To "First Look" or not to "First Look"
The First Look
What is a First Look?
A first look is a moment, usually alone with your significant other (and me, your third wheel photographer) to see your betrothed for the first time on your wedding day. It happens before the ceremony. The location and how it will go down is usually planned with me and the couple beforehand. This is a chance to be creative if you want to and can happen however you would like. I can always give suggestions, but you always have the final say on how you think it should happen.
First looks are not a mandatory part of your day; this is something you can choose to do or not. Whatever feels right to you both. Just be sure to let me know what you want because it will change your timeline and how things flow for the day. My goal is always to be over prepared before the wedding day and then very flexible the day of.
Reason to Plan a First Look
A moment to be completely present
Your day can feel like it’s flying by! This is a moment alone with your favorite person to take in the day, take a deep breath, and also experience all of the excitement of the day. Plan this moment to soak it all in.
2. It's just you, no need to be nervous!
It helps because no one is watching you! I’ve found that most couples like when people are not watching. After, we would go right into bridal portraits, also just us! This just takes the pressure off of anyone being there; it's a time to just enjoy being together on your wedding day.
3. Eases the pressure of the wedding day timeline
A first look can relax the wedding timeline a bit. Here’s why! I would show up a bit earlier to get all of the getting ready photos, but once you have your first look, we will photograph your couple photos, your wedding party and family before the ceremony. This is all of the “formal” photos and they are done! So when the cocktail hour starts you just get to enjoy your friends and family and your food!! This will also give some time to plan any large group photos during that time instead of at the reception. For example, if you had a large extended family photo you wanted, or a group of friends we could take them early. This can easily be put together during the cocktail hour, as long as I know ahead of time of course!
4. More photos!
Depending on how large or small your family and bridal party are, I can plan more specifically the time we will need and also we won’t have to rush! We will essentially have more time for couple photos, bridal party photos, or family photos. More time equals more photos!
5. It doesn’t take anything away from the ceremony
During the ceremony the same feelings are there! A first look won’t take away from the experience of walking down the aisle, if you feel that is a special moment. It’s still very exciting!
Reasons You Might Not Want a First Look
You break tradition.
I get it, you’ve been waiting for this day and you have dreamt about it going a certain way. If you are hard set on tradition, guess what? It’s totally okay and you definitely don't need to have a first look. I will do my best to capture all of the moments of the day, just as they happen.
2. The day will start a little early
Because first-looks mean adding another event earlier in the day before the ceremony, you’ll have to get ready and be ready earlier. And if anything runs late before the first-look (hair and make-up takes longer than anticipated, the flowers are delayed, etc.) then the time for a first-look and bride and groom portraits could get shortened. Or the timeline may have to be shifted a bit. I don’t usually run into this issue, but it’s something to think about.
3. Your family won't be a part of the first look
Typically, first-looks are done in private which means your parents and wedding party won’t be a part of the first time you see one another. If you’re not sure how they feel about it, just ask them and then see if that will factor into your decision. You can also plan to include them in some way, you make the rules.
4. You won’t technically be married in your wedding portraits
You won’t actually be legally married in your first portraits from the first-look. For some, that bothers them, for others, it doesn’t make a difference. Either way, it’s something to think about and consider.
5. It could actually cause pressure for some people
Not often, but maybe for a few couples, a first look could make you more nervous. If that’s how you feel, or something about a first-look just doesn’t sit right, then don’t feel you have to break tradition. A great photographer will create magical portraits after the ceremony, even with time constraints.
First Look Alternatives
Do the first look, but leave something out.
You can do the first look without the veil or other accessories to not give away everything.
2. Do a “first something else.”
If you don’t want to do a first look but you want a semi-private moment before the ceremony, a first-read or first-hold hands may be the solution. I have had couples exchange letters while back to back or held hands from opposite sides of an open door without seeing one another. Lots of creativity and uniqueness can go into this.
3. Have a first look with someone else.
You can also choose to do a first look with your father, mother, any family member, or your bridal party. It’s a lovely moment for your loved ones to see you before your ceremony when the anticipation of the day is rising.
It’s up to you!
Deciding whether or not to have a first-look is completely up to you! Take into consideration your timeline, the daylight and how you feel about it all. But know that, really, at the end of the day, you will be married and that’s all that matters! I will make your timeline and photos work no matter what you choose and it’s going to be a fantastic, awesome day to remember!
