Last year I wrote an article to help couples decide if having a "First Look" was the right thing to do for your own wedding, or not.  (You can read it HERE.)  I'm so happy to see that hundreds of you have read the article!  I hope it's been helpful for most of you.  A recent conversation I had with a prospective couple made me think about those of you that know you do NOT want to have a First Look, but would love to have an intimate moment to connect, for just the two of you.  

If you and your partner do not want to do a First Look, but would love to have an intimate moment, some sort of connection in the day, before the ceremony, what are your options?  Anything?  Absolutely.

1. Write a Love Letter To One Another. 

Writing a love letter is a wonderful way to feel "connected" to each other if you choose to not have a first look and see each other prior to the ceremony.   It can be emotional or funny, or a combination of the two.  Either way, it's something to consider.  As your photographer, I can quietly document the special moment, as well.  Whether the love letter makes you laugh or cry tears of joy, it can be a very emotional and special moment you may want to remember through a photograph.   My motto - the details of the day help tell your whole wedding day story.   HERE is an article on Brides.com that goes into more detail on love letters for your wedding day. 

2. Exchange Gifts

Another way to feel connected with one another on your wedding day, is to exchange gifts.  Have a staff member at the venue or hotel, or someone in the wedding party, deliver the gift to your fiance the morning of your wedding day.  Or some time during the day after you've parted ways to prepare.  And again, you can choose to wait to open the gift until your photographer arrives so that you can have the special moment captured.

3. Have a "First Touch"

Some times when the nerves start getting high as you prepare during the day, all it takes to calm you is a simple touch from your soulmate.  Simply have your family or wedding party help coordinate bringing you to where the other is preparing, or anywhere in your venue, so as not to accidentally walk in on each other.  You can both stay on opposite sides of the door, opened just enough to hold hands and hear each others voice, or stand around a corner from one another, still out of sight but close enough to connect by holding hands and whisper lovingly.

4. Plan a Surprise

Who doesn't love a surprise from your partner?  Plan ahead to do something sweet and simple enough to actually pull off sometime during your wedding day activities and preparation.  Write a love letter that you hide in your fiance's ditty bag, or hide it somewhere you know they will find during the day.  Plan ahead to decorate your car with flowers or ribbons as a surprise for when you part ways that morning or the night before.  Have a single rose delivered.  There are many small ways you can surprise each other.

5. Teaser Text Messages

If none of the above are quite your thing, or you run out of time to properly prepare something for your soon-to-be spouse, simply send "teaser" photos back and forth throughout the day via your cell phones.  It can be a playful way to stay connected during the getting ready part of the day while still not seeing each other.  

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