Jack and Ruby Photography by Kara Wieler and Becky Radtke

One of the biggest decisions couples have to make when planning their schedule for their wedding day is whether or not they should see each other before the ceremony.  Couples weigh out the pros and cons, and decide what works best for them.  Things they may consider are how important it is to them to wait to see each other at the end of the aisle, or how important it is for them that their guests not have to wait around for hours between the ceremony and the reception.  Everyone has a different opinion on this matter, and we’re here to tell you ours.

We planned our own weddings both as brides and as photographers, so we feel like we can give you the inside scoop from both perspectives.  It just so happens that we both chose to do a ‘first look’ and see our soon to be husbands before the wedding.  By doing this we were able to take our time with photos, enjoy the experience, and not worry about how long we were taking while our guests (especially the ones that traveled from out of town) tried to find something to do.  A first look can be just as special, if not MORE special, as seeing each other from down the aisle.  If you are more private people, a first look gives you the chance to enjoy that big moment without 150 sets of eyes on you.  Sometimes the first look is the only moment the couple has completely alone on their whole wedding day.  When you see each other you can hug, you can tell your new spouse how awesome they look, you can tell them how excited you are for the day, you can tell them how much you love them.

Kristen and Ike chose to do a first look on their beautiful wedding day in June and these sweet photos give you a glimpse into their special moment.  Ike waiting for Kristen in the middle of the street, Kristen got out of the limo, walking up behind him and gently tapped him on the shoulder to let him know she was ready.  The moments to follow were so sweet and tender we almost had to reach for some Kleenex.  There was hugging, kissing, laughing and so many “I love you’s”.  Ike and Kristen had a moment to find out how each other’s mornings went, how they were feeling and all those nerves floated away when they comfortably hand in hand in the middle of that street.  Such a sweet and special moment they were able to share privately while we quietly worked our magic around them.  Once they had filled each other in on their respective mornings we took the chance to snap a few more formal pictures and then off we went, with just the two of them to a few photo locations that would be for just the two of them.

As you can see here with Ike and Kristen, choosing to see the bride/groom before the ceremony or choosing to do a “first look” as we call it, is an incredibly special way to start the day.   We encourage our couples to consider this, and then once they say “I do” they are free to relax, visit with their guests, and enjoy being married!

More from Ike and Kristen’s gorgeous June wedding coming soon!