Breaking Tradition!

Happy happy Wedding Wednesday!

I'm going to be honest, this past week I have caught some kind of wedding fever because I have been living, breathing, eating (yay cake tasting!), and just being surrounded by everything wedding & I couldn't be happier about it!

Former brides told me this would happen eventually and boy were they right! I just can't get enough of it and have been crossing things off the list left and right!

{bridesmaid dresses} - they are going to be stunning!

{invitations} - just ordered and I'm obsessed!

{shoes} - UPS is delivering them tomorrow!

{cake} - can't wait to eat it!

{favors} - finally found something we like!

I'm telling you, I'm just on a roll over here!

Last week, I talked a little bit about how P and I are foregoing some of the "normal" traditions you would find at a wedding. This week, I wanted to talk about something that's a little bit more of a modern concept that we'll be including in our day...

The first look!

For those of you that don't know what this is - it means that Peter and I, along with our photographer and videographer (and maybe our bridal party & parents watching from afar) are going to see each other before the wedding! According to ancient tradition, many people believe that seeing each other before the wedding brings the couple bad luck - but to be honest, that's just not something Peter and I believe!

Now hear me out, there are SO many benefits to a first look!

1.) You and your groom will have a more private moment to first lay eyes on each other! Sure, your photographer will be there, possibly a videographer, and maybe some special friends and family watching from afar, but it's far more private then seeing each other for the first time in front of 100+ guests as you walk down the aisle. Not to mention as the day progresses, your private time together will become pretty non-existent until the end of the night, so it's the perfect way to step aside and share a private and calm moment before the day gets going.

2.) Your photographer and videographer are able to be there to fully capture each of your reactions for that moment when you first see one another! Talk about a special moment that you can forever have a way to remember. Who wants to take bets on which one of us will cry?

3.) Calms the nerves! I don't think there are many brides or grooms that have zero nerves when the ceremony begins. It's only normal, whether you're nervous to see each other or nervous that you'll mess up your vows in front of all your guests, there are definitely going to be some nerves there. Seeing each other before the ceremony is a great way to relieve some of those jitters knowing you got one of the biggest moments out of the way, and you can walk into your ceremony more relaxed!

4.) Enjoy your cocktail hour! Because P and I are seeing one another before the ceremony, we're also going to do most of our photos together then. {SIDE NOTE - my make-up and hair will be freshly done before the summer heat can get to it!} That way, after the ceremony we'll only have a few pictures to take with families, and then we'll be able to actually participate and enjoy our cocktail hour with our guests rather than run around taking pictures for the entire time!

5.) Take advantage of the daylight! If you are having an evening or nighttime ceremony, the first look is ideal for you because you'll be able to make the most of the natural lighting, which is especially helpful if you've chosen a natural light photographer like we have!

So there you have it! Although it's definitely not for everyone, we know that the first look will be the perfect addition to our wedding day! No matter what you choose, that moment when you first see each other will be something you'll hopefully remember forever!

I couldn't resist...

What are your thoughts on incorporating the first look into your plans?