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Curious about a first look?
Here are 5 reasons to consider it.
1. Relieve the Nerves
Weddings can be a crazy hectic day. Lots of moving pieces to coordinate and people vying for your attention. Many couples experience nerves and a bit of anxiety leading up to the ceremony. While photographing first looks, I many times witness the couple physically relax, like a wave of calm washing over them once they see each other.
2. More party time
Forgoing a first look means that all of the family and combined wedding party photos have to happen during cocktail hour. The minimum time for this and romantic portraits is 45 minutes, though often it takes longer. This means that you miss all of your cocktail hour. Completing most of the list before the ceremony means that you only need a few extended family photos after and then everyone can go mingle and get the party started!
3. More time with your love
You’ve heard it many times before. You spend months planning this momentous day and then you blink and it’s over. First looks allow more time to spend with the one you love on this big day. Most importantly, it is time before the majority of your guests arrive when you can enjoy each other more. No pressure to socialize yet.
4. Quiet time
The wedding day is all about you. However, that means everyone wants a chance to talk to you within only a few hours of time. It can be impossible to have a moment that is just for you, a romantic reflection on the day, a time to let everything sink in and really enjoy it. For first looks, I often encourage my couple to pick a location a bit removed from their family and guests so that you can have space and time to pause and enjoy a moment alone. Sunset/ golden hour portraits are also great for this.
5. Still have that emotional down the aisle moment
“I really want to have that big moment seeing each other down the aisle.” This is the one biggest reason people think that a first look isn’t for them. Having photographed enough weddings to have lost count, I can tell you that this moment is no less special if you see each other before. This moment is bigger than simply seeing the dress. It represents the last few moments before you are joined as one. Everyone you love is present and you are walking towards a new future together. Many grooms are dry-eyed during the first look yet cry at this moment. It’s an emotionally charged experience regardless.
