what is a first look?
A first look is when a couple sees each other on their wedding day before their ceremony. This typically involves coordination with your photographer, and sometimes your videographer and planner/coordinator. We keep you and your boo separate up until the first look- a big reveal of how stunning you two are on your wedding day!
why would I want a first look?
Some couples know automatically that they want to do a first look on their wedding day! For others, it can be tricky to decide if a first look is right for you. Here are some of the biggest reasons I suggest to a couple they may want to do a first look...
First looks allow you to be together and alone on your wedding day. On some wedding days, this is the only time to talk and be together without anyone else!
Also, having the time to cry and laugh together often will put couples in the perfect mood for dreamy portraits together. Without a first look, newlywed portraits are a little rushed after family formals and before the reception- so getting into the right mood can be tough (especially with your guests around!).
First looks allow you to extend your wedding day. Normally your wedding day would start right before you come down the aisle, then the ceremony would end and you would rush through portraits so that you’re not late for the introductions at the reception. With a first look, your wedding day is extended by hours! Instead of being rushed for your newlywed and wedding party portraits, you actually get to enjoy them and have fun hanging out with your best friends on your wedding day. The first half of my clients' wedding galleries are filled with images just from this time together before the ceremony.
You’re investing a lot into your wedding photography. With a first look, you’ll receive more portraits of the two of you- and those are the images you will use to decorate your first home! With a first look, you make the most out of this big investment and get the most for your money.
You get rid of your nerves! Some couples a skeptical about the first look- but after committing to one, they share feeling SO much more relaxed and ready for the ceremony. Think about it- the first time you see each other is alone. There isn't the added pressure of having 100 people staring at you and anticipating your reaction to seeing your soon-to-be spouse for the first time on your wedding day.
A first look serves as a type of insurance in the case your ceremony starts or runs late or if the weather turns for the worst! Imagine if you didn't do a first look and a storm sets in during the ceremony? Your window of opportunity for beautiful outdoor portraits has passed. However, if you shared a first look, you already got a large majority of your portraits done! So a squished for time or rainy cocktail hour wouldn't be as impactful to your stress level or to your final gallery!
My couples who choose to do a first look often decide between having additional golden hour portraits taken during cocktail hour or joining their guests! The extra time with guests is a big hit for my couples and for their friends and family attending their wedding.
Having a first look often means having your newlywed photos taken early in your wedding day. Your hair, makeup and fancy wedding clothes are all fresh and clean! You haven't spent a half hour standing in the direct sun during your ceremony, or walked down a muddy outdoor aisle, or shed tears during your vows.
Some couples will choose to share personal vows during their ceremony, while others want to write personal vows, but don't necessarily feel comfortable sharing them in front of all their guests. Opting to do a first look, then share your personal vows privately is a great choice! You get to keep some of your more intimate wedding day moments... intimate!
