WHY SHOULD YOU DO A FIRST LOOK?

Before I say anything, I want you to know that your wedding day is about you and your love. Whether or not you do a first look is totally your decision! However you decide to go about your wedding day is unique and special. So, without further ado, let’s get into it! 

FIRST LOOK & THE TIMELINE
In my experience, when a couple does a first look on their wedding day, it saves SO much time. Doing so allows for about 75% of the photos to be taken before the ceremony, which leaves a lot of wiggle room for the couple to enjoy the company of their guests. 

Most often, we’ll do the first look two or so hours before the ceremony. Following the first look, the couple has their portraits taken together. That usually takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on the day and timeline. When that is complete, we often like to go ahead and take bridal party photos, which can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes depending on the size of the bridal party. I had one wedding where we even had time to take some of the family photos before the ceremony! 

So, if you do the math, that’s 45 minutes of couple portraits (including first look) and 30 minutes of bridal party photos. That’s about an hour and 15 minutes, giving you 45 minutes of buffer time before your ceremony. And that’s the majority of your photos already done! 

I have found the buffer time to be immensely helpful because it allows my couples to chill and relax before their ceremony. It also allows me to walk around the venue and get some initial detail shots without constraint for time. Also, if you decide to have your bridesmaids pray over you before you walk down the aisle, the buffer gives you plenty of room to do so. 

A FIRST LOOK EASES NERVES
Every bride and groom go through that excited nervous feeling on their wedding day. It is so special when you see each other that first time, all dressed up and joyous, whether during a first look or when walking down the aisle. 

In my experience of photographing first looks, the couples are always so happy they chose to do one because it eased those initial nerves. 

First looks are also an intentional time on your wedding day when you can really soak it all in. Something I do after a first look as the photographer is allow my couples to have a few minutes alone without the cameras. My assistant/second shooter and I will walk away and let the couple have some privacy for 5-10 minutes. I find that allows the couple some time to talk to each other and feel the surrealness of their wedding day. 

FIRST LOOKS ARE FUN!
Let’s imagine how cool it would be to have time on your wedding day where just you and your fiance can enjoy each other–where there are no guests, no parents, no siblings, no bridal party, just you two! It is SO special to be able to see each other for the first time in your wedding attire without the eyes of everyone else. It’s something exciting to look forward to! 

MORE TIPS
First looks aren’t limited to the bride and groom! You can also choose to have a first look with your dad, mom, siblings, bridesmaids, the list goes on. It’s really whatever your preference is! Here are a few moments from a first look one of my brides did with her bridesmaids.