First Look

I get a lot of brides asking me about First Look.  Photographers have different names for this, but it’s simply the first moment you see each other on your wedding day.  About two thirds of my couples decide to do a first look these days, and I must admit I love them.  I did not see my husband until I walked down the aisle, and personally I would probably do the same again.  As a photographer though, I love the romance of just the two of you (and me in the background) sharing a few minutes together.

Should I do a First Look?

If you are traditional and have dreamed since you were a little girl of the moment your future husband sees you while entering the church, then stick with your dream, and don’t be pressured by anyone into doing a first look.

If you are still reading, I’m guessing you at least humoring the notion of doing a first look.  So I’ll just go right into the benefits.

1.  You will have more time for portraits.  When brides choose to do a first look, I start by spending 10 minutes just capturing your first moments together, on your wedding day.  Then we move on to couples portraits.  Next I’ll take portraits of each of you.  Then we can add in your wedding party.  It gives a lot more time for creativity and getting photographs in different settings.

2.  You will have more time with your family and friends.  After your ceremony, the only posed photos we will need to take are of your family groupings.  Depending on the size of your family and how many different groups you choose, we should be able to do this in 15-30 minutes.  This means you get go to cocktail hour!

3.  You will have more photos of his reaction to seeing you in your wedding dress for the first time.  I can discreetly be right next to you two during a first look, and capture all of his expressions.

4.  We can still make it special.  We can choose a location, and have him turn around just at the moment you approach.  Other times, I’ve had the bridal party stay in front of the bride and then clear for the groom to see her.  Most brides choose to have it be just you and him, for a special moment together.

5.  It can lead to a more relaxing day.  From less schedule stress, to having your nerves calmed by being together alone first, it seems doing a first look always puts couples in a more relaxed state of mind.

As I said though, if you don’t want to do a first look, then don’t.  For some brides, they want the traditional moment in the aisle, and I completely get that!

Here is a favorite of the bride approaching her soon to be husband.