Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 7 Things to Do in the Morning to Be Healthier and More Productive

      7 Things to Do in the Morning to Be Healthier and More Productive

      Kick-start your day by making habits out of these mood-boosting tips. Read More
    • Should You Refrigerate Bananas?

      Should You Refrigerate Bananas?

      It's one of your favorite fruits, but does it belong on the counter or in the refrigerator? Read More
    • This 3-Ingredient Homemade Weed Killer Uses Vinegar to Safely Remove Pesky Growths from Your Garden

      This 3-Ingredient Homemade Weed Killer Uses Vinegar to Safely Remove Pesky Growths from Your Garden

      A few easy-to-find ingredients are all you need to create a powerful formula that squashes weeds. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    Our 20 Most Popular Recipes for Summer

    Our 20 Most Popular Recipes for Summer

    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    The Most Patriotic Flowers for the Fourth of July, According to Symbolism

    The Most Patriotic Flowers for the Fourth of July, According to Symbolism

    Show your love of country by displaying these varieties on America's birthday.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    How to Start Entertaining Friends and Family More Regularly

    How to Start Entertaining Friends and Family More Regularly

    Make gathering with loved ones a priority.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Baby Shower Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • You're Invited
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    We're Putting Up Walls Again—Is the Open Floor Plan on Its Way Out?

    We're Putting Up Walls Again—Is the Open Floor Plan on Its Way Out?

    We asked the experts to weigh in on this popular home design concept.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    A Month-by-Month Hydrangea Care Guide

    A Month-by-Month Hydrangea Care Guide

    Confused about when to do what to your favorite flowering shrubs? We have you covered.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Wash Pillows

    How to Wash Pillows

    They're an essential element of a comfortable bed, so keep yours fresh and in their best shape ever with these expert-approved tips.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Who Pays for What for the Wedding?

    Who Pays for What for the Wedding?

    Get the traditional rules for who pays for the wedding details.
    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    How to Melt and Reuse the Leftover Wax from Candles

    How to Melt and Reuse the Leftover Wax from Candles

    Our easy melt-and-pour method saves the last bit of this home essential.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
    • Rescue & Revamp
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    Can Rice Water Really Encourage Hair Growth?

    Can Rice Water Really Encourage Hair Growth?

    This buzzy ingredient is a star player in many new-age hair care products.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
    • Net Worth
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Weddings
  3. Real Weddings
  4. 13 Priceless Grooms' Reactions to Seeing Their Brides for the First Time
Martha Stewart Weddings

13 Priceless Grooms' Reactions to Seeing Their Brides for the First Time

taysha-murtaugh-088-d112001.jpg
By Taysha Murtaugh
Skip gallery slides
Pin
natalie-jeff-rw0513-3409.jpg
Credit: Rebecca Amber Photography

They smiled, cried, and embraced in these first looks!

Start Slideshow

1 of 14

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
natalie-jeff-rw0513-3409.jpg
Credit: Rebecca Amber Photography

These couples didn't wait until the ceremony to gaze upon one another for the first time. In a relatively new tradition, they met prior to saying their I do's. Indeed, more and more soon-to-be-newlyweds are carving out time together before being among their guests, whether to schedule wedding photos, calm preceremony jitters, or to simply grab an intimate moment together. Worried a first look may diminish the emotional impact of the big-day unveiling? As these photos show, that couldn't be further from the truth.

1 of 14

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 14

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Molly and Patrick

molly-patrick-wedding-firstlook-3094-s111760-0115.jpg
Credit: Nancy Ray Photography
See More Details From Molly and Patrick’s Wedding

Patrick patiently waited, facing the opposite direction, for his bride to come tap him on the shoulder to turn around. "It was then, when I saw her in her wedding dress for the first time, that I realized it was actually going to happen, I had somehow found a way to marry the girl of my dreams," Patrick says. "When I first saw her that day, our entire relationship flashed before my eyes, starting with our first date. Finally seeing her in her dress made it all real for me, and I realized she had chosen me as her partner for life. Not to mention that she looked so amazing!"

2 of 14

3 of 14

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Coleen and Brandon

coleen-brandon-wedding-firstlook3-0614.jpg
Credit: Landon Jacob
See More Details From Coleen and Brandon’s Wedding

Brandon walked down the venue's staircase and stood next to his bride, who was waiting alone with her eyes closed, took her hand, closed his eyes, and said a quick prayer for only the two of them to hear. After he finished, they both opened their eyes to soak in the look on each other's faces. "What a moment. It was ours and ours alone," says Coleen.

3 of 14

Advertisement

4 of 14

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Dean and Michael

dean-michael-rw0313-0222.jpg
Credit: Edyta Szyszlo
See More Details From Dean and Michael’s Wedding

Both Dean and Mike teared up when they met in front of the barn in the middle of the afternoon to see each other for the first time.

