I’m so glad we did this!” Chris leaned over and said quietly to me. “Thanks so much for helping us make the decision to do this, it’s all going perfectly.” All I could do was smile back at Chris and look over at Angie, his bride, with a ton of joy spilling out!

These are genuinely true words, coming from the mouth of a groom on his wedding day. See, Chris and Angie were very traditional. Angie, like most women, had dreamed of her wedding day for years. She had pictured her groom seeing her for the first time as she walked down the aisle. And Chris had always knew from the day he asked Angie to marry him that they would follow all the long standing wedding traditions for their nuptials.

They didn’t.

Due to some scheduling stipulations at their venue Angie and Chris were told they had to move the time of their wedding back. They had their hearts set on getting couple photos and wedding party photos outside. The sun would be set and stars would be shinning by the time the ceremony was over, therefore the outside photos would all have to be taken with flash or inside. This was not what they had in mind.

We all 3 sat down for coffee. I felt like we were there to discuss options for taking out a loan or writing up a will. The atmosphere was serious and deep concern hung in the air.

“We want you to tell us what to do.” They practically said in unison. They explained their lighting predicament and what their hopes had been for photos as they looked up at me with huge round eyes.

They were going to be a touch egg to crack but I had the feeling a first sight was what would solve everything. However, they listened to my whole explanation of the first sight with out rolling their eyes or sighing heavily. “It will be terribly special, intimate and allow the day to run smoothly.”, I finished saying. I held my breath as I waited for them to ponder and ask any questions. Chris and Angie looked at each other and said (this time in actual unison), “Alright.”

If I told you they were 100% confident in their decision I’d be lying. Although, they were 100% confident in me, and that made all the difference we needed.

A first sight is slowly becoming the norm as couples begin to place more emphasis on emotion and relaxation. A first sight is about the couple and the ones they cherish the most. Before you completely cross it off take a moment to consider a few things.

. The bride and groom leavestress at the door as they get to have a fewprivate moments together before guests arrive and photos start.

. All photographs are taken care of before the wedding. This allows for a quick and smooth transition to the reception.

. The couple gets to see each other for the first time alone, instead of in front of hundreds of people. They can actually get to spend time with each other and say things in a manner that wouldn’t be possible for the first time at the altar.

. The couple tends to relax and therefore has a more genuine look of joy and excitement on their faces the first time they lay eyes on each other!

. Photos are finished up and you actually have down time for about 30 – 40 minutes before the ceremony.

. We can plan for all the natural lighting we need to get amazing pictures! In order to have beautiful, clear, warm photos, natural light works best.

. We have plenty of time dedicated to getting creative images without the pressure and demands of rushing to the next event or reception.

This option may not be for you, I understand. I do not require couples to do a first sight. I do however; require them to consider it, really. I can’t tell you how special it is for the couple to have those uninterrupted, private moments together on their wedding day. It’s going to all go by so quickly!

Leave a comment about how you feel about a first sight, comments or thoughts on a first sight. If you have questions or want to hear more true words from couples that have done a first sight…leave a comment! If you want to see some more examples of couples that chose a first sight check out some of the links below.

Jorge + Mariana’s Rock Lake Ranch Wedding and cute pick up first sight

Jenna + Daniel’s Greenbranch Wedding and garden bridge first sight

Maryann + Michale’s Astin Manson Wedding and intimate first sight

Joscelyn + Brad’s Olde Dobbin Station Wedding and old ruins first sight

Danielle + Tyler’s Henkel Hall Wedding and chapel first sight

Jenna + Dave’s Becker Vineyard Wedding and barrel room first sight