Wednesday, Miss Blue Whale wrote about why she’s not having a first look. Everyone has their own perspective, and what’s right for one person may not be what’s right for another person, so today I thought I’d explain why McGlovin and I are definitely doing a first look.
When we first started planning, I was really waffling—everyone says that the first time he sees you is supposed to be so magical, and that “27 dresses” moment when you’re watching the groom watch his bride is so pivotal, etc. I asked Gloves what he thought. He said that it really wasn’t important to him at all—the first time we see each other is guaranteed to be crazy special—it’s the day we’re getting married! Imma be a Mrs. and he’s going to be my Mister. And he’s so right—how could that not be the best moment of my day?
Also, I mean—I don’t necessarily know if I want to share that moment with everyone else. Let’s be honest—I don’t. At all. When we do our first look, we will be looking directly at one another, not at all worrying about what everyone else thinks of us, because there’s won’t be an “everyone else!” Just me and the mister. Plus, then I can tell him exactly what I’m thinking—he probably looks so amazing, and I’m probably so excited to be getting married, and I probably had way too much coffee this morning, and Howie probably accidentally ate my garter while we were getting our hair done. And he’ll probably tell me how much he likes my dress or hair and that the best man spilled coffee all over his mom’s white carpet and everyone almost died. These things are likely nervous chatter, of course, but they’re exactly what our relationship is about! It would kill me to see him for the first time at the altar, and have to sit silently for an hour before I could say anything to him.
Finally, regarding the pictures. McGlovin and I have a serious Catholic gap on our wedding day—ceremony from 2:30-3:30 and the cocktail hour at 5:30. So, we have plenty of time for pics between the ceremony and the reception and don’t need those extra pictures. But, really—how can you resist photos like these?
The sheer joy in Mrs. Poodle’s first hug with her husband to be! Photo from the ‘bee, taken by Next Exit Photography
Adorable Mrs. Brooch, collecting herself 
Photo from the ‘bee, taken by Graham Terhune
Look at how emotional the Pin Cushions are! Photo from the ‘bee, taken by Steep Street Photography
Mr. Frog’s reaction to his Mrs. is priceless. Photo from the ‘bee, taken by Stephanie Williams
Since we just discussed this topic yesterday, I don’t have any questions for you, but I must say…I could not be any more excited to see McGlovin, all dressed up and looking amazing, all by my lonesome (with our photographer) at an undisclosed location before our wedding! ohemgee, pretty super excited
MrN & I discussed a “1st look” but he was 100% against it, saying he wanted to see me walking down the aisle to him as his first vision of me a bride, I tried and tried to get him to change his mind but he wouldn’t. 
We did however spend the morning together then I kicked him out when our hair & make up lady arrived.
We had some special alone time going for a walk and it was early so it seemed we were the only ones walking by Niagara Falls, it was magical in its own way.
I can’t wait to see your 1st look pics!
This is what I LOVE about the `Bee! Everyone has different opinions which is so awesome because we get to see all different takes on the same subject 
Fiance and I won`t be doing a first look, for the same reasons as the Whales, but if it`s right for you and McGlovin, go for it! I hope you get some lovely pictures from it
We did a first look and I am 10034905872508% happy that we did – those photos are some of my favorite from the whole day – and those moments we had together were also some of my favorites! I can’t wait to see your photos .
Glad to read a different perspective, too—I totally agree, Miss Gloves! I really wanted a first look because I want that moment between me and FI to be private. I love the intimacy of the photos that come out of first looks, and I really really want to spend my cocktail hour with the friends and family who have all come a long way to spend our wedding day with us!
We did a first look and loved it. It’s SO nice to have a few minutes semi-alone with your SO before the ceremony (because I’ll be honest, we didn’t feel completely alone with our photographer and videographer circling around us). Mr. W still reared up when I walked down the aisle, because that was when the emotions truly hit us that we were getting married (!!!!) – the first look was more of a sweet, sweet chance to say hi and check each other out, but the weight of the day didn’t hit either of us until the string quarter started playing Canon in D.
The pictures you chose are absolutely incredible! We’re not doing a First Look, but I TOTALLY respect your reasons for having one!!
Until you mentioned it, I never thought about how public the first look moment is when you are walking down the aisle. It seems so obvious, but not necessarily something you think about too much. Now I’m really leaning towards having a first look. And thanks for digging up such sweet photos from all the Bees too!
Yep, I wouldn’t bare to look at Mr. Toadstool for the first time at the ceremony and not have a chance to ask him how was his day, we’d probably end up whispering during the ceremony, so we’re having a first look.
I just LOL’d at “Catholic gap” – that’s one of the first things I nixed from our wedding, but that’s how I grew up: hours between the ceremony and the reception. I’ve never heard of it referred to as such, but it makes SO MUCH SENSE (Pittsburgh girl here!).
I’m so glad you shared your feelings and reasonings about your First Look with us! I especially like the statement about the ‘public’ first look – that’s not something I even realized.
Loved seeing all the photos from bees before you. And thank you for sharing your opinion on the subject without insulting others.
We’re totally doing one too. We’re both going to be emotional and we’d rather do that with just us and the photographer rather than us and 100 people!
I definitely recommend the first look, it was the best part of our day and the only moment just for us all day. It was completely special and didn’t take away from the walk down the aisle either.
I love this! We’re doing a first look, too! I love seeing all the Bees photos that have done them
I’m definitely an advocate for the first look- that photo is one of my faaaaaavorites! In fact, all the photos we took right after our the very best from the day! Cheers to first looks!
We did a first look but only so that our guests would not have any gap between ceremony and the reception. We did 20 mins in the park before the ceremony. Then we did party and fam photos quickly during the cocktail hour before the reception. I did not want the day to be a photo shoot! We got plenty of pics and our guests were never left waiting around and the event never lost momentum.
Here in the UK first looks separate from the actual ceremony are still really unusual, even unheard of by most couples! As a wedding photographer I love the idea of being able to photograph one, and having seen how busy and hectic most weddings are for the couple, I think that having a private ‘first look’ moment is a lovely way of enjoying some very special and private moments together on your wedding day that can only add to your day.
I am still torn on whether or not we will do a first look… I definitely love the idea of having private time for just the two of us and being able to talk (like Miss Toadstool, I can’t help but think we’d be whispering during the ceremony!), but in the same breath, I do like the “traditional” manner of the first look being during the ceremony. FI and I will have to make a pros/cons list to decide…
Mrs. Gloves, Columbus, Ohio Age and Occupation: 25, Executive Assistant Fiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Firefighter Engagement Date: December 29, 2011 Wedding Date: January 2013 Venue: Cathedral ceremony, reception in a converted hardware warehouse About Me: I’m a blond-haired, blue-eyed Midwestern girl, who had grand plans of an international career, before the economy came crashing down right as I graduated college. I love travel, exploring other cultures, cooking for friends and family, and relaxing in a pedicure chair. My fiancé is the perfect, level-headed and logical counterpart for my impulsive tendencies, and the nicest person I’ve ever met. Lately, we like to spend our time renovating our new home, planning our wedding, and fitting in date night with friends. We are so looking forward to a wedding weekend jam-packed with all of our favorite people, plenty of food, and flowing champagne!
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