Today, lots of Couples and Photographers are talking about First looks when wedding planning. So what IS a First look? And is it right for you? A first look is when the Bride and Groom opt to see each other before the Ceremony and have that meeting documented by their wedding photographer. There are several reasons to consider this as an option for YOUR wedding.
Let’s face it, your wedding day is literally a whirlwind of excitement and emotions! The Bride and Groom get virtually NO time to themselves on this most important day…so a first look gives them a very small amount of time to see each other “alone” before the Ceremony begins. I think this is important because it gives you a few minutes to reflect on what you are about to embark on without a hundred people vying for your attention.
Second, I think it takes some of the pressure off of the Groom and allows him to see you (in all your beauty) without a thousand eyes watching for his reaction. This really seems to elicit a genuine flood of emotions (that I am all too happy to capture). 🙂 The Bride and Groom’s that have opted for a First look with me, did not say this took away from seeing the Bride walk down the aisle…in fact just the opposite, it enhanced the experience, because the pressure was already off…so it was more relaxed and they felt more in the moment.
Third, it maximizes your time for wedding portraits. If we get some of the portraits done before the wedding, you will have more time after the Ceremony to spend with your Guests partying…and really isn’t that what all your plans have been leading up to? Your big party? Getting portraits done before the Ceremony really frees up your timeline to give you more face time with your Guests.
A First look isn’t for everyone. I think it is something that you have to talk about as a couple and decide if it is something that could enhance your wedding experience. If it doesn’t feel right to you, don’t do it! I wish that Jay and I had done it…but when we got married…we didn’t have a wedding photographer, we were pretty poor and I thought I could do it myself…needless to say…there are like NO PHOTOGRAPHS of our wedding…but I digress! I was hiding in the parking lot, waiting for them to take him inside and I watched him walk into our Ceremony site. Seeing how handsome he looked in his tux and his big smile, literally took my breath away, and totally took the pressure off. If I could do it all over again…I would hire a great wedding photographer and I would definitely do a First Look!
What about YOU?? If you are married already, did you do a First look at your wedding? Are you glad you did? Why or Why not? If your aren’t, are you considering one? What are your concerns? I look forward to hearing from you! Happy Friday everyone!
