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If you're not already a sucker for sappy, tearful, heart-smooshing first looks, we're gearing up to make you one. Grins, fist pumps, and of course, squee-inducing groom tears — some of the best reactions come from the first look. Behold some of our favorite first looks ever, and just try not to grin like a Cheshire cat the whole way through.
Megawatt smiles on these two brides.
Tears + cheers? Oh yes.
Definitely a contender for best groom reaction.
Sneaky hand cuddles around a corner.
Barefoot in the forest with these cuties.
DAT DRESS. Must hug it!
The look of love for sure.
“You look fabulous… and check out mah Spanx!”
Gothic chic, sneak up-style.
Forgetting everyone else was around and just digging each other.
You thought it was Disney, but this is the happiest place on Earth.
I love a good blindfold-meets-rainbow-crinoline-admiration shot.
I saved my favorite for last: Corinne & Mike's wedding. Mike's turn, run, and hug just KILLS me.
Let's see it in action…
Are you planning a first look? Leave a comment telling us your plan!
photography: Carly Bish Photography
photography: Justine Johnson Photography
photography: JamieY Photography
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About the Author: Catherine Clark
Catherine Clark loiters at her local library, makes art, watches movies en masse, plays video and tabletop games, poorly cooks healthy things, cuddles with her feline fur babies, and blogs at BijouxandBits.com.
For sure doing a first look here. We want to knock out as many formal photos as we can before the ceremony, so we can focus on the partay! Plus, I get super jittery and anything I can do to get the nerves out of the way (like smooching on my groom-to-be) will make my life easier walking up to him!
My now hubster and I did a first look and it was the best thing ever. I have anxiety and wear it on my sleeve (or to say on my chest would be more accurate), so even though most of the anxious feelings stemmed from excitement, it still helped everything! We got married at the New England Carousel Museum in Bristol, CT and did our first look by the carousel inside. Needless to day, the pictures are amazing. Between that and our super chill morning of ordering room service (eating waffles on my wedding day to be the best Leslie Knope I could be), I made sure that my anxiety was in check. <3 Have fun!
I die. That’s all I can say. I die.
Each of these couples are beautiful and unique and all of them are so so so inspiring. Almost even makes me want to do a first look…^_^ *swoon*
We did a first look… I can’t wait to see the pictures; I know there were some good ones. 🙂
Welp, this is the best fucking thing I’ve ever seen.
I LOVE first looks. Mostly the idea of adding more scheduled things to the day stresses me out but this is definitely one I am going to make time for. I think it’s especially wonderful for more private or introverted couples to get a quiet moment alone before the ceremony.
All of these people look so happy, it makes me happy.
We decided against a first look with my hubby and me, but I did one with my daddy. The reaction I saw was amazing and I can’t wait to get that photo back!
I want to – coming down the stairs to where he’s waiting in the living room. We’ll see what happens when the postponement is over.
You’re right, the third couple’s groom has the best reaction! Amazing photographer to get THAT nanosecond of that look.
I love love! These faces are to die for.
I won’t be doing a “first look” because I am superstitious, but I sure will instruct my photogs to capture the actual first look as I come down the aisle! I told my future in-laws “I hope he cries.” ha
I didn’t thonk of a first look until I saw this. I mean we plan on doing photos before the ceremony but this, this is a great idea. Defiantly going on my list.
My eyes are leaking!
Definitely doing a first look. Not exactly sure how or anything but I love the idea!
This is the greatest idea ever!! I just got married May 24, 2014 and the first look pics were the best yet! In some ways it calmed me down before I had to actually make my grand appearance. Plus I love joking around so it was pretty fun walking up behind my husband-to-be and whispering in his ear messing around with him while he had to wait before he was able to turn around! When he did, he teared up, then I teared up and told him don’t cry, then our wedding party all teared up and told me not to cry!! AwwwSOME WEDDING and AWwwwSOME photographer!
My husband and I did a first look photography set also. We had a busy day of places to go before our big event and decided to get “the look” out of the way overlooking Lake Michigan at a beautiful location. That moment was absolutely perfect, and our photographer did an amazing job of capturing that special time for us.
After that we went to the cemetary where my father is buried to spend a moment with him, since he couldn’t be with us that day. We finished up by going to the assisted living facility where my grandmother was living to see her and take some very special pictures, because she was not able to get out to come to the wedding. Those were the last pictures taken of her, as she passed away about a month later.
Having that first look session took all the pressure away from the day and gave us the ability to just BE in the moment for the remainder of the day. We smiled and laughed and enjoyed the whole day. I’ve had so many people tell me it was the happiest wedding they’ve ever been to, and that is a testament to how happy we are together. I’m so thankful we did that. I wouldn’t have changed one moment.
Our first look was awesome. My husband cried, then I cried, and there’s this picture of him holding me back by the waist and is biting his lower lip like “dayum!!!”
Here they are if you want a nosey 🙂
https://www.flickr.com/photos/85979084@N05/sets/72157646787325971/
HA THIS SHOT:
Oh man. That gif got me. *tears*
My wedding was last Saturday. Instead of doing a first look with my husband I did a first look with my dad