What’s with the tradition? Why do the bride and groom not see each other before the wedding? Back in the old days when people were matched up by their parents and betrothed, they were afraid that the girl would see the guy, think he was super ugly, run away and never return. Since you’ve already chosen your husband and already think he’s hot, don’t you find this tradition a little silly?
Being that I got married four years ago, I feel that I am still able to talk as a bride. The day of my wedding was stressful. I was anxious and couldn’t calm down. I am pretty positive that if I could have had ten minutes with my husband-to-be, I would have been at ease and more excited.
Here are the positive points of seeing your better half before the vows:
- The Bride is not stressed or anxious before the wedding.
- We don’t have to play hide-and-seek with the Groom.
- We take all of the photographs before the event so that everyone arrives at the reception at the same time.
- We get yummy natural light that makes you look beautiful and lovey with your husband-to-be.
- You get a mini-session of you before the wedding. That way it’s not just pictures of you with the cake or dancing or sitting at a table. You will get pictures that are fun and thoughtful that capture the essence of you as a couple on your wedding day.
- My favorite part is that you get to really see how your fiance reacts to the way you look. In a big sanctuary with a long aisle, there are 300 people standing between you and your fiance. He might see you, but you won’t see him. During the first glance, you both get to take each other all in. He can tell you exactly how he’s feeling and how incredible you look. Instead of just a small glance and a whispered, “You’re beautiful,” at the alter. You can pray, you can laugh, you can just talk with each other. It just puts everyone at ease.
How does the first glance work?
We keep the couple separated until they are fully dressed and ready. Once the bride is ready, we will send the Groom down to the ceremony site and have his back turned toward the entrance. At this time, the Bride can choose how she would like to present herself to the Groom.
Here are some ideas: The Bride can be escorted by her father down the aisle; She can go by herself; She can walk halfway down the aisle and ask him to turn around or go all the way and tap him on the shoulder. Be creative!
This is where the magic happens. Great big smiles, tears, sweet words are exchanged and your anxiety melts away. I take a few images and then let the both of you have about five minutes together. When you are ready, we will photograph the couple privately and soon after begin shooting the bridal party and family pictures.
We do not have to do all weddings this way. It just seems to make the day easier. If you have any questions about the first glance, please don’t hesitate to ask.
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