To have or not to have a first look?

#weddingwednesday

What is a first look?

Traditionally the bride and groom don’t see each other until on their wedding day until the ceremony. This new trend is where they see each other prior to the ceremony. And some couples have no freaking idea if they want a first look or not, and ask for my opinion. So here are a few pros and cons that I’ve concluded on what I think about a first look.

Pros of a first look:

1. Makes the timeline easier for photos of the day.

   When the couple sees each other prior to the ceremony, we can typically get a lot more photos done prior to the ceremony instead of after the ceremony, meaning you can enjoy your cocktail hour and party with your guests.

2. A private moment for the couple.

   Some couples are extremely nervous in front of a crowd, even if it’s their friends and family. So seeing each other for the first time without every pair of eyes locked in on you two, this might be a better route. You also get to take this time to embrace each other and say what a hot babe your significant other is.

Cons of a first look:

1. Awkward moment

   To be honest, first looks are built up so much but the truth is the bride walks up, taps the groom on the shoulder, they spend a few seconds looking at each other and then look at me and say “now what”. I take some bride and groom portraits but the best ones are done during our thirty minutes prior to sunset because of that golden light.

2. Less momentous than when the bride walks down the aisle and the groom sees her for the first time.

   Call me traditional, but I typically favor the anticipation that is built up to when the bride starts walking down the aisle and the groom looks at her for the first time. I think it is filled with a lot more emotion and just more magic!

3. Crunch On Time

   If the proper amount of time isn’t given for bridal prep or it runs late, then it rushes you into the first look and sometimes (rarely) the first look has to be skipped.

Either way, the choice is completely yours. Some photographers really try to push that first look on couples because of the timeline; however, I value what you want on your day so I just provide the information about it and let you decide whether it’s right for you or not! I’m happy to chat with you if you can’t decide if you would like a first look or not.