First looks are such a special, private moment during a wedding day! Usually it’s the only alone time a bride and groom get during their whole day. It’s an opportunity to soak in the magnitude of what’s about to happen. They can actually take a private moment to tell each other how stunning they look. They can hold each other and share in all the emotion. One of the BEST things about first looks is using this private moment to share things with each other!

This past year had some very precious moments where the bride and groom shared more than just a first look! One groom had a special surprise waiting for his stunning bride. Another bride and groom decided to use this time to share their vows privately to each other instead of during the ceremony. They laughed together, cried together, and created a special private memory they’ll always remember.

First looks are also special in that they don’t always have to be just between a bride and groom! It can be so much fun to share a first look with your bridesmaids! Once you’re in your dress, jewelry, and shoes, coming out to surprise your girls with your finished bridal look can evoke SO much excitement!!

One of the most precious first looks is the one shared between a bride and her father. Seeing the emotion come through as he sees his little girl in her wedding dress always gets me! I am all for any kind of first look your heart desires. This year had so many amazing and emotional first look moments. Keep scrolling to the bottom to see a very different kind of first look I had this year. Even different from a father-daughter or bridesmaids first look!

This wedding day was so special as Jennifer wore her mother’s wedding dress and her grandmother’s veil. The dress stayed in the box for 40 years and when they pulled it out they found it fit Jennifer perfectly! So since Ryan had already seen the dress Jennifer proposed a different kind of first look. She had not seen what Ryan would be wearing so we set up a REVERSE first look! I set Jennifer up outside looking away and brought Ryan out to come up behind her. When he called out her name she turned around and they shared in a beautiful and emotional first look! A moment they – as well as I – won’t soon forget!

I can’t wait to see what precious first looks and moments will be captured in this new 2022 year! Bring on ALL the first looks!

Want to see more from Jennifer and Ryan’s wedding day at Shadow Hills Country Club? Take a look here! https://joniloraine.me/2021/11/23/a-fall-wedding-at-shadow-hills-country-club/