FIRST TOUCH

The wedding day is filled with a roller coaster of emotions ranging from anxiety, stress and euphoria sometimes all at the same time! There’s a new trend in weddings that addresses some of these anxieties. Sometimes the only person to put you at ease is that very person you are marrying. So what does the couple do that doesn’t necessarily want to minimize that moment when the bride appears at the end of the aisle, making the groom’s knees weak and eyes teary!?

Many couples are now choosing an alternative route to a First Look which brings the bride and groom together for a private meeting before the actual ceremony. This new alternative is referred to as the “First Touch.” The First Touch is a moment between the couple to exchange gifts or notes but without seeing each other (remember no peeking).

Coordinators or photographers try to find an out-of-the-way, quiet place like a convergence of two rooms, doorways, ballroom doors but wherever it is, it is definitely away from the prying eyes of guests and even the wedding party and family. Many couples take the time to pray together, ask their pastor or family friend to pray with or over them before the busyness of the day sets in and this time together — talking, holding each other’s hands — can help alleviate so much of the stress that the day can bring and truly help you remember what the day is about, joining together in a sacred act of marriage.

We have seen many couples who have felt apprehensive about sharing personal vows in front of a crowd choose to instead share their VERY personal feelings in letters to each other during their first touch and then stick to a more traditional vow exchange during their wedding ceremony. In today’s more modern approach to ceremonies, there are so many ways to make a wedding personal. All of this can be done either blind-folded or definitely having some sort of divider in between the couple so as to not spoil the moment when they see each other for the first time as the bride walks down the aisle.

If, as a bride or groom, you decide to do a first touch and you’d like it photographed, remember what it benefits, there really are not any drawbacks. Set your objectives together, decide what you want to accomplish from the time together — exchanging gifts, letters or a prayer. If a photographer clicking over you or videographer recording might be distracting in the moment, simply ask them to do it from a distance so that you can be “in the moment.”

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