Wedding is a live event. There are emotions, hiccups, candid moments involved and these are just some of many reasons first looks are very big part of the day. There are many more why I love taking photos of the first look. From the genuine exchange of emotion to the sweet, often unseen moments, they are so incredibly special.
But as someone getting married, why should you consider doing a first look? I totally understand some couples have their hearts set on the traditional “down-the-aisle” moment, but there are so many benefits to doing a first look on your wedding day.
A private moment just for the two of you
So much of your special day is spent with family and friends or greeting guests, so doing a first look is the perfect chance to have an intimate moment for just the two of you enjoy. You may be nervous or emotional as well, so for some couples it is easier and less overwhelming to share this moment with just you and your partner. And since so much of the day is spent celebrating with other people, a first look is the perfect chance to take some time to enjoy being together.
More and more couples also use this opportunity to share some private vows with each other. In case you are more private and don’t want to share them with the rest of your family and guest at the altar.
Plus, without a first look you may spend almost your entire day apart! If your ceremony isn’t until 6:00 pm, that’s nearly your whole wedding day spent actively trying to avoid each other, and you’ll only have a few hours after to celebrate together. First looks truly help to maximize your wedding day in every way, and in my experience, they do not make the “down-the-aisle” moment any less special.
Control the location
Choosing to do a first look allows you and your photographer to have much more control over the lighting and the background for this special moment. Ask your photographer about some suggestion for the location, especially if you are new to the location. There is a good change your photographer already took photos there and knows exactly where to go.
During your ceremony you have far less control of these elements. For example, there may be harsh sunlight or shadows on your faces depending on where your ceremony space is set up. Your photographer will know how to position you so that the light will be the most flattering, and what type of background will look best to keep the focus on the most important part of that moment — you and your partner! Setting up a first look will ensure you have beautiful, evenly lit photos of your partner’s sweet reaction to look back on for years to come.
First looks aren’t only for the couple!
So many of my couples choose to do a first look with someone other than their partner! You can do a first look with a family member (many brides love doing a special one with dad) or with your wedding party. Your bridesmaids. Their reactions can be just as meaningful as your fiancé’s. These first looks make for beautiful photos as well, with so much genuine and candid emotion all around.
Do more photos before your ceremony starts
If you do a first look on your wedding day, you will probably do it just before your ceremony. At this point your getting ready photos will be done, your makeup and hair will be in perfect condition and you will have the opportunity to see your future spouse without all guest looking at you and your reaction. What this means is you will be more relaxed and your photographer will have the opportunity to get more photos of just the two of you and your portraits done before the ceremony.
If you do not opt for a first look, you will only have about an hour to take those photos after the ceremony before your reception begins. Because it is a much shorter length of time, as a result you will receive far fewer portraits in your final gallery, and it will typically feel extremely rushed.
RECAP:
1. A private moment for just the two of you
2. Control the location and the light
3. Do a first look with your dad or your bridesmaids
4. Do more photos before your ceremony starts
