What is the “First Look”? - that moment where the bride and groom see each other for the very first time on their wedding day.
Traditionally highly protected and even more traditionally done at the moment the bride walks down the aisle to make room for the ceremony. More recently it has become typical for the bride and groom to find a private moment about two hours before the ceremony to create the space to see each other and revel in all those first look emotions on their own terms.
Here’s why you should consider doing a first look:
You get to talk! When you walk down the aisle you are immediately plunged into the ceremony and then after that the reception so all the things you first thought when you saw each other are forgotten by the time you have time alone together hours later. A first looks lets you say all those things right away and hold onto them forever.
If you like to party it’s a great way to spend more time doing just that. Once you’re done with the first look you can get photos of the bride and groom done and then photos of the wedding party done, all before the actual ceremony takes place. Depending on schedule it can sometimes even be possible to do some of the family photos before the wedding so all you have after the ceremony is a handful of extended family and a few more bride and groom photos, (REAL MARRIED), ones and then you can go and join your cocktail hour. Speaking as someone who did not do a first look and never saw my appetizers - Do It! Your guests are there because you love them, go hang out
For those that are a little uncomfortable showing emotion in front of a crowd this is a lovely way to make the moment private. Yes your photographer is there, but that’s genuinely what long lenses are for. During your first like I am always yards away and unable to hear. I take photos so that the couple can remember the moment later and a photo will jog their memory to remember the words.
On the opposite side of that, if you want that on the spot emotional response as the bride walks down the aisle, this is how. Some people are afraid that a first look would spoil but I often find that the first look does just the opposite. Those who have done one have a more emotional response because all the nerves are gone and they can just focus on the moment and be themselves rather than thinking about the crowd around them.
If you want those memories captured the photos are going to be better. You can find the perfect spot with the perfect light and there’s no one in the way; so every facial expression and gentle hand gesture is caught on camera.
Trying to be economical with your photographer’s hours? Do a first look. It can definitely tighten up the flow of timing and keep your hours more concise if your photographer charges by the hour.
Yes, there is tradition and I’m a big believer in tradition- my home is full of antiques and my life is guided by seasonal traditions- but remember that she and he will always see each other for the very first time, this is just the careful planning of when and where, and that can make a world of difference.
For more on the subject go see another post I wrote on this here in which I have written out more pros and cons and have one of my all-time favorite first looks displayed.
