Three Reasons to Consider Having a First Look
That moment when a couple sees one another for the first time on their wedding day is so special, whether you choose to have a first look or wait until your ceremony processional. If you aren’t sure if this tradition is right for you, read through the three reasons below that a first look could be a romantic (and practical!) addition to your wedding day.
Consideration One: It’s a moment just for the two of you. The first look is one of the most intimate and peaceful parts of the wedding day, as it’s one of the only times when the bride and groom are alone. When you walk down the aisle and sweep him off his feet with your beauty, he’s not able to talk to you, hug you, or tell you how beautiful you are! But, in a first look, he can soak in your gorgeousness. You can show him why you chose your dress, the way you decided to pin your hair, and the special details that you’ve chosen for your wedding day. Those first few moments let you get out all your anxious nerves, relax with one another, and reflect on why you’re getting married and how much you love one another.
Consideration Two: It creates more time for pictures and allows for a smoother wedding day timeline. When a couple chooses not to have a first look, after the ceremony, they have family photos, bridal party photos, and bride & groom portraits to take. That requires a longer cocktail hour before you can enter your reception. A first look means that you have all the time before the ceremony for photos and can get immediate family photos and bridal party portraits finished before your ceremony even starts! After you exchange your vows, there’s time for a few golden hour portraits of the new Mr. & Mrs., and you can either join your cocktail hour, enjoy a few moments alone, or start your reception sooner! So, a first look not only adds a special moment for the two of you, but reduces stress for the rest of your wedding day!
Consideration Three: More portraits and a larger final gallery. Because of the images and portraits you capture during the first look, you’ll actually end up getting MORE portraits by doing one – meaning a larger final gallery and more beautiful images to hang in your home! Since you’ll be with your soon-to-be spouse from your first look until about half an hour before the ceremony, there are so many special moments that we’ll be capturing – the first look, those first few kisses of the day, the time you’ll spend with one another and all your best friends, and plus, you’ll get rid of any nerves or jitters before your ceremony!
All that to say – if you have your heart set on your groom seeing you for the first time when you walk down the aisle, that’s okay! Your photographer should be able to work with you to build a timeline that allows you to get the photos you want. Trust your instincts on what will bring you and your fiancé the most joy.
