Unsure about seeing your future bride or groom before your ceremony? Here are 5 reasons to consider a First Look on your wedding day!
What is a first look?
A First Look is simply when a couple sees each other on their wedding day for the first time, in an intimate setting, BEFORE the ceremony. This is usually an intimate moment reserved for only the couple and the wedding photographer/videographer to document.
It doesn’t lessen the impact of when your partner sees you coming down the aisle.
There is something totally different about seeing your future bride or groom dressed and ready and seeing them walking down the aisle. You get to experience the quiet, intimate, sweet moment of seeing each other AND the more public moment of knowing you are about the be joined together forever, and neither moment takes away from the other.
Calm Your Nerves
It can be intimidating to have all eyes on you, but several brides have told me that seeing their fiancé prior to the ceremony helped them feel less nervous about their walk down the aisle. Most importantly, this quiet moment will allow for you to get out the jitters and nerves, so you feel and look relaxed and comfortable for the rest of the photos.
More Photos
This is probably the #1 reason I like to recommend a first look to couples. With a First Look timeline, we’re able to prioritize Bride and Groom Portraits. With a traditional timeline, Bride and Groom Portraits are always scheduled last. If the Family Formals and Bridal Party Portraits take longer than expected, I may not be able to deliver as many Bride and Groom photos as you had hoped, simply because the venue timeline/sunlight might not allow for it. During the summer season, since the sun sets later in the day, this also gives us another opportunity for more portraits during golden hour.
Your hair, makeup, and flowers will be as fresh as possible!
You’ve spent a lot of money on professional hair, makeup, bouquet, and dress. Wouldn’t it be nice to capture all of that while it’s still fresh – no makeup smudges, no wilting boutonnieres, the dress still completely clean? With a first look, we can do that.
Spend More Time with Guests
After the ceremony, normally you would rush through portraits so that you’re not late for the introductions, and then it’s reception time. With all of your photos done before the ceremony, you can be present and actually enjoy cocktail hour with the rest of the guests! So bring on the drinks and go mingle!
Bonus: A Chance to Say Your Vows
If you or your partner know you’re going to get super nervous reading your vows in front of all your guests, you have the option to exchange your vows in private, and it’ll make it way more intimate + special.
In conclusion, whether you choose to have a first look or stick to tradition, it’s best to discuss this option with your photographer so that they can come up with the best plan possible!