Today I decided to address a question that comes up quite frequently... what exactly is a "First Look"? Some brides-to-be have heard about it, and some haven't at all. For more traditional brides, there's kind of a stigma that's associated with the First Look, and more often than not, it's because they don't fully understand what it's all about and the many many many benefits that it allows. Though I am a huge fan of the First Look, I myself did not do it for my own wedding. However, the only reason I didn't is because I had an evening wedding in August and it was still light out until 8pm. Also, being a Wedding Photographer myself, I made sure to build in PLENTY of time for portraits of me and my hubby after the ceremony and during cocktail hour.... and our cocktail hour was more like cocktail hour and a half! Had I not had the luxury of ample light, and ample time, I would have most definitely done the First Look.
One of two things usually happens when I discuss the option of the First Look with my brides: Either A) they say, "What a great idea!" and we end up doing it, or B) they immediately say "no thanks, we're kind of traditional and want to see each other for the first time when I walk down the aisle." After a little bit of chatting about it, together we realize that they weren't exactly sure of what the First Look was all about in the first place. Some think it's just about pretty pictures. While pretty pictures are definitely part of it and a huge bonus... there's a lot more to the First Look you may not know about....
1) During a First Look, the groom is usually isolated somewhere until the bride is ready. With his back turned to her, the bride walks up to him at which point he will turn around and see each other for the first time on their wedding day. The photographers usually have on their long lenses at this point so we can stand far back and give you two some privacy (of course while capturing those beautiful "oh-my-gosh-you- look-so-amazing" moments with our cameras). Usually I like to do this for about 10 minutes while you two just soak in the love. After we get some amazing pictures of the two of you usually we would include the bridal party and do those shots as well!
2) More often than not, the First Look is the ONLY alone time that the bride and groom get on their wedding day! If you choose to not do the First Look, we are usually pressed for time and have family formals, bridal party, and bride and groom portraits to do all during cocktail hour!
3) If you choose to the First Look, you actually get to ENJOY some of your cocktail hour with your family, friends, & guests!
4) You actually get to talk, kiss, and hug your soon to be bride/groom if you do the First Look! Usually, if you wait to see each other when you walk down the aisle, you can't kiss and hug and talk about how much you love each other because you immediately have to turn your attention over to your Priest/Officiant! Doing the First Look allows you to really take a few minutes and soak in everything you've waited for and worked so hard for!
5) The First Look really produces the most beautiful photographs. My favorite favorite favorite photographs are un-posed, un-rehearsed, and genuine reactions and emotions. And what reaction and emotion could be more intense than seeing each other for the first time on your wedding day? If you go the more traditional route, you will see each other for the first time walking down the aisle, at which point you're probably both nervous and maybe may not feel 100% comfortable reacting the way you would if you had been alone.
6) I have heard of people that didn't do it that wished they had done the First Look, but I have never heard of anyone that has done and wished they hadn't!
7) Think about the timeline of your wedding... Will it be getting dark or be completely dark after your ceremony ends? If so, you should definitely consider doing the First Look!!! If it will be dark, the only option for photos will be indoors, which isn't usually the most flattering light/background or maybe isn't even large enough to accommodate all of your bridal party!
There are tons of reasons for doing the First Look, but at the end of the day it is YOUR wedding day! If you choose to do it I am confident you won't regret it, but if you choose the more traditional route, that's fine too! Just talk to your photographer about the timeline and make sure you set aside plenty of time for photos, as they will be the only thing you have to remember your special day by when all is said and done! All that hard work and love should be documented and cherished forever! <3
