There are a lot of details to think about when you’re planning a wedding, and we could literally do a whole article on ALL of them (we love lightning rounds! This or that - it’s just so much fun!). But one of our absolute favorite ‘should we, shouldn't we’ considerations is about first looks. You probably already know what they are, because #engaged, but if you aren’t familiar with the term, we’ll break it down for you. A first look, defined = The moment where a couple sees each other for the first time, before the ceremony. Actually, it can happen between the couple, the bride and her bridesmaids, or the bride and her father, and it’s not mutually exclusive, either; you can opt for one or ALL of the debut scenarios on your own special day.

Before we touch on all the reasons we’re #teamtotally for first looks, though, we’ll say that the final game play lies in your hands only. Tradition and timing are two of the biggest things influencing the first look decision, and they’re solid and completely understandable points. If the two of you have been thinking about seeing each other for the first time at the altar for as long as you’ve imagined what your wedding day would look like, then don’t derail your dreams, tradition is a big deal and nothing to compromise on. Just know that if timing is a chief concern of yours (and here we’re talking about needing to push up your ‘ready for photos’ time check), your photographer will 100 percent help you troubleshoot all of the trickiest ticks in your timeline. You’ll have support no matter what you sign up for - from your family, your vendor team, and your hype squad - so, if you’re still weighing your options, just take a look at these photos and try to envision yourselves in these beautiful soulmates’ shoes.