First of all, let’s uncover what a first look really is
A first look is an awesome, emotional and fun way to see each other for the first time on your wedding day, without anyone else there. You get to have a moment all to yourself. No people, no on-lookers, no distractions. You can say “wow, you look amazing”, hug and kiss, twirl around in your wedding outfits – all the things you often won’t be able to do during a traditional ceremony. Many choose to include gifts or cards in their first look as well, and it’s can be a really profound experience.
You can say “wow, you look amazing”, hug and kiss, twirl around in your wedding outfits – all the things you often won’t be able to do during a traditional ceremony.
It usually happens 1-2 hours before the ceremony, and we’ll take around 15 minutes for you to be completely alone, followed by a few portraits of you before you head off to get married. Following a first look, you can still have a ceremony in the traditional way, or you can walk up and down the aisle together – however feels more natural to you.
I want to capture your day the way you envisioned it
I understand why some couples are not sure about meeting their partner before the wedding ceremony – it deviates far from tradition and expectations. For others, it’s just not practical. The first look while walking down the aisle can be just as amazing and powerful. If that’s what you’ve always envisioned, I want to capture that for you. I would never want you to feel pressured into going for a first look!
I would never want you to feel pressured into going for a first look! If walking down the aisle as your first look is what you’ve always envisioned, I want to capture that for you.
But here’s the thing: no-one’s ever said that the reaction from seeing a bride walking down the aisle was taken away because they saw each other earlier that day. In fact, they seem to be experienced in a whole different way, free from nerves and pressure. Many of my couples chose to do this last year, and LOVED it.
Reasons my clients have loved their first looks
First of all, you get to express your true feelings as you see each other for the first time, and I can get those natural, uninfluenced and genuine photographs – WORTH IT ALREADY! If you were worried about being awkward or nervous for your couple shoot, this will become your least concern now. So, yes, it’s especially recommended if you don’t want to have a pre-wedding shoot.
You get to express your true feelings as you see each other for the first time, and I can get those natural, uninfluenced and genuine photographs
Secondly, the first look can be a unique way to create some flexibility and flow to your wedding timeline, too. Actually, we may not need to get away for wedding portraits later, allowing you to enjoy even more time together with your family and friends. That said, we could still get away for 15 minutes after your ceremony or in the evening. This gives you many more and varied photos without compromising on time with your guests.
Get a more flexible and relaxed timeline with a first look
I especially advise you to consider a first look if you are having a winter wedding to make use of all the available daylight. A bright and airy photoshoot is not possible if the sun has set after your ceremony. You can make time for the photos you envision by adding a first look and portraits before the ceremony on a winter wedding day.
I especially advise you to consider a first look if you are having a winter wedding to make use of all the available daylight
A first look will also give me some flexibility as a single shooter. I recommend you have a half hour break between your first look and the ceremony to get ready for the ceremony. In the meantime I will photograph your ceremony room and your guests arriving to the ceremony venue.
So what are your thoughts on first looks now?
I hope this shed some light on what first looks are, and why it can actually be both an emotional and lovely experience, as well as give you variety in your photos, and save you time on your day. So let me know – did this blogpost change your understanding or idea about first looks? Is it something that you would consider, or not? Let me know over on Instagram!
