What is a first look?
A first look is a private moment for the soon-to-be-married couple to see each other for the first time. The first look happens once the bride and groom are dolled-up and ready to go, before the ceremony.
FIRST LOOK | GROOM
EMOTIONAL FIRST LOOK AT BRIDE
Should you have a first look?
As a seasoned family and wedding photographer, I know a thing or two when it comes to first looks. Every day, couples join the great debate on whether or not to do a first look on their big day. So, should you see each other before walking down the aisle?
YES! Here are my reasons why:
1) You'll be more relaxed.
Everyone always says they won't be nervous on their wedding day when it comes to walking down the aisle towards their significant other. Then, the day comes and the nervous flutters uncontrollably swarm your body. Once they set in, you may find yourself not enjoying the day as much as you'd hoped. When seeing your partner before the ceremony, you get to enjoy the little moments, because it's one less thing.
2) It WON'T ruin the moment.
In fact, the walk down the aisle is often diminished, not only by nerves, but by family members cellphones pointed at your face, trying to capture the moment. The reality is... your walk down the aisle will still fell special because you are doing the damn thing!
BRIDE REACTION TO GROOM | FIRST LOOK
3) It's a magical moment to capture.
It's one of my favorites, of the entire day, actually! As a bride, in the moment of a first look, you don't have to remember to keep walking down the aisle. You also get to join in on the sweet emotions. Both parties get to share tears and laughter for some beautiful candid moments. Hiring a 2nd shooter is a great opportunity to capture both party's viewpoints.
FIRST LOOK | SPEECHLESS
4) You'll get the opportunity to enjoy cocktail hour with your friends and family.
By seeing each other before the ceremony, you have the option to move couple, bridal party, and even family photos to before the ceremony. Ultimately, freeing up you cocktail hour for socializing.
5) You'll probably regret NOT doing one.
I've never met a couple who regretted having a first look, but I have met quite a few who wished they had. The only con to having a first look is the aisle won't technically be the FIRST time you see each other. Even if your first look reactions aren't over-the-top, you don't get a redo. It's a beautiful moment that often has me, the photographer, tearing up too.
6) You get to see your partner before everyone else!
If you skip the first look, you'll most definitely be the very last person to see your partner. You haven't put all this effort into the relationship and event to be dead last, have you?
7) It's the only alone time you'll have all day.
Well, you won't be totally alone... your photographer and videographer will be there to capture the special moment. But, until the end of the evening when you get home, or the hotel, you're surrounded by all kinds of people non-stop. During the first look, it's a priority of mine to make you feel unrushed and comfortable. I want you to take your time admiring one another.
FIRST LOOK HUG | WEDDING DAY
FIRST LOOK | CHEYENNE MICHELLE PHOTOGRAPHY, LLC
FOREHEAD KISSES | BRIDE & GROOM
If you're still not into the idea of a first look...
it's okay! Not everyone enjoys the idea of a first look. You get to make the choice to skip a first look all together, or try out one of these first look alternatives.
