Today I’m sharing another post in our “Best of 2016” mini-series. If you missed the first post in the series, click here to check it out: Best of 2016 Wedding Day Details. That post may have been one of our most beautiful to date but today I’m sharing one of our sweetest! Whether our couples choose to do a traditional first look walking down the aisle or opt for a modern first look before their ceremony, the moment when a groom sees his bride for the first time is always a favorite of any wedding day! It was hard to choose but here are my very favorite first look photos of 2016 – enjoy!

Best of 2016 | First Looks

First Look at Monmouth University

Meet Mike! This was a first look for the books! And the sweetest part? All his buddies were looking on from several feet away but that didn’t keep Mike from tearing up at the site of his gorgeous bride!

First Look at Grand Cascades Lodge

Check out the big smile on Lauren and Chad’s faces? These two had the happiest of faces during their first look!

First Look at Park Savoy Estate

Courtney and Ryan’s first look was as classic as they come. The backdrop fit perfectly with their wedding style and their sweet, authentic emotions set the tone for a beautiful wedding day!

First Look at Monmouth University

Do you remember when Jay’s sister got married? Her hubby, Steve, had one of the best reactions of the year! There is actually an “ugly cry” photo of him but I’ll spare him the embarrassment, hehe.

First Look in Weehawkin

Nicco was cool, calm, and collected for his first look with Jenna!

First Look at the Irish Famine Memorial

I think this was our most suspenseful first look last year! That may have been due to the fact that we had Danny waiting outside for a bit while we took some extra bridal portraits of Joaimee at the Conrad Hotel. Sorry, Danny! But she was worth the wait =)

Traditional First Look at Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Church

Another tearful groom and an oh-so-happy bride! And check out Lisa’s father and step-father, too! So many emotions!!

First Look at Indian Trail Club

First, can we talk about the setting for Cortney and John’s first look? So beautiful! And I just love how John looks at Cortney – this made for one of our most tender first looks!

Traditional first look at St. Robert Bellarmine Church

Both Katie and Robby were crying for this one! Who can blame them – these two met back during their sophomore year of college. It was a long-awaited day for sure.

First Look at Holly Hedge Estate

It may have been 99 degrees on the day of Ashley and Johnny’s wedding but you’d never know it here! They had gorgeous sunshine and the best, most romantic, post-first-look hug.

First look during wedding ceremony at St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Katherine and Chris had the same exact expressions during their first look as they tried their best to contain all their emotions!

First Look at Stone Row Farms

Lauren and Frank had one of the hottest weddings of the year but that didn’t keep them from having their first look out in the field. These two were all smiles!

Traditional first look at the Church of St. Denis

Oh, Andrew and Lindsay! They’re lucky these images turned out sharp because they both had me in tears that day!!

First Look at Readington Reformed Church

This was a few moments after Jason’s first look but I’m including it anyway because this image is everything. This is the “I-can’t-take-my-eyes-off-her” kind of look that every bride wants on her wedding day.

First Look at Olde Mill Inn

And last but not least – this is the “Wowzers” first look! Loved Rob’s reaction to seeing Erin for the first time!

I hope you enjoyed this selection of our very favorite first looks from 2016! More favorites from last year coming next Wednesday so stay tuned!