Of all the wedding traditions out there first looks are probably one of the newest traditions!  Many couples are unsure of if they want to have a first look when they first start planning for the wedding day because they don’t know all of the benefits of including it in your big day. It can be a romantic addition to your wedding that reduces stress overall.

 

What Is The First Look?

The first look is when the groom sees the bride for the first time on the wedding day before the ceremony. As the photographer I scout out a first look location in advance so the bride and groom can share a private moment together. We’ll take the groom to the location first and make sure he’s turned away from where the bride will be approaching. My second shooter will stay with the groom while I return to get the bride.

The groom can either turn around as the bride approaches or the bride can tap the groom on the shoulder when she reaches him. My second shooter and I will capture the moment from two different angles during the  moment. This let’s capture photos of both the bride and the groom during the first look. These reactions are some of the most priceless of the day, but I recognize that it’s also an extremely private moment. We make sure to stand a respectful distance away and give you two a few minutes to yourselves to enjoy the moment before rolling into portraits!

 

The Benefits

Privacy || Doing a first look allows the first time the bride and groom see each other on the wedding day to be private. Rather waiting the entire day to see each other as you walk down the aisle you get to see each other first and share that moment privately. When a groom sees his bride walk down the aisle he’s going to be completely blown away by how beautiful she looks, but he can’t even talk to her until after the ceremony! All eyes are on the both of you and while it’s a beautiful moment it can also be overwhelming! The privacy a first look gives a couple allows them to express all their emotions without an audience. It takes the pressure off of both you and let’s an exciting moment be just between the two of you!

 

Less Stress || First looks take the pressure off! Since first looks are private they make the day much less nerve-racking. Instead of everyone staring at you two waiting to see a reaction you can relax and just genuinely enjoy the moment alone. Many of my grooms who’ve had the biggest reactions have had it during the first look. Grooms tend to relax and more emotional during a first look because they’re just enjoying it with their best friend– you!

 

More Portraits || A first look on your wedding day allows for almost twice as many portraits on your wedding day! You can take bride and groom portraits, bridal party and family formals before the ceremony. This is such a great alternative to trying to fit all of that into cocktail hour while your guests wait for you. If you choose to do all photos after the ceremony you may run out of time. Since family formals and wedding party photos usually take around 20-30 minutes each sometimes we’re left with less than ten minutes to do all the portraits of the bride and groom! These are some of the most cherished photos of the day. Passing up the opportunity to capture many could be a decision you regret later on.

 

Time Together || You two get to spend more time together! I joke with my brides that on their wedding day they spend time with me the most! (I’m literally there for every step of the day!) If you’re waiting to see each other until you walk down the aisle you’re really only getting to spend half the day together. Opting to do a first look give you a moment alone. There’s definitely a lot of added joy in getting extra hours together on your wedding day!

 

 

First Look Alternatives

I in no way would ever want to pressure a bride and groom to do a first look. While I think it’s important to have all the information about how they’re beneficial, in the end this is YOUR wedding day and you should do what makes you happy! If you don’t want to do a first look I’ll work with you to make your timeline work. We will still get all the portraits you want! I’ve had many couples opt not to do a first look and still get plenty of beautiful portraits. A few of my couples have even embraced some first look ‘alternatives’ such as…

 

exchanging letters/gifts…..

holding hands and talking without seeing each other…

and sharing a prayer before the ceremony.

These are all beautiful ways to share a private moment without seeing each other. These alternatives still help soothe nerves and give you two more time together on your wedding day.

In the end the decision to have a first look is up to you two. Regardless of what you choose I’m happy to help schedule your timeline and capture your wedding. It’s an honor to get to play a part in your big day and I’m so excited to be there for your first moments as newlyweds!

 

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