City Lights Studio: The First Look & Why We Love It So!

This is a guest blog post I wrote for The Boutique Bridal Party. I simply LOVE doing First Looks & wanted to share! PS. I AM DYING TO THE BALLOON RELEASE. Which one of my 2014 couples will make this happen!?!?!

It's not a new concept, that's for sure, but some people still find the idea of a "first look" a bit confusing. So what is it!? A first look is beautiful, planned moment for you to see your soon-to-be-spouse for the first time on your wedding day. First looks are perfect for modern couples, as they tend to break tradition, happening before your ceremony.

We love the concept of a first look for a few reasons:

1) It's a beautiful moment, times two!

They allow you to have to another special moment on your big day, seeing your partner before the rest of your guests do, and then getting to relive that moment again in front of everyone at your ceremony.

2) First looks offer unique photo ops! You get to plan out where your first look happens, meaning you get to chose any backdrop you'd like. This is a big moment, so it's great to do a first look if your church has constraints as to where your photographers can stand, or you don't necessary like the look of your ceremony location.

3) First looks give you & your photographer time to rock your wedding photos! First looks are ideal for couples who are having evening ceremonies, where there won't be any light left for photos afterwards, or couples who will be on a time-crunch between the ceremony & reception, leaving little time for photos. You can start your first look & wedding photos earlier in the day & get everything you're looking for!

4) Most importantly, they let you keep the party moving!

By seeing each other before your ceremony, you can do all of your photos beforehand, and head right to cocktail hour after. You get gorgeous wedding photos, and you get to mix & mingle with all of your guests while your bridal party gets to hit the open bar :) Win-win-win!

Interested in doing a First Look!? Check out some of our favorite ideas below! Find the right set-up for you & your love :)

Want to see more? View the original Pinterest posts for all images here!