I'm sitting in front of my computer and I can't believe it's been four years since I blogged my first post about a bride and groom opting to see each other before the wedding ceremony. Back in 2008, I explained the benefits of a First Look both as a photographer, but also as a bride who chose break tradition and see my husband in advance of the aisle. In retrospect, I tried to showcase the benefits…and then in 2009, my grooms spoke for themselves and articulated their experiences.

Still to this day, it's one of my favorite posts because this amazing group of men stood behind their decision and endorsed the experience.

I'm extraordinary proud of working in advance to walk my clients through choosing the best fit for them. Sure, not every couple sees each other before the ceremony, but most of them do and it creates such a wonderful dynamic for photos and a wonderful layout to fully enjoying the wedding day. I could, of course, go on and on about these experiences, but sometimes it's best to let photos do the talking…

When a bride and groom get a moment to themselves on their wedding day, it frees them to express their truest emotions and this was no more evident at Laura and Adam's Cancun wedding…

I particularly like this photo of Mikaela and Shane's Canada wedding at Hycroft Manor because it appears he knows he's the luckiest man in the world…

Even the strongest manly man sheds a tear or two when he sees his bride for the first time…Eric and Sonya's wedding at Terranea Resort was so sweet…

And the tears aren't limited to the men…here Jody and Shannon were overcome with emotion and excitement at their Parker Palm Springs wedding…

Stephanie and Sam were all laughs and joy at their Adamson House wedding…

Downtown Los Angeles couldn't contain Vince and Tina's excitement…

When Rachele and Will opted to see each other before their El Cortez wedding in San Diego, he was more than ready to get his beautiful wife in his sights…

I adored Joel and Jami's First Look at The Montage…Jami–literally–took his breath away and their first moments together were sweeter than sweet…

This isn't new wedding work, but, taken together, offers insight into why I'm so passionate about talking with my clients and letting them know their options. A wedding day offers just a few precious hours, so maximizing time together, with guests, and at their party seems to make sense…all the while offering photographers like myself the ability to document love. Uninhibited.

Stay Fabulous,
j*