"Love at First Look: The Ultimate Guide for Brides-To-Be!"
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Welcome to your go-to guide for first looks on your wedding day! Planning the perfect wedding involves countless decisions, and one of the most debated topics is whether to have a first look or stick to tradition. As a seasoned wedding photographer, I've seen it all – the tears, the laughter, and the moments that take your breath away.
In this article, we'll explore the pros and cons of having a first look, but spoiler alert: I'm a firm believer in the magic of this modern tradition. However, I'll leave it up to you to decide what's best for your special day.
Curious about how a first look can enhance your wedding day experience or interested in having me capture every heartfelt moment? Let's chat! Contact me to learn more about first looks and how we can make your wedding day dreams a reality.
Yes or no? Here’s a quick list to sway you.
Pros of Having a First Look:
More time for photos: Get the most out of your wedding day by capturing beautiful moments before the ceremony kicks off. This means you can snag those stunning, candid shots without feeling rushed, leaving you with more time to enjoy the rest of your big day.
Emotional moment: Picture this: a quiet, intimate moment shared just between you and your partner, where you get to soak in all the emotions before the whirlwind of the ceremony begins. It's a chance to calm those pre-wedding jitters and create a memory you'll treasure forever.
Opportunity for creative shots: With a first look, you have the freedom to explore different locations for photos, whether it's a charming garden or a romantic cityscape. This opens up a world of possibilities for capturing unique and unforgettable images that reflect your personality as a couple.
Calmer nerves: Seeing your partner before the ceremony can be a soothing balm for those wedding day nerves. It's like having your built-in support system right there beside you, ready to share in the excitement and ease any pre-wedding jitters.
Flexible timeline: By doing a first look, you're giving yourself more flexibility in your wedding day schedule. This means you can breeze through formal photos earlier on, leaving plenty of time to mingle with guests, sip champagne, or sneak in a quick dance before the main event.
Private moment: Imagine stealing away for a moment with your partner, away from the hustle and bustle of the wedding day chaos. It's a chance to share a quiet, intimate moment together, away from prying eyes, and savor the anticipation of what's to come.
More relaxed ceremony: By seeing each other before the ceremony, you're taking some of the pressure off that big walk down the aisle. Instead of nerves, you can focus on the joy and excitement of the moment, making for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience for both of you.
Maximize natural light: Taking photos earlier in the day during the first look means you can take advantage of that soft, flattering natural light. Say goodbye to harsh shadows and hello to photos that glow with warmth and radiance.
Extended celebration: Completing formal photos before the ceremony means you can get a head start on the celebration. Whether it's joining cocktail hour or stealing away for a quiet moment together, you'll have more time to soak in the love and laughter of your wedding day.
Greater variety of locations: With a first look, you're not limited to just one location for photos. Whether it's a scenic overlook or a cozy corner of your venue, you have the freedom to explore different settings and capture a wide range of stunning images.
Cons of Having a First Look:
Tradition: For some couples, the idea of not seeing each other until that magical moment as you walk down the aisle is a tradition they don't want to mess with. It's a time-honored tradition that adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation to the ceremony.
Less anticipation: Seeing each other before the ceremony might take away some of the excitement of that first look as you walk down the aisle. Instead of that heart-stopping moment of anticipation, you might find yourselves feeling more relaxed and laid-back, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it's something to consider.
Logistics: Coordinating a first look adds an extra event to an already jam-packed day, which can be a logistical headache. From coordinating with vendors to making sure everyone is in the right place at the right time, it adds an extra layer of complexity to your wedding day timeline.
Family and guest dynamics: Some family members or guests might have their hearts set on witnessing that traditional first look during the ceremony. Deviating from this expectation could lead to disappointment or confusion among your loved ones.
Risk of rain or bad weather: If your first look is planned for an outdoor location, you're at the mercy of Mother Nature. Rain or bad weather could put a damper on your plans, forcing you to scramble for a Plan B and potentially impacting your overall experience and photo opportunities.
Breaking tradition: For couples who hold tradition dear to their hearts, the idea of seeing each other before the ceremony might feel like breaking the rules. It's a sentiment that's deeply ingrained in wedding culture, and deviating from it could feel like going against the grain.
Logistical challenges: Coordinating a first look requires careful planning and coordination with vendors, which can add stress to an already busy day. From scheduling hair and makeup appointments to making sure everyone is in the right place at the right time, it's a logistical puzzle that requires careful attention to detail.
