WHAT IS A FIRST LOOK?
A first look is a modern-day trend where the bride and groom set aside a private moment together prior to the ceremony to see each other. It is a lovely newer wedding tradition that is not for everyone. There are a variety of reasons some couples choose to or not do a first look.
If you are thinking about doing a first look or are on the fence about it, it is important to weigh the pros and cons and decide what is best for you!
WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO DO A FIRST LOOK?
1. A wedding day is full of a lot of emotions, including nerves. A first look helps alleviate any stress or jitters before the ceremony starts. This allows you to be more present during your ceremony, especially if you are not used to be the center of attention.
2. Taking portraits prior to the ceremony allows for more time with your guests during cocktail hour.
3. Privacy. A first look is a private moment for just the two of you. It gives you time to take in the excitement of the day as soon to be husband and wife.
4. You will likely have more time for portraits of the two of you. We can plan to put as much time as you would like in the timeline to take portraits at multiple locations, if you desire. If you wait until cocktail hour, we will be limited to the length of your cocktail hour in addition to getting your family formals done.
5. If you’re having a winter wedding, it’s going to get dark earlier. By scheduling the first look earlier in the day, it leaves more time for daylight photographs.
WHY A FIRST LOOK MAY NOT BE RIGHT FOR YOU?
1. If you’re traditional! If that’s important to you, go with your gut.
2. Because it’s a private moment, your family, wedding party, and guests won’t be there the first time you see each other. This can be a very emotional moment for them and may be a factor in your decision.
3. If the morning runs late, we will lose out on time for portraits. You will also have to get up earlier to be ready earlier and be in your dress longer.
4. If you do portraits before the ceremony, you won’t actually be married in them.
WHAT DO YOU THINK I SHOULD DO?
The decision to or not do a first look is entirely up to you. I am happy with whatever decision you make. Whether we schedule an hour to do portrait before or only have 5 minutes before sunset, I am confident that we will captures photos that you will cherish a lifetime.