Your wedding will be one of the biggest milestones in your life. One day, filled with pure love and emotion that will live on in the memories of your friends, families and, of course, both of your lives forever. Even on a day filled with so much emotion, one of the most memorable parts is when the bride and groom see each other for the first time.

Chances are, you’ve seen or heard about couples breaking the tradition of waiting to see the bride until she walks down the aisle and choosing instead to do what’s called a first look. A first look involves a one-on-one photography session between the bride and groom, where they have the opportunity to see each other before the ceremony.

Here are five reasons why you should consider having a first look before you say “I do”.

1. Take The Pressure Off

No matter what, on your wedding day you are going to have some nerves when your ceremony is approaching. Sometimes nerves can get the best of you and take away from really feeling all the feels. But, thanks to doing a first look ,you can take some of those nerves off rather than letting the anticipation build all day. Doing a first look lets you get out the jitters and allows the anticipation to turn pure joy and excitement the moment you lay eyes on each other.

Bride and Groom looking at each other.

2. Have Some Alone Time

The first look is one of the few moments where you’ll get to enjoy each other’s company and have some alone time to take in your special day together. It’s as intimate as it gets! This moment allows you both to be yourselves, hug, kiss, talk, laugh, and really cherish the moment without being surrounded by family and friends.

3. Look Your Best

A first look allows you to look the best during your photos. Of course, you both will look perfect all day, but when you have a first look, your photos will be taken before the ceremony and reception. This will ensure that your hair is in place, your dress and the groom’s tux is perfect, and you haven’t cried off your mascara yet.

4. Get More Photos

This day only happens once, and it would be such a shame to look back at your wedding day and wish you had more time scheduled for photos. Hiring a wedding photographer is a huge investment and doing a first look is a great way to get the most out of this investment. Waiting until after the ceremony for photos can cause the shoot to be rushed so that you make it to the reception on time, which can make it difficult to get all the photos you want. The first look is the absolute best way to get more portraits of you and your partner together. These are the photos that one day you will show your children, that will be passed down from generation to generation, and will be framed and displayed in your home for the years to come.

5. More Time To Relax

Doing a first look allows you to get your must-have photos with the families and bridal party done earlier in the day so that you’ll have more free time after the ceremony. Instead of having to spend an hour after the ceremony taking pictures, you will actually be able to enjoy cocktail hour with your guests. You’ll have time to relax, mingle, have a drink, eat some food and actually enjoy your reception without feeling late or rushed. Your family and friends will love this too because they’ll have more time to mingle with you as husband and wife.

These are just a few of the reasons to consider doing a first look on your wedding day. And remember, just because the first moment you see each other isn’t walking down the aisle, it doesn’t make it any less special! Walking down the aisle will still be just as emotional and magical, and it will still be an amazing memory that you will both cherish for the rest of your lives. A first look allows you to have that amazing feeling twice and gives you both a moment where time really slows down and take in the day.