We get that, too! In our experience, even couples who choose to do a first look show just as emotion, if not more when the groom sees the bride walk down the aisle. When the groom sees the bride walking down the aisle for the first time, he is in front of his closest family and friends, he will experience a whole other level of emotion just by being surrounded everyone when he his bride makes her entrance. It is a completely different feeling and we have NEVER heard of any of our couples "regret" doing a first look before.

There are many reasons to consider a first look and they are all different depending on how you envision your wedding day and what is important to the both of you. Personally, when I was a bride for a day I chose to do it because I have very high anxiety. I knew that when I saw John for the first time it would relieve my anxiety and pressure that I had about walking down the aisle. I knew the comfort of his arms was a place I needed to be before the big "I do" and it was the only way to get me to relax.... and SERIOUSLY, check him out below - he STILL cried like a little, handsome baby even though he had already seen me. You would have never guessed!

From the second we walked in to Canyonwood Ridge, we knew that this wedding would be one for the books! The best part about their wedding was that it was the first night after Daylight savings, so when it got dark earlier it felt like we could really capitalize on the reception time, but the ceremony was RIGHT at golden hour. Our favorite memories were their first touch, Brooke's Enzonai Nurit gown, how hysterical it was when Ross got the garter & her dad was right behind her, and sending them off with all of their family and friends on a party bus. Favorite personal touches had to be - their friend officiating the ceremony and including a unity wine box, record player & records for a guestbook, and a cigar bar!  

We know that there are way too many important decisions to make & tasks at hand when it comes to planning your big day! We recognize that it is way too easy to get off track when it comes to planning so we are creating a guide to help you find a starting point. We will start with some resources where you can find your vendors and when you have narrowed it down to the ones you have consultations with, we will give you specific questions to ask.

First of all, it's important that when you do find someone you are interested in, you follow up and find their reviews - whether it's on their website, The Knot, Wedding Wire, Facebook, etc.

There are SO many helpful sources out there for locating your vendors! Here are a few we recommend:

• The Knot
• Wedding Wire
• Google
• Facebook Pages & Groups: Bride to Bride Austin & Surrounding Areas
• Instagram: Use hashtags #austinbride, #austinwedding, #atxwedding
• Open houses at venues
• Referrals: Ask the vendors you do have booked
• Weddings you're attending - if you see someone working, get a business card
• Bridal extravaganzas
• Thumbtack

And remember there are the preliminary questions you can ask all vendors, like -   are you or someone from your team available on that particular date? Do you charge a travel fee? How much is your deposit? When is your final balance due? Are there any other taxes, fees, or surcharges that I may not know about? Now let's talk specific questions tailored to each vendor you're shopping for!