Should You do a First Look?

One of my favorite moments during a wedding day, is the First Look… no question about it. Whether it is prior to the ceremony or as she walks down the aisle, the first look says it all. Now the first look is a newer tradition and is typically done prior to the ceremony. There is nothing better than watching my couple’s faces light up as they see each other for the first time. The first look however is totally up to the couple. No one can make this decision but you. However I am here to talk about why you should choose to do a first look.

There are numerous reasons to choose a first look so let’s get started.

• A first look gives you a up close and private moment to see each other all dressed up and nervous for your big day. As he turns around you’ll see his face light up and hopefully if he’s super emotional he’ll cry. That’s always my favorite part! I love to see the emotions well up in a groom’s eyes as he sees the woman he’s going to marry and spend forever with. She’s going to be his forever and he can’t hold back the pure joy of those emotions.

• Another great reason to do a first look is you’ll probably want to talk to your groom. Doing a first look gives you time to slow down and take the whole day in. A first look is a great time to chat and to hear how excited each of you is to marry the other in a quiet private setting for just the two of you. 

Aside from the emotional reason to do a first look there are some practical timing reasons as well.

Timing.

Doing a First Look gives you much more time for photos without being rushed. As soon as you guys have had your moments to soak in your day, I typically photograph the bride and groom together for a bit. This is a great time to get couple photos before the whirlwind of the wedding officially begins. Then I photograph the bridal party. Getting the bridal party out of the way allows for more photo time after the ceremony. If we have time and your family has arrived, we will do some family photos before the ceremony and finish the rest afterwards.

Attending Cocktail Hour.

We typically do most of the photos during the cocktail hour. With the First Look and photos before the ceremony you can get to your cocktail hour sooner and enjoy your friends and family.

Light.

Depending on the time of year you are getting married and how late your ceremony starts, a First Look allows you to have beautiful natural light photos while it is still light outside. If you are getting married in December with a 6pm ceremony it will be practically dark by the end of your ceremony with very little daylight left for photos. By the time family and bridal party photos are done it will be pitch black for your couple photos which can be difficult. Doing a First Look, bride/groom photos, bridal party and even family photos prior to the ceremony and sunset will allow for your photos to be outside with gorgeous daylight!

Calming Your Nerves.

There are always nerves when it comes to the biggest day of your life and that is totally normal. A first look allows you time to soak it all in and remember why you spent so long planning. You did it so you could marry the love of your life. Many times a bride or groom might feel like doing a first look would take away from the moment of coming down the aisle but brides describe it as a completely different and magical experience. They are much more calm and can really enjoy it.

You could also choose to do a first look where you don’t actually see each other. Sometimes you just need a moment with your future spouse and doing a first look where you are near the other but don’t see each other can be just as magical. You could stand back to back and read handwritten letters to each other. You could even listen to your song as you just hold hands.

The first look is not for everyone and I certainly wouldn’t try to sway my couples to do one if they don’t want to. What I will do is be there to capture the moment you first see each other and the love that sparks between you, whether that be during your first look or as you walk down the aisle.