First look, First Touch, and Traditional Look. Which is best for you?

Hi guys, 

This blog is going to talk about the differences between a first look, a first touch, and a traditional look on your wedding day! You may or may not know what each of these is but don’t worry, I’m going to walk you through them all. Let’s help you figure out which one is right for you on your wedding day!

The first thing you’ll want to know is that each of these “looks” will switch up your wedding timeline a bit. Having a first look is going to change how your wedding day flows because the majority of your photos will be taken before the ceremony, whereas with a traditional look the majority of the photos will be taken after. A first touch is something special to do while still keeping your traditional look.

1. First Look

Let’s start with talking about first looks! To be honest, most wedding photographers prefer first looks because they can help make your wedding day run smoother. That is true but more importantly, first looks give you a chance to have a quiet and intimate moment with your partner. It’s hard to find that in an otherwise bustling and busy day! With a first look we make sure that it is just you two. Plus myself and a videographer or second shooter if they are there. I silently capture the first look while you two see each other for the first time. 

What I  love about first looks is that you are carving out an intentional moment that you may not get otherwise. Walking down the aisle to see each other for the first time is also amazing! But brides have attested that that moment completely flies by and you almost black out that feeling! But with a first look you really get a chance to soak each other in and feel the moment take place. 

Like I said, it also does help make your timeline run smoother in the sense that we will take the majority of your photos before the ceremony with a first look! Since you both will have seen each other we can take your bridal portraits, bridal party photos, and even family photos before the ceremony. This helps make it so that after the ceremony you can get right down to the reception! 

2. First Touch

Ok, onto a first touch. Similar to a first look, having a first touch lets you both have a special moment together before the ceremony! However, it doesn’t necessarily have to mean that you see each other before the ceremony. With a first touch, couples will often exchange a letter or a gift with each other but the catch is you don’t see each other! This can take place with you two standing back to back or even holding hands around a corner. It’s a way to take that time for each other without seeing each other first. You get to tell each other how excited you are and then part ways before the ceremony! With a first touch we will be taking the majority of your photos after the ceremony. 

3. Traditional Look

 

Finally, let’s talk about the traditional look. As you may have guessed by now, a traditional look is where you don’t see each other until your ceremony.  This is called a traditional look because well… it’s just that; traditional! In the past it was traditional for the couple to stay separated until the ceremony. What does that mean for you in modern times? Primarily that if you choose to have a traditional look, you will want to keep in mind that we will be doing the majority of your photos after the ceremony. Which is totally fine! But you’ll want to think about sunset time and how much time you are willing to give for photos. You’ll want to account for at least 1.5-2 hours of photos being taken after the ceremony with a traditional look, which some couples don’t mind. However some would prefer to go straight to the reception, and that is where a first look comes in handy. 

So now that you know a little bit about each type of look, you can start to decide which one will be right for you! I’m here to work with all of my couples on figuring out which option is best for their wedding day. So feel free to contact me today and we’ll start planning your timeline together! 

-Liz