First of all, what is a first look?

A first look is when a couple sees each other on their wedding day before the ceremony. It is a private time between the bride and groom, with no spectators, except for your photographer, who is there to remain quiet and capture the moment and raw emotion.

How is it done?

Your photographer will have a location picked out, away from everyone else. The groom is placed with his back toward where the bride will be. Your photographer will tell the bride where to be and instruct the groom to turn around when the bride is ready. This is the first moment he lays on you and your photographer is in the background capturing this quietly and candidly letting you have a few moments to yourself.

Afterward, while in the same location, we move into your bride and groom portrait session. Additionally, we slide the rest of bridal party in and get the portraits of the entire wedding party done at this time.

Things to Consider:

• If you choose to do a first look, you will both need to be arrive at the venue earlier, and be dressed earlier with your flowers there.
• If hair and makeup run late (not uncommon) this can put quite the time crunch on us for a first look and bride and groom portraits to follow.
• No one else will see the first time your groom sets his eyes on you. Men can be emotional during this time, and cry and gasp and yes even make some jaw dropping faces! If you choose a first look, will your parents and family feel they are missing out on that moment?
• You may need a hair and make up touch up after the portraits and before the ceremony. Especially if they are done outside.
• We do everything in our power to keep your dress wrinkle free but if you are in portraits and just wearing your dress in general, it may get a bit wrinkled, depending on the fabric.
• If you do your portraits before the ceremony, you won’t actually be married in your portraits. When you look at them later, will that bother you? You will not be wearing your wedding bands.
• Some people are freaked out about having that first moment in front of everyone and need that private time. Others want everyone to see the glory of the first time you lay eyes on each other. Again, it is truly a personal decision.
• Some feel that that excitement is gone if you do a first look, and the groom won’t feel as excited when he sees you come down the aisle. Yes, absolutely, the thoughts of that instant moment of what you look like has passed. They are however replaced with this is the moment you walk into become his wife. This is the biggie when it comes to deciding, and you really need to discuss your feelings.
• A wedding day is fast, fast moving, and fast paced with all of the “firsts”. Your day takes place in front all of your guests as it unfolds. It is difficult to have a moment to yourselves. The first look gives you a moment in advance. If you choose to see each other coming down the aisle, I make it a point to work with you to find a few moments that we can carve out for you after.

Don’t be Influenced!

Most importantly don’t allow others to heavily influence you. While I agree it is probably something to be mindful of regarding your parents being there or absent for this, but this is your day, and you are in charge. Truly no one else knows how you feel. Just think of the different scenarios and go with your gut!  I GOT YOU!