Wedding at Mision Lago Estate in Tampa

This Spring wedding at Mision Lago Estate in Tampa, FL was a beautiful celebration for Mallory and Mohammad
as they said their I DO’s surrounded by their friends and family and bringing together their cultural traditions. Of course,
a little rain threatened the skies minutes before the bride walked down the aisle but the couple was willing to risk it all –and not a single
drop of rain made an appearance! hah!

Mision Lago Estate | Tampa Wedding Photographer

The couple opted for a first-touch instead of a first-look prior to the ceremony. These are two different yet intimate approaches to
those private moments leading up to the ceremony; both have their unique charm and emotional meaning.

For a first touch, instead of seeing each other face to face, the couple finds a private area where they can exchange words (sometimes
it’s vows), hold hands, pray together, and share their emotions without actually seeing each other. A first touch can be a beautiful, intimate, and emotional
experience for a couple without the traditional reveal.

A first look, on the other hand, is a planned moment where the couple sees each other for the first time in their wedding outfits.
Typically, this is more staged and focuses on the reactions of the couple. The wonderful thing about doing a first look
is that it allows for some time to get portraits of the couple before the rush of the ceremony; and in my experience as a wedding photographer, I can tell
you that seeing each other at the aisle after doing a first look is still an emotional experience! So don’t think you’re taking anything away
by doing that private first look.

In the end, there is no right or wrong answer here. The decision to do a first look or first touch is up to you/the couple and the intentions they want to set.
Some prefer the intimacy and privacy of a first touch while others prefer the excitement and anticipation of a first look and both are beautiful!