When the Day Flies By: Holding Onto What Matters Most

Guest post written by Hanna Broom of Gatherings by HB

Quincy + Taylor McKinney’s Wedding at The Josephine

It happens at nearly every wedding.

The day starts slow. Coffee's brewing, curling irons are hot, you're surrounded by people you love. It feels like there's plenty of time.

Until there isn't.

Before you know it, you're making your grand exit as husband and wife, the music's playing, and everyone’s cheering you on into the night. And almost every couple looks at me and says the same thing: "It went by so fast."

As a wedding coordinator here in Alexandria, Louisiana, I’ve seen it again and again. It really is the best day ever. But with so many beautiful moments, so much love in one place, and the surreal feeling of it all finally happening, it flies by in the blink of an eye.

That's why I'm a huge fan of anything that helps couples slow it down and actually be present. One of the best ways? A first look.

A First Look Slows Everything Down (In the Best Way)

I'll be honest. I didn't do a first look at my own wedding. I was all in on tradition. I thought it would be more emotional if my fiancée saw me for the first time walking down the aisle.

And yes, that moment was special.

But looking back, I really wish we'd had a first look too.

There's something so grounding about taking a quiet moment, just the two of you, before everything starts. It's not about the pictures (though they’re always amazing). It's about breathing. Hugging. Crying if you want to. Laughing if you need to. Saying, "Can you believe we're doing this?" without anyone else around.

You get a second to just be together before the rest of the day sweeps you up. It sets the tone. It calms your nerves. And it honestly gives you more time in your day.

You Actually Gain Time with a First Look

When you do a first look, you’re also freeing up the timeline. Portraits, family photos, wedding party pictures. All of those can happen before the ceremony. Which means after the ceremony? You’re not cramming in a full photo session or keeping your guests waiting.

You can head straight into celebrating. Cocktail hour. Reception. Dancing. You’ve done the work. Now you get to enjoy it.

And your photos? They’re usually better. You’re not rushed. Your hair and makeup are still fresh. You’re not squinting in the late afternoon sun or battling the Louisiana heat after an hour outside. And when paired with professional wedding videography, those relaxed, beautiful moments come to life all over again.

Caleb + Gracie’s First Look at The Hotel Bentley

It Doesn’t Take Away from the Aisle Moment

This is one of the biggest misconceptions I hear. That if you see each other before the ceremony, the walk down the aisle won’t feel as special.

I promise you, it still does.

Because here's the thing. When those doors open and the music starts and everyone turns to look at you, your heart still skips. Your eyes still well up. That moment is still big. It’s just that now, you’re not relying on it to be your only emotional connection. You’ve already had a moment that was just yours. So now you get to feel this one even more.

You Can Make It Your Own

A first look doesn’t have to be the classic tap-on-the-shoulder pose. It can be whatever fits your personality and your love story. I’ve seen couples read letters before turning around. Step through doors. Walk down staircases. Some bring in their wedding party to cheer. Some keep it totally private.

You can laugh your way through it or cry your way through it. Either way, it’s yours.

Even with a First Look, the Day Goes Fast

I remember being on our honeymoon and telling my fiancée, "I can't believe so-and-so didn't make it to the wedding." Then a few days later, she posted a picture of the two of us together. I had no memory of it.

That’s just how the day goes. You’re soaking in what you can, but your brain is juggling a million things.

And that’s where wedding videography quietly becomes one of the most valuable things. Not in a flashy way, but in the way it helps you remember. Helps you see what you missed. Helps you hear the laughter again. Watch your fiancée’s reaction. Notice the small details. Revisit the hugs and dances and happy chaos.

The couples I work with who choose to have their wedding filmed always say the same thing after. "I'm so glad we have this."

Wedding videography doesn’t just preserve memories. It brings back the motion, the sound, and the heart of the day in a way nothing else can.

Weddings move fast. You blink and it’s gone. But when you plan moments of pause and choose to preserve what matters, you don’t just remember the day. You get to truly carry it with you.

Hanna Broom

Gatherings by HB

Hanna is a wedding coordinator with over eight years of experience helping couples feel calm, prepared, and fully present on their wedding day. Based in Alexandria, she loves bringing timelines, vendors, and meaningful details together seamlessly while serving as an advocate, advisor, and friend to her couples. When she’s not coordinating weddings, you’ll find her enjoying iced coffee, documentaries, family time, and dreaming of Glacier National Park.

Connect with Hanna at https://www.gatheringsbyhb.com!