“Should we have a First Look?” This is a common question leading up to a wedding day. And it’s a very important one! Personally, I’m a big fan of having a First Look. I’ve photographed couples who wouldn’t have it any other way and want that time together before the ceremony. I’ve also photographed couples that feel it’s a tradition they’re not willing to break-not seeing each other before the wedding ceremony.
Reasons to Have a First Look
- LESS PRESSURE: Some couples are nervous about being the center of attention and don’t want to share such intense emotions with everyone else.
- SPECIAL MOMENT: Your First Look is reserved for just the two of you and no one else.
- CONSOLIDATED PORTRAITS: If you’ve chosen to set aside time for posed portraits (vs. a photojournalistic wedding day approach), a First Look will save time. Instead of needing time for two separate groups of posed portraits, you only need one portion of your wedding day set aside for posed portraits. Consolidate your portraits since you’re able to see each other before the ceremony.
- GET TO YOUR RECEPTION EARLIER: This may be one of the most exciting reasons! Your guests are thrilled to celebrate with you. Pre-ceremony portraits mean you’ll get to your reception earlier.
- MORE TIME TOGETHER: Your wedding day is all about you, the couple, and it’s longer than you may realize. Wouldn’t it be nice to spend more of it together? You’ll only need to be apart at the start of your day while you get ready. After the First Look, you’ll be more relaxed and have more overall time together on your wedding day.
- FRESHEN UP: You will likely feel a rush of emotions the first time you see each other on your wedding day. After your First Look, you’ll have time to freshen up, touch up makeup, remove tears, etc. before seeing your guests.
There are reasons not to have a First Look. Some feel the importance of keeping tradition and cultural customs. And if these things resonate with you, then please hold them sacred. As your wedding photographer, I will honor your wishes. Your wedding day is just that, yours!
Quotes from Actual Bang Images Brides
Please read these quotes by three of my brides for first-hand wedding day experience.
“I was skeptical at first but I honestly loved having a first look before our wedding. That it was a private moment where we could respond with all of the emotions we were feeling without being on display in front of all our guests allowed me to be more authentic and present. There are so many special moments in the ceremony that having this ahead of time didn’t feel like spoiling anything. We also were able to take advantage of better natural light for our couples-only photos since we had the ceremony at sunset.” – Susie
Not everyone wants to have a First Look. Melissa and Jim decided not to. “We didn’t see each other until the actual ceremony, and we wouldn’t change that. It added some extra magic to the experience. We both put in a lot of care to look great for each other on that day and seeing that for the first time during the ceremony was a moment to be cherished.”
“Some of my favorite photos from our wedding are from our First Look, and Jennifer did an amazing job capturing our candid reactions. I’m so happy we chose to do a First Look before the ceremony. It was the perfect time to catch a few minutes alone with my partner before the craziness of the ceremony and reception began. We were able to center ourselves, find a moment of peace with each other, and go into the rest of the wedding with full hearts and a focus on our union.” – Natalie
Contact me to discuss your wedding day plans. To see other wedding day images, please follow this link.