Potential for heightened expectations: Building up the first look as a magical moment could set the bar impossibly high, leading to disappointment if it doesn't meet expectations. From the perfect backdrop to the ideal lighting, there's a lot of pressure to get it just right, which can be stressful for everyone involved.
Less time for last-minute preparations: Spending time on a first look means less time for those final touches and last-minute preparations before the ceremony. Whether it's fixing a crooked bow tie or touching up your makeup, every minute counts on your wedding day.
Limited time for hair and makeup touch-ups: Getting emotional during the first look might require extra time for touch-ups, potentially impacting the overall schedule for the day. From dabbing away tears to reapplying lipstick, it's important to budget extra time for those unexpected moments of emotion.
First look with your dad. (I’m pulling on those heart strings here to make my case)
A first look with dad is a deeply emotional moment that holds special significance for many couples. For daughters especially, the bond with their father is often one of the strongest and most cherished relationships in their lives. As the first man they ever loved, seeing their daughter on her wedding day is a poignant and bittersweet experience for many fathers.
During a first look with dad, there's a palpable mix of emotions in the air – pride, joy, and perhaps a hint of sadness as they realize their little girl is all grown up. It's a moment for fathers to express their love and support, to offer words of wisdom and encouragement, and to share in the anticipation and excitement of the day.
For daughters, a first look with dad is a chance to honor and celebrate the man who has always been there for them, through every triumph and challenge. It's a moment to express gratitude for his love, guidance, and unwavering support, and to create a lasting memory that they'll cherish for a lifetime.
Whether it's a tearful hug, a tender exchange of words, or simply a shared smile and a knowing look, the bond between a father and daughter during a first look is a beautiful reminder of the love that will always be there, no matter where life takes them.
Here’s how to make it happen!
Classic First Look: One person stands with their back turned, while the other approaches quietly. As the anticipation builds, a tap on the shoulder signals the reveal, and they share a moment of awe and joy as they see each other for the first time on their wedding day.
Parental First Look: Before the ceremony begins, one partner chooses to have a private moment with their parents. This heartfelt reveal allows them to express their gratitude and share in the excitement of the day before walking down the aisle.
Sibling First Look: For couples who share a special bond with their siblings, a first look with brothers or sisters can be a touching addition to the day. Whether it's a hug, a high-five, or a few words of encouragement, this moment strengthens the bond between siblings and creates lasting memories.
Grandparent First Look: In some families, grandparents play a significant role in the couple's lives and love story. A first look with grandparents allows the couple to honor this relationship and share in the joy of the day with those who hold a special place in their hearts.
Best Friend First Look: For couples who consider their best friends as family, a first look with their closest pals can be a fun and meaningful moment. Sharing laughs, hugs, and maybe even a few happy tears, this reveal celebrates the bond of friendship and the journey leading up to the wedding day.
Pet First Look: For couples who consider their fur babies as part of the family, including them in the first look can add an adorable and playful element to the day. Whether it's a wagging tail, a happy bark, or a loving lick, pets bring joy and excitement to the moment, creating unforgettable memories for everyone involved.
Surprise First Look: Adding an element of surprise, one partner may blindfold the other before the reveal. This unexpected twist heightens the anticipation and excitement, leading to a priceless reaction when the blindfold is removed and they see each other for the first time.
First look timeline
So a year or so ago I made up a template to show a bride who was curious about first look. I wrote it out very quickly and never intended to use it with another bride. I had it laying on my desk and had another bride ask about first look and before you know it I was showing this off regularly.
I am terrible at making infographic information. But here it is, this should sell you on first look. This will add more time to your wedding day and help spread out the busy parts of the day and to more MANAGEABLE chunks.
I finally sat down and messed around on Canva to produce a little more more detailed example of a first look on a wedding day for everyone. Feel free to use this for your own wedding or to shop to your brides & grooms (if you’re in the business of weddings).
If you’re opting for a first look on your wedding day, it isn't just about breaking tradition; it's about embracing a modern approach to love and celebration. As a photographer, I've witnessed firsthand how this choice not only eases the flow of the day but also enhances the overall experience for everyone involved. Whether you're part of a beautiful couple, the first look offers an intimate moment to connect, share joy, and create cherished memories together.
By choosing to see each other before the ceremony, you're not just setting the stage for stunning photos; you're setting the tone for a day filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. So why wait? Let's capture the magic of your first look and embark on this journey together. shoot me a message, and let's make your wedding day dreams a reality!