Top 5 | REASONS TO HAVE A FIRST LOOK

When it comes to having a first look, everyone has an opinion. I mean they either love it or they hate it. There is no middle ground on this subject. For those who don't know, a first look is a moment between the couple and their photographer when the bride and groom see each other for the first time in private before the ceremony. This breaks the traditional rule of not seeing the bride before the wedding. 

Personally we're pro-first-look at Celebrate Colorfully, which is why I suggested today's Top 5! Take a peek and see if a first look is a good fit for you.  

Photo |  Andria Lindquist

1. Time - When you have a first look you're allowed 3-4 extra hours in the day to take all the photos you could ever want. This could be all your family photos so no one's waiting around during cocktail hour. Or joint bridal party photos around the venue property. Or even hours of intimate photos of you and your love.

Photo | April and Paul

2. Emotions - It can be overwhelming for a groom to see his bride for the first time with hundreds of eyes on him. The pressure to preform accordingly can be a heavy weight. First looks allow the bride and groom to get mushy, cry, kiss, and support each other in private. You can be genuinely yourselves together. There's still time to re-touch your mascara and lipstick before the walk down the aisle. 

Photo | A Sea of Love

3. Nerves - People get butterflies. A first look calms the nerves and is said to help make couples more relaxed and happier throughout the rest of the day. We highly suggest this for anyone who might get nervous in front of crowds or just needs a little reassurance. 

Photo | Levi Tijerina

4. Sunset Time - Maybe you have a 9pm ceremony start time or, perhaps, the sunset is early on your wedding day. If you want those daylight photos together, you're going to need to have a first look. I've even heard of doing a first look days or months before to get the perfect pictures. 

Photo | Phil Chester

5. Required - While researching more on this topic and hunting around for the perfect reveal photos, I discovered many photographers out there won't book a client unless they agree to a first look. It allows the photographers all the benefits mentioned above. They can tell the story of the whole day rather than the the 5 hours that normally make up a ceremony and reception. 

Will you have a first look on your wedding day? 

TREND | BRIDES IN SHIRTS

Happy September! It’s still hot down here in Texas but as soon as we flipped the calender yesterday, we started craving fall! I know spring is the traditional “best time of year to have a wedding” but I’d take a crisp cool fall wedding any day!

One thing to consider when having your wedding in the later months is that most traditional bridal gowns don’t do much to keep you warm. One of our absolute favorite trends right now is the oh-so-gorgeous bride who pairs a button-up shirt or cardigan with a huge tulle skirt. Seriously, we can’t get enough. Roll the eye candy!

This bride got married in the shirt she wore on her first date with her husband! She looks completely gorgeous and there is no doubting that she is the bride. Plus, the worn denim really screams ‘southern’ to me. I would love to see more Texas brides rock this down the aisle!

The bright red cardigan from this Newly Wed Christmas shoot shot by Haley Sheffield is almost too stunning! Paired with the glamorous lipstick and the coordinating shirt worn by the guy, it is all holiday perfection. Please hop over to see more of the entire shoot, because there also might be definitely is a sequin dress to die for!

One more for the southern ladies. How perfect is this Southern Belle in plaid? And that bow!? Yes to it all. I also have a sneaking suspicion that this lovely lady paired those pearls with cowboy boots underneath!

Who else is in love with this “brides-in-shirts” trend? It just goes to show that non-traditional can still be beautiful. Plus, why deal with shivering when you can rock this look?