Tips and Tricks :: A first look for your Dad

For those Brides blessed enough to have their Fathers with them on their wedding days, there’s always the forgotten moment of the first time Daddy sees his daughter in her wedding dress. Sometimes a Bride is in the middle of her hair and makeup, when her Dad comes in to see how things are going or ask for help with his boutonniere. Other times, Dad doesn’t end up seeing his daughter until they arrive at the church when there’s a time crunch, rushed to get down the aisle, and there’s no time for a real moment. Neither of these circumstances sound very meaningful, calm, quite, or beautiful. They seem like a moment that’s forgotten about. It happens all the time though, in the rush to get to the church on time or even during the planning process Brides forget about the other man in her life… the one who has been in love for her much longer than her Groom. Giving your Dad a moment to himself, to see you in your wedding dress for the first time in a private, un-rushed setting will be one of the greatest gifts you could give him. Away from crowds of guests with iPhones he’ll probably allow himself to tear up a bit. He’ll get to hug you, tell you he loves you, tell you he’s proud of you, and that even though he doesn’t really want to give you away he’s happy to do it… because it’s something you want.

Here’s how a moment like this comes about: by planning to do a First Look with your Father. Just like it sounds, your Father is given tasks to keep him busy the morning of your wedding, and told not to sneak in for a look until you’re ready. Then, usually after your bridal portraits, we find a quite place for your Dad to turn the corner, and see you for the first time. We’ll be there to photograph it, quietly, unobtrusively, respectfully, and you and your Dad will have this moment to cherish forever. We hope you’ll consider adding this quite time with your Dad to your wedding day timeline. And to those Brides who don’t have the option to do a Father First look, consider doing this very same thing with another important person in your life. Your mom, your grandmother, your brother, or the person walking you down the aisle.