Ariel Hawkins Photography

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One of my favorite moments to capture is the First Look! - Ariel Hawkins Photography - Buffalo, NY

✨ One of my favorite wedding moments to capture is the first look. It calms the nerves, is really beautiful and gives the bride and groom a chance to enjoy seeing eachother before standing up in front of everyone. It's special.

Do you know what the origin story of the first look is?

Back in the day with arranged marriages the bride and groom often met for the first time at the altar. This ensured the groom couldn’t back out of the arrangement if he didn’t find the bride appealing!! Omgeee. I don't think this is happening all too often anymore.

Then there was also superstition. It was considered bad luck for the bride and groom to see each other before the ceremony. This belief likely stemmed from the idea that a "curse" could befall the couple or their union if they broke this tradition. Again, don't really think anyone is going along with this anymore.

The last reason is simply anticipation. The dramatic reveal of the bride walking down the aisle created a sense of anticipation and heightened emotions for the ceremony. And that my friends is still a thing today for sure.

But with more and more Brides and Groom's wanting to Be present at their cocktail hour ( the traditional time where formals are taken) the first look is becoming a better option!

Here are some plus points for a FIRST LOOK!

Time Management: Modern weddings often have tight schedules. A first look allows couples to complete portraits and group photos before the ceremony, freeing up time for the reception.

Intimacy: The first look gives couples a private moment to connect and share their emotions without an audience.

Better Photos: Photographers appreciate the controlled setting and lighting of a first look, which often results in stunning, heartfelt images.

Calming Nerves: Seeing each other before the ceremony can help ease pre-wedding jitters, making the rest of the day more enjoyable.

So there you have it, a little insight into my FAVORITE moment of the day!

What’s a moment you’re most looking forward to on your big day?

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