Amanda + Matthew - June Wedding in White Bear Lake, Minnesota
Amanda and Matthew had such a wonderful wedding! Everything was just perfect including these two. Nothing could stop the smiles on their faces. I don't think they stopped smiling since they saw each other for the first time while Amanda walked down the aisle. I had a great time filming with you guys and hope you enjoy reliving your big day over and over! Thanks for choosing Olsen Media!
Music licensed through art-list.io and musicbed.com
"First Look"... Do or Don't
Something as special as the first time you see your future husband or wife before saying I do is a big deal, to say the least. You want it to be right and to be a moment you think back on with such fond memory. For in that moment your world will change forever, as you look into the eyes of the person who is with you now and will be there until the end. There are different ways to do this, and as a women I can honestly say that it isn't an easy decision to make. What decision is easy when planning the day that sets the rest of your life into action? None! I am here to help and hopefully help make this decision a little easier for you! There are positives and not so great things to anything but it really comes down to what is best for you, as a soon to be married couple. There are two ways that are common to see one another for the first time before you say, "I do" and though different, both are special in their own, unique ways.
Let's point out the details of each to help steer you in the direction of what is a right for you...
Way #1: The Traditional Way
First, lets take a moment to point out the positives of seeing one another for the first time while walking down that beautiful aisle!
- You get to see each other for the first time in front of your dearest family and friends. And in doing so, they get to share that moment and be a reminder to you of the excitement and expressions encompassed in that moment when you walked towards the love of your life. This can be so special!
- That exciting thought, that the next time you see the love of your life you will be walking down that aisle towards them and not a moment before!
Now, lets point out some of the things you may not prefer about this traditional way of seeing one another for the first time!
- This moment is shared with family and friends!
- In this moment, when you are excited to see your soon to be spouse, your focus may be divided by the nerves of having all eyes on you. However, if you do not have stage freight, ignore this! You are lucky!
- When you see each other, most likely your hearts will jump for joy and you will probably want to jump with them, and into each other's arms! Not only that, but you may want to "ooo", and "ahhh" over how enchanting you both look and express how you are feeling in that moment. With this traditional way, it's not to say you can't do those things but in front of family and friends that's not typically how it happens.
Recap of why the "Traditional Way" MAY BE for you:
- You want the first time you see each other to be witnessed and shared with family and friends!
- It's the way you have always pictured it happening!
Recap of why the "Traditional Way" may NOT be for you:
- You want the this moment to be more private!
- You want to option to express feelings in whatever way you are feeling in that moment!
- You have nerves in front of people, that may take away from the first moment you see one another for the first time!
Way #2: First Look Way
Alright, let's uncover the positives of seeing one another in private before walking down the aisle!
- You won't need to worry about the added nerves of your friends and family being there to watch the first time you see one another!
- You are able to freely express your authentic feelings in that very special moment however you choose! Whether that be jumping into each other's arms and hugging and kissing, telling each other how incredible you both look, or praying a prayer together before the whole point of the day gets taken underway!
- Depending on the schedule of your day, the photos you take with the wedding party and your future spouse may fit in better before the ceremony and this way of seeing each other for the first time allows that!
Now, lets point out some of the things you may not prefer about this "First Look" way of seeing one another for the first time!
- Even though this way of seeing each other for the first time has it's benefits, if the thought of this is just not giving you a happy gut feeling because you have always envisioned something different, than maybe this isn't for you. You need to be true to yourselves! This is your day after all!
- Maybe it's important to you to share this moment with your closest family and friends, and you don't mind the nerves or don't have them!
- Sharing the moment with family and friends outweighs the reasons for why you would do a "First Look"!
Recap of why the "First Look Way" MAY BE for you:
- You want to say goodbye to added nerves!
- You want that private time to express your feelings in whatever way you choose!
- It makes the most sense with the schedule of your day!
Recap of why the "First Look Way" may NOT be for you:
- It's just not how you have envisioned it happening, and that's okay!
- Nerves aren't a concern for you!
- Wanting your family and friends there outweigh the other reasons you would choose to do a "First Look"!
I hope that in reading this, it has helped make your decision a little easier and has made what you truly want stand out!
Olivia Saari - Administrative Assistant, Olsen Media
Which way do you prefer and why? Let us know in the comments!
Trevor + Anna - Summer Wedding at the Arboretum
Peter + Lauren - Incredible Wedding in the Twin Cities, MN
Peter and Lauren are such a fun couple! They have so much personality mixed in with their genuine love and affection for each other. Their wedding was beautiful and they were given a special sendoff by friends and family with a chorale arrangement that was incredibly beautiful. Thank you to Peter and Lauren for having us capture your wedding!
Music licensed through the Music Bed and Art List.io
Videography/Photography - Olsen Media
Venue - Corpus Christi Roseville
Makeup Artist - Beauty by Jacquelyn
Andrew + Alyssa - Awesome Wedding in Plymouth, MN
A perfect day for a perfect couple! This wedding day couldn't have gone better. Andrew and Alyssa is a love story that was meant to be and it was awesome to be able to capture it all. You could tell that their relationship, rooted in Christ, is built to last. Thank you guys for having me film your big day and congratulations!
Music licensed through Musicbed.com and Art list.io
Adam + Kelsey - Beautiful Wedding at Grandview Lodge in Brainerd, MN
I love being in the north woods of Minnesota. I've been going there since I was young and even lived there for about 4 years. So, I jumped at the opportunity to shoot at Grandview Lodge. The real bonus though was filming with Kelsey and Adam. They just had fun all day and celebrated their love together. Thank you both for having me film your big day and congratulations!
Music licensed through the Music Bed and Art List io
Photographer - Tim Larsen - timlarsenphoto.com
Venue - Grandview Lodge - grandviewlodge.com
Aaron + Kelsey - Sunny Wisconsin Wedding!
From secret love to publicly declaring it, this couple was meant for each other. They had one of the hottest days of the summer but the sun couldn't dampen any spirits that day as it was their love for each other that covered over all. Everyone had a ton of fun and I'm so glad that we were able to document and retell the story for you all now. Thanks Aaron and Kelsey for having us be a part of your big day and congratulations to you and your new family!
Music licensed through the Music Bed and Art List io
Clayton + Jessica - Downtown Minneapolis Wedding
Photography by Amanda Marie
Planning by Ask for the Moon Events
Ceremony at Hennepin UMC
Reception at Aria MPLS
Nathan + Hannah - Beautiful Malaysian Wedding in Minneapolis!
For the full gallery of photos, click here
Matt + Alison - Wonderful Winter Wedding!
Bryce + Megan - New Year's Eve Wedding
Louis + Kristen - Minnesota Video Awards Submission
Update 3/23: This video has been selected to be in the top 10! I won't know until the day of the awards ceremony where it will land but it's an honor to be in the top 10 once again. The Minnesota Video Awards are being held on April 7th at Abulae.
Southern MN Weddings Photo Shoot - Behind the Scenes
For more info on Southern MN Weddings - southernminnesotaweddings.com
Also check out the photographer, Daniel Dinsmore - dinsmorephotography.com
Jake + Kaili - Beautiful November Wedding!
Chris + Molly - Awesome Barn Wedding in Ohio
What a great couple! Molly though of everything in planning this wedding down to gift baskets at the hotels for her out of town guests and Chris just couldn't stop smiling the entire day. Their day was filled with laughs, especially during the mother/son dance. Thank you to the Pucketts for having me film your big day and congratulations to you both!
Music licensed through the Music Bed
