“Love is when you look into someone’s eyes and see everything you need.”

— unknown

A wedding day can be described as beautiful, timeless, romantic, fun, exciting, precious, emotional, traditional, and memorable. Some might add that a wedding day can be chaotic, stressed, busy, frantic, and nerve-wracking. And for that very reason, some couples choose to partake in a First Look Photograph Session either before their wedding day or on the day of their wedding.

On October 1, 2016 I had the pleasure of photographing the wedding of Kenley Crowe and Joanna Richardson at Common Grounds in Waco, Texas. They opted for the First Look Session before their wedding...and it was an amazing experience! Seeing the look on both of their faces as the anticipation built as Joanna slowly walked to meet Kenley was priceless - almost as priceless as seeing the look on his face when he saw Joanna in her beautiful wedding dress for the very first time. So much emotion. It was just those two...at that moment...on a day when so many others would be around them on their special day.

Some might say that a First Look Session ruins the anticipation of the groom seeing the bride for the first time as she's walking down the aisle. However, I can attest that this is not the case. Even if the groom sees the bride at a First Look Session, he is still overcome with emotions as he watches his bride walk down the aisle on her father's arm.

I decided to compile a list of the five reasons couples would choose a First Look Session. Keep in mind, these are just a few of the reasons why some choose this type of session. Ultimately, each couple knows what they want on their wedding day.

1. Convenience and Time. Traditional weddings usually do the bridal party photos, as well as bride and groom photos, right after the ceremony. They are often rushed as they don't want to keep their guests waiting too long to begin the reception. The First Look Session allows the bridal photos to be taken before the ceremony so guests do not have to wait for the bridal party to arrive at the reception.

2. Alone Time. Wedding days are filled with friends and family members surrounding the bride and groom. The First Look Session gives the bride and groom a small amount of time to just be with each other before the ceremony begins.

3. Reception. First Look Sessions allow the wedding to run smoothly from the ceremony to the reception. There is not any downtime due to bridal photos. This is more pleasant for guests. Traditional weddings typically have guests waiting an hour or so while the bride and groom are having bridal portraits taken.

4. Better Photos. As a photographer, I feel that First Look Sessions allow me to spend more time with the bridal party. Therefore, the photos are not as rushed which in turn makes for better portraits.

5. Family and Friends. The First Look Session allows the bridal party to spend more time with family and friends during the reception since they aren't missing out on this precious time after the ceremony taking bridal photos.

I'd love to hear from you! What are some other pros of having a First Look Session?