The other day I was sitting in a coffee shop talking with a bride about her wedding day. I mentioned the idea of including a First Look and like many brides her immediate reaction was ‘no’.
“I don’t want to see him before the wedding and ruin that walk down the isle moment”
I understood her desire to maintain tradition, however as I began to explain the benefits of a First Look I could see her response changing.
The First Look is the latest trend in weddings and is a special time before the ceremony when the bride and groom see each other for the first time – away from the prying eyes of their family and friends – to have a few moments alone with each other and then take time for photos together.
– Close your eyes for a moment and image your walk down the isle. Rose petals are on the ground. Soft music playing. You are walking towards the man of your dreams. You look amazing. He looks dashing. You reach the front of the isle and stand together….in front of a crowd of your closest family and friends.
You smile at each other and maybe whisper something sweet but you only have a few seconds before the officiant begins. Before you know it, the ceremony is over, you are both swept away and the rest of the night is spent posing for photos, talking with friends and family and receiving congratulations from your mom’s co-workers.
At what point did the two of you get to actually look at each other, hug each other or even talk to each other? First Looks allow you to be TOGETHER and alone on your wedding day.
Normally portraits are rushed after the family formals and it can be hard to really get back into that “lovey dovey” mode…. especially with family around! When you have just shared your first look, you’re READY to love on each other and I always capture some SWEET images during those moments!
Another great reason to plan for a first look is to help calm the nerves.
I’d would have to say that out of all my couple who have done a First Look 50% of the grooms were not fans of the at first. They wanted that ‘walk down the isle moment’ – However, because they have never experienced their wedding day before, they didn’t know how nerve racking it can be.
I have had multiple grooms tell me after the wedding that they were so grateful for the First Look because it really took all the nerves away and they could just relax and enjoy the day.
You’re investing a lot into your wedding photography and I’m sure you want to get the most bang for your buck. With a first look, you get 40% MORE portraits of the two of you… and those are the images you decorate your first home with!
You also aren’t rushing through the portraits to get to your reception. You can take your time, relax and enjoy it. As a bonus, your aren’t going to keep your guests waiting for you between the ceremony and reception. With a majority of the portraits out of the way ahead of time, you can get the party started even faster.
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