4 of 14

5 of 14

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Natalie and Jeff

natalie-jeff-rw0513-3409.jpg
Credit: Rebecca Amber Photography
See More Details From Natalie and Jeff’s Wedding

Jeff stood blindfolded (as the couple's parents and bridal party looked on) until his bride-to-be approached him and removed his blindfold for their first look. They chose to pose for portraits before the ceremony to ensure they wouldn't miss out on mingling during cocktail hour.

5 of 14

6 of 14

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Kendra and Jeff

kendra-jeff-rw0313-3186.jpg
Credit: Nancy Ray Photography
See More Details From Kendra and Jeff’s Wedding

Before their ceremony, this couple shared a beautiful, private first look before posing for portraits in the venue's apple orchard.

6 of 14

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 14

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Irby and Adam

irby-adam-wedding-firstlook-88-s111660-1014.jpg
Credit: Landon Jacob
See More Details From Irby and Adam’s Wedding

Irby and Adam decided early on in the planning process that they would do a first look. "In retrospect, I love the time we were able to spend together before the ceremony," Irby says. "The pictures taken by our photographers, Landon Jacob, will always hold a special place in our hearts."

7 of 14

8 of 14

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Alison and Chris

first-look-alison-chris-f2010-0115.jpg
Credit: Kate Headley Photography
See More Details From Alison and Chris’s Wedding

Wanting to spend precious time alone to reflect on the day, Alison and Chris embraced when they met for their first look a few hours before the ceremony.

8 of 14

9 of 14

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Emily and Brett

emily-brett-wedding-firstlook-0414.jpg
Credit: PHOTOPHILCRO
See More Details From Emily and Brett’s Wedding

Surrounded by their close friends, excitement and happiness overwhelmed Emily and Brett when they first saw each other on their big day in Calgary, Canada.

9 of 14

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 14

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

CJ and Adrien

catherine-adrien-wedding-firstlook-0370-s111414-0814.jpg
Credit: Elisabeth Millay
See More Details From CJ and Adrien’s Wedding

This Southern belle met her Frenchman for a quiet, breathtaking moment beneath the trees.

10 of 14

11 of 14

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Vanessa and Gavin

first-look-vanessa-gavin-w2011-0115.jpg
Credit: The Day by Ira Lippke
See More Details From Vanessa and Gavin’s Wedding

At the suggestion of their planner, Marianne Weiman-Nelson of Special Occasions Event Planning, Vanessa and Gavin met in private before becoming Mr. and Mrs. Hood. "We both laughed and cried," Vanessa says. "It was the culmination of three blissful days and the beginning of our new life together. The moment we saw each other, the nerves dissipated; we were ready to enjoy the ceremony."

11 of 14

12 of 14

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lauren and Jason

lauren-jay-rw0513-00057.jpg
Credit: Trent Bailey Photography
See More Details From Lauren and Jason’s Wedding

A couple hours prior to their arrival at their venue, Lauren and Jason looked at each other for the first time that day. After a few special seconds and snaps of the camera, their nerves disappeared.

12 of 14

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 14

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Casey and Ross

casey-ross-wedding-couple-285-s111514-1114.jpg
Credit: Flora + Fauna
See More Details From Casey and Ross’s Wedding

Casey and Ross had a "first look" at the bathhouses at Hither Hills State Park Campground, a meaningful place to Casey because of childhood memories made there with her family.

13 of 14

14 of 14

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Kate and Joe

kate-joe-wedding-couple-0103-s111816-0215.jpg
Credit: Collin Hughes

Seeing Kate in her wedding gown for the first time was the most memorable part of the day for Joe. The bride and groom first set eyes on each other in the bride's favorite room of their wedding venue.

14 of 14

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Taysha Murtaugh

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    `
    Martha Stewart Weddings
    View All
    • This Couple's Farm Wedding Perfectly Blended Rustic and Modern Aesthetics
    • What Is a "Volunteer-Moon" and How to Decide If You Should Take One
    • Kate Middleton and Prince William Unveiled Their First Royal Portrait
    • How to Find a Wedding Dress Seamstress You Click With
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 14
    2 of 14 Molly and Patrick
    3 of 14 Coleen and Brandon
    4 of 14 Dean and Michael
    5 of 14 Natalie and Jeff
    6 of 14 Kendra and Jeff
    7 of 14 Irby and Adam
    8 of 14 Alison and Chris
    9 of 14 Emily and Brett
    10 of 14 CJ and Adrien
    11 of 14 Vanessa and Gavin
    12 of 14 Lauren and Jason
    13 of 14 Casey and Ross
    14 of 14 Kate and Joe

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    13 Priceless Grooms' Reactions to Seeing Their Brides for the First Time
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.