The wedding day is one of the biggest milestones a couple shares. It’s a day full of love and emotion that lives within the memories of the couple, their families, and their closest friends. One of the most memorable moments (and our couple’s favorite parts of the day) is when the bride and groom see each other for the first time either at the altar or during a first look. The nervousness and anticipation goes away for a brief moment while the couple shares an emotional connection that they will cherish for a lifetime.
The first look is for you if:
- You are a more private couple who would rather share the intimate moment of seeing each other for the first time on your wedding day together rather than in front of others.
- You would like to get most of the formal portraits out of the way before the ceremony starts so you can enjoy the rest of the evening.
- You want to have your ceremony at sunset, but also want portraits that aren’t all done at night.
What is a first look?
A first look is a modern tradition where the couple sees each other for the first time sharing a one-on-one moment together before they walk down the aisle. After participating in many first looks at the weddings we have photographed here is a compiled list of the top 5 reasons why you should consider a first look for your wedding day.
1. A first look helps with those wedding day jitters
Your wedding is a momentous occasion that you’ve likely been planning for quite a while. You put a lot of time and energy into making sure every detail is perfect and the anticipation of the day gets greater as you get closer to the ceremony time. Many of our couples have expressed feelings of nervousness the day of the wedding and the first look helps with just that. Being able to see your partner before you walk down the aisle helps tremendously with your nerves; plus it gives you a cozy moment together before the wedding frenzy begins!
2. You get some alone time
The time during your first look, prior to the ceremony is likely the last moment you will share together alone. The rest of the day, you will be surrounded by family and friends that want to share their love and excitement with you! So by doing a first look, you get some time to cuddle up and enjoy each other. This is also a great time to read your vows to one another if you are a more private couple giving you an intimate and loving moment together.
3. You look your best
The best part about getting your formal portraits done before the ceremony and reception, you look amazing! The time before the ceremony and reception is when everything is fresh: makeup, hair, attire, perfume, etc… Of course you’ll look incredible the entire day, but the first look is done before the ceremony and reception when your hair is in place, you still have your bottom mascara on, and you haven’t had a chance to get your attire dirty.
4. You get more photo opportunities by doing a first look
Scheduling time for portraits prior to the ceremony with a first look as well as after the ceremony provides more opportunities for beautiful photos. You get a more intimate moment captured with a first look because you are alone and able to take in the entire occasion. The couple who would normally hold in their reactions in front of the guests can freely express themselves to one another making the first look an unforgettable moment.
5. You get more time with your guests on your wedding day
By completing most of the formal portraits prior to the ceremony, you will save time during the transition to the reception. With all of your photos done, you can enjoy the cocktail hour with your guests!
There are plenty of moments to capture during the ceremony and reception: the tears of joy, loving gazes, and all of the laughter that ensues. There’s only one wedding day first look, make sure it doesn’t slip by.
