Hello, all!! This is, in a sense, a double-guest blog post for Jill! I’m Sarah, Jill’s assistant and I’m so excited I get to introduce my husband’s very first guest blog for Jill (…or anyone).  Jacob has gotten to know Jill pretty well from our families getting together, her shooting ALL of our photos, and from me working very closely with Jill for the last two years. Since I’ve worked with Jill, Jacob has heard LOTS about the wedding photography industry and my work with her!!  So, after a couple years of prepping him for this moment, he was finally ready to get out there and guest blog for Jill as a recent groom.  Without any further delay, I hope you enjoy this post from a groom’s perspective all about why a first look is so important and can be such a wonderful addition to your day!!

My beautiful wife Sarah requested that I share my take on first look photos from the groom’s perspective.  I have to say, that I am very glad with the decision we made.

Tradition As far as tradition goes, I have been to enough weddings where the photos are taken after the ceremony, and you’re constantly trying to reign in all of the family and wedding party for the photos.  Every time, I just couldn’t wait to move on to the celebrating part. I think for me, I had the thought that right after I just got married, the last thing I would want to do is sit around and wait for more pictures.  I would want to celebrate!  Personally, I am of the mindset that it’s your wedding, so do what you think is best; if it’s not tradition, make it a new one!

Timeline The first look photos definitely move up our wedding day timeline.  It helped since we could do our bride and groom pictures AND our bridal party photos because Sarah and I had already seen each other.  By the time for the ceremony, almost all of the formal pictures were out of the way and Jill is so efficient with family photos that they were done within 20 minutes after the ceremony.  Overall, it helped tremendously with the timeline of the day.  It was very relieving to get everything done before the ceremony, so afterwards we could move at our own pace.

Nerves The first look photos also took some of the jitters and nervousness out of the day.  I was amazed when I first saw Sarah, and I think that seeing each other without the pressure of everyone looking on was definitely worth it.  After Sarah and I did our photos, we were able to take all the photos with our wedding party, which were close friends and family.  This also made it much more relaxing and enjoyable.  We could take our time, and there was no rush or knowing that there’s a whole reception waiting on you to get there so they can eat dinner and start dancing!

A First Look Does Not Spoil “the Moment” The first look photos did not take away any of the emotion when I saw Sarah come down the aisle in the ceremony.  I think then you still realize that this is the moment that you will always remember, and it didn’t diminish that at all.  Obviously you already know what your future wife will look like, but that didn’t stop the butterflies in my stomach or the goosebumps on my arms when the doors opened and the bride entered.

Looking back I am very glad we did the first look photos before the ceremony.  I think it’s a great way to relieve the stress of the day and to make things easier on you and your partner, so you can truly enjoy the most important day of your life.

*Quick Tip for the Groom:  I noticed afterwards that I didn’t wear my wedding ring in our first look photos.  We had discussed it with Jill, but in the moment I had the mindset—“well, I’m not technically married yet” so I didn’t wear it! Looking at the photos I always notice that I’m not wearing it and I wish I would have so that it would fully capture the moment (even though we did those photos before the ceremony).  So, whether you want to wear it or not is up to you, but at least remember to discuss it and decide what you think is best! 

I hope this helps you and your partner decide if you do or do not want first look photos taken on your wedding day!  To see a bride’s perspective on first looks, click here!