your guests the freedom to head straight to your reception without having to wait around on getting pictures taken. It takes pounds of stress off of everyone's shoulders (including your photographers!) :)

5. Just because you have a first look- doesn't mean that when he sees you for the first time walking down the aisle is any less special. You still get that moment. And you get to experience it with less stress, less expectation-which makes it that much sweeter. It's a win/win situation.

6. More time for romantics! This is a big advantage because the more time I have with the bride and groom, the more creative we can get with the location, poses, etc.

So how does the First Sight work?

We keep the couple separated until they are fully dressed and ready. Once the bride is ready we send the groom to the front of the ceremony sight and have his back towards her with no one else in the room. Her father can escort her in or she can walk down the aisle alone. When she is ready she walks down and tells him when he can turn around and take his first look at her in her stunning dress. This is where the magic happens. Tears, beautiful words and relief hit the couple.

The bride and groom are no longer nervous and he was able to see her walking down the aisle as he always dreamed. I take a few images and then step back to the doorway of the ceremony site so the couple can have some privacy. When they are ready we go photograph them privately and then start the wedding party and family pictures.

When we upset brides for this decision please now that we are only doing this because we have seen it to be the best way for everyone.

Let us know if you have any questions about the First Sight!