Three Reasons to do a First Look
1. Private, Intimate Moment. It’s YOUR Day!
A First Look offers a rare opportunity for you and your partner to share a private, intimate moment before the ceremony. The day is about you and your partner, don’t you want to spend most of your day with them!? Your ceremony likely won’t start until late afternoon, and by then, half the day is gone. If you don’t do a first look, you’re just nervous and have butterflies all day. Seeing your favorite person before the ceremony will give you a sense of relief. This can help calm nerves, and allow you to connect emotionally and physically without the pressure of an audience. It creates a beautiful, personal memory that is just for the two of you- away from the hustle and bustle of the day!
2. Stunning Photo Opportunities
By doing a first look, you can get most (if not all) your photos done before the ceremony! After the ceremony you can either get more couple portraits, have a moment alone, or join cocktail hour and get all the socializing out of the way! The surprise, joy, and love visible in these candid moments result in some of the most cherished and visually stunning photos from the wedding day. It allows the photographer to capture a variety of shots in a controlled environment, ensuring that the essence of your relationship is beautifully documented.
*An extra special tip: Be sure to wear your wedding bands during your photos before the ceremony! A lot of couples assume to not wear them pre-ceremony, but that means they’re not on for photos. But I always tell our couples to put the rings on because in ten years from now when you look back on your photos, you will want to see your rings!
3. It Won’t Ruin Your Aisle Moment
The moment of walking down the aisle will be just as powerful and sentimental, we promise! A common concern is that a first look might diminish the impact of seeing each other for the “first time” at the altar. Rest assured, this isn’t the case! This will still be an emotional experience for you and your partner- and that moment will remain incredibly special. The anticipation and excitement will still be there, heightened by the knowledge that you’ve already shared an intimate, personal moment with just the two of you.
Some of our favorite first look moments over the years
If a first look still isn’t for you, you can also consider doing a “first touch”. You can still have a personal, intimate moment between you and your spouse before the ceremony without seeing each other!
First looks on wedding day are always so special, and you are free to do a first look with whoever you want! We often see dads, step-parents, brothers, sisters, bridal party, grandparents, etc. Consider doing these moments with your special people!
