The top reasons you should schedule a First look on your Wedding Day

Your wedding day is full of unforgettable moments, but there’s nothing quite like the feeling of seeing your soon-to-be spouse for the first time. It’s a moment filled with emotion, excitement and anticipation. Traditionally, this moment happens during the wedding ceremony, when the bride walks down the aisle and the groom sees her for the first time, but for many couples, choosing to see each other before the ceremony during a “first look” is a popular option. 

Simply put, the first look is a private moment before the ceremony, where you see each other for the first time in your wedding attire. While we are there to photograph it, we do so from a distance to give you a precious few moments to soak it all in together before the wedding day festivities begin.

If you are considering a first look, here are the reasons I encourage couples to plan on it.

An intimate moment just for the two of you

First and foremost, a first look is an opportunity for you to share your emotions and feelings with each other without the distraction of guests or the pressure of a formal ceremony. While it is technically a staged photo-op, but it is also a private(ish) moment of calm in what can be a busy and overwhelming day that allows you to spend a few minutes together in a peaceful and quiet setting.

You can laugh, cry, hug, and kiss without worrying about what anyone else thinks. It’s a moment where you can be completely yourselves and share your love and excitement with each other.

As crazy as it sounds, it might be one of the few moments you have alone during the entire day. 

Get those nerves out before the ceremony

Take a deep breath. It’s here and all your planning is done. All that is left if you and your soon-to-be spouse. During your first look, everything slows down and you have a chance to calm your nerves leading up to the ceremony.

Taking a few moments with each other before the ceremony can help you to feel more comfortable and confident as the wedding day gets underway. As the officiant asks everyone to rise and the music starts to play, you’ll likely feel more present in the moment.

Open up you wedding timeline

Wedding days don’t have to be stressful. Having a first look opens up more flexibility in scheduling as it allows for the couple and wedding party to take their formal photos before the ceremony, which means that they can spend more time with their guests during cocktail hour and the reception.

After your first look we can take photos of the entire bridal party as well as some, or all of the family photos. That way once you say “I do!” and kiss, you’re off to spend time with those that mean the most to you.

An added bonus to doing a first look and family photos before the ceremony is everyone in the photo is, or should be, at their freshest. If it is a warm day, no one’s make up is running and no sweat stains are showing. If it’s a cold day, everyone didn’t just sit outside and are eager to get in.

Let’s be honest, you will get better photos

Personally, I love when couples choose a first look because I know their photos are going to be amazing! From a photographer’s point of view, a first look gives options so everything can be done in a location that is well-lit, which will result in better-quality photos. 

I also hate to be the guy standing in-between everyone and the bar. If we are doing photos after the ceremony, I will also move as fast as I can while still making sure we get all the family formals you want, but I know everyone is antsy and wants to get on with the party.

Make a decision that’s right for you

A first look can be a great idea for many reasons. It allows for intimate moments, helps to alleviate ceremony day nerves, allows for more flexibility in scheduling, allows for more candid shots, allows for more control over the lighting, and allows for more time with your guests. If you’re on the fence about whether or not to have a first look at your wedding, consider these benefits and make a decision that’s right for you.

There is no right or wrong answer. For others, seeing each other for the first time as the bride walks down the aisle adds something to the significance of the ceremony. Check out why that may be a good idea for you.