June 16, 2025

Hello my dear!

Picture this: It's 2 PM on a gorgeous Saturday, and I'm standing behind a bride who's about to see her groom for the first time on their wedding day. Her hands are shaking, she's got happy tears already forming, and she whispers, "I can't believe this is really happening." 

This moment? It happens whether you choose a first look or wait until the aisle—but HOW it happens can completely change your entire wedding day experience.

After coordinating dozens of weddings in the River Valley, I've seen couples agonize over this decision more than almost any other. So let me share what I've learned from being behind the scenes of both magical first looks and breathtaking aisle reveals.

What Exactly IS a First Look? (In Case You're New Here!)

A first look is your private "movie moment" before the ceremony—just you, your partner, your photographer, and maybe me hiding behind a tree trying not to cry! It's typically scheduled 1-2 hours before your ceremony, giving you that intimate connection before the beautiful chaos begins.

Why My Couples Fall in Love with First Looks

You Get Your Person Back for a Hot Minute

Here's the thing nobody tells you: wedding days are BUSY. Like, "did I even eat lunch?" busy. A first look gives you 15-20 minutes where it's just you two, no timeline pressure, no Aunt Martha asking where the bathroom is. Just you and your favorite human.

The Photos Will Make You Ugly Cry (In the Best Way)

I've watched photographers capture some of the most genuine reactions during first looks. No audience pressure, no worrying about your mascara running in front of 150 people—just pure, unfiltered emotion. These often become the photos couples treasure most.

Your Timeline Becomes Your Best Friend

This is where my event planner brain gets excited! When you do portraits before the ceremony, you can actually ENJOY your cocktail hour instead of disappearing for an hour of photos. Your guests get more time with you, and you get more time to celebrate!

Goodbye, Jitters!

I can't tell you how many grooms have told me, "I was so nervous until I saw her, and then everything just felt right." There's something magical about getting those butterflies settled before walking down the aisle.

But Wait—What About the "Cons"?

Tradition Matters to Some Hearts

If you've been dreaming of that classic aisle moment since you were seven, don't let anyone pressure you into changing it! I've had brides tell me, "I want him to see me for the first time when everyone else does," and that's absolutely beautiful too.

Early Bird Gets the... Stress?

First looks mean earlier hair and makeup calls. We're talking 7 AM start times sometimes. If you're not a morning person, this might feel like torture!

Your Guests Miss the Magic

Some couples love sharing that first reaction with their loved ones. There's something special about 100 people collectively holding their breath as you walk down the aisle.

My Favorite "Best of Both Worlds" Ideas

Over the years, I've helped couples create some pretty creative compromises:

• The First Touch- Hold hands around a corner without seeing each other. I've seen grown men tear up just from this simple connection!

• Private Vow Moment- Read your personal vows to each other before the ceremony, then do traditional vows at the altar. Double the emotion, double the memories.

• The Blindfold Surprise- One partner wears a blindfold for a hug and conversation. You get the connection but keep the visual surprise for the aisle.

• Love Letter Exchange - Write notes to read privately before getting ready. I always keep tissues handy for this one!

The Question I Ask Every Single Couple

Here's what I really want you to think about: "When you picture your most emotional, authentic selves—are you more comfortable being vulnerable privately or in front of everyone you love?"

There's no wrong answer! I've seen couples who light up with an audience and others who need that quiet moment to really connect. Both are perfect—for the right couple.

Let's Talk Timeline Reality

**With a First Look:**

- 10 AM: Hair and makeup start

- 2 PM: First look and couple portraits  

- 3 PM: Wedding party photos

- 4 PM: Family photos

- 5 PM: Ceremony

- 5:30 PM: You're at cocktail hour with your guests!

**Without a First Look:**

- 11 AM: Hair and makeup start

- 5 PM: Ceremony

- 5:30 PM: All photos (couple, family, wedding party)

- 6:45 PM: Finally join cocktail hour (if there's time!)

Here's My Honest Take After All These Years

I've been privileged to witness both scenarios dozens of times, and here's what I know for sure: the magic isn't in the timing—it's in the intention. 

Whether you choose a private first look or wait for that aisle moment, what matters is that YOU chose it together. Some of my most emotional ceremonies have been with couples who did first looks, and some of my most tear-inducing aisle walks have been with couples who waited.

The best wedding day decision is always the one that feels authentically YOU.

So grab your partner, maybe a glass of wine, and talk it through. Ask yourselves what would make YOU feel most connected, most comfortable, and most excited. Then trust that instinct—because I promise you, when you're making a decision from the heart, you can't go wrong.

What questions do you have about first looks? I'd love to help you think through what might work best for your day! Drop me a line at events@reehlevents.com—I love talking through these decisions with couples.

After all, your wedding day should feel like the most beautiful, authentic version of your love story. And whether that story includes a private first chapter or starts with the grand reveal, I'm here to help make it absolutely perfect.

Happy Planning My Dears!

*Planning a wedding in the River Valley area? I'd love to chat about how we can make your day flow seamlessly, whether you choose a first look or not! Let's grab coffee and talk about your vision.*