Why do a First Look?

First, what is a First Look?

A First Look is simply time set aside just before a wedding ceremony for a bride and groom to see one another for the first time on their wedding day. This “big reveal” never ceases to be an amazing, unforgettable, high point of the day.

Why a First Look?

After six years of photographing weddings, I can tell you with 100% certainty, that the best thing you can do for yourself on your wedding day is to plan a First Look. The one argument I hear against a First Look is that it bucks the tradition of the groom seeing his bride for the first time when she walks down the isle. Honestly, your groom IS STILL seeing you for the first time, just privately and intimately, just the two of you. It is a prime opportunity to steal an intimate moment together, away from the crazy that will ensue once the day gets underway.

This special moment between a bride and groom is one of the few private moments in the day where you are both able to freely breathe in this momentous day, this extraordinary day, that you have painstakingly planned.

Take the pressure off of the day!

One of the most difficult tasks with planning the timeline of a wedding day is how to balance photography and all that needs to “get done” (like toasts, dances, cake cutting….) along with truly enjoying each fleeting moment of your wedding day.

Traditionally, bridal party, family, and bride and groom portraits are photographed after the ceremony and during cocktail hour. That is only an hour (usually less) to accomplish quite a bit, and then the bride and groom tend to miss cocktail hour and other precious minutes with their guests.

I am a huge proponent of the first look because it allows for the moments, the love, the friends and family to dominate the day, not photography. I promise you…seeing one another for the first time, alone and prior to the ceremony, is still happening and it is so much sweeter this way!