A bride’s heartfelt advice to couples planning their weddings is resonating online.

In a TikTok video, Haley Dwyer shared how she and her husband swapped the popular “first look” photo session for a more intimate “first touch” and private vow exchange before the ceremony, calling it her “favorite part of the day.” Dwyer spoke to Newsweek about how the idea came about, and how it set the tone for what was to come.

The clip shows Dwyer in her off-the-shoulder lace gown, preparing for the moment. It then cuts to her and her groom standing back-to-back, holding hands tightly, looking away from each other as they share their vows privately before seeing each other at the altar.

Dwyer explained the inspiration behind their decision, which aimed to blend tradition with intimacy.

“We really wanted to preserve that moment of seeing each other for the first time at the altar—I had always dreamed of that emotional, walk-down-the-aisle moment,” she said. “But we also knew we wanted to share our vows privately, just us. The ‘first touch’ gave us the best of both worlds: that emotional connection before the ceremony without giving away the big reveal. It felt more intimate, more us.”

The “first touch,” for them, was a way to center themselves before one of the biggest days of their lives.

“Reading our vows in that quiet space was incredibly grounding. It gave us a moment to slow down, breathe, and remember why we were there—before everything else started happening,” Dwyer said.

This private exchange didn’t detract from the traditional reveal; instead, Dwyer said she felt it enhanced the entire day’s atmosphere and their connection.

“There was this immediate sense of calm and closeness that stayed with us, even as we were pulled in a hundred directions,” she said. “It reminded us that no matter how beautiful the flowers were or how perfect the reception was, our vows to each other were the heart of it all.”

Crucially, she added, “It made the actual first look down the aisle that much more powerful.”

While advocating for the “first touch,” she also stressed the importance of couples choosing what feels authentic to them.

“Not every couple wants or needs a private moment like that, but if you’re someone who gets easily overwhelmed or emotional, it’s such a grounding way to start your day.” she said. “It gave us a little bubble of peace in the middle of the beautiful chaos.”

Surprised by the video’s widespread resonance online, Dwyer said she believes the appeal lies in its authenticity. Her final piece of advice for brides-to-be ultimately encouraged personalization over strict tradition: “If you’re planning a wedding, don’t be afraid to make it yours,” she said. “Break traditions, start new ones, and create space for the things that matter most to you and your partner. That’s what you’ll remember forever.”