The biggest reason I hear couples say they don’t want a First Look on their wedding day is that they are looking forward to that moment when the groom first sees the bride as she walks down the aisle. That is undoubtedly a beautiful moment, but the First Look has a lot of beauty to offer as well. And for couples willing to consider it, having a First Look has some major advantages over a more traditional wedding day timeline.
An Intimate Moment for the Bride and Groom
Seeing each other for the first time on the wedding day is such a sweet time and it’s even more special when the moment is completely private. The groom still gets that first incredible glimpse of the bride, but with a First Look only the photographers are present to capture that connection. You’ll have a quiet moment to reflect on the significance of your day. There’s time to actually say all those things that you’ll be thinking every time you look at each other throughout the day. You can hug and and you can cry (we always include time for a makeup re-touch before the ceremony) and authentically express your emotions without interruption. Some couples even write special vows that can be exchanged in complete privacy. Wedding days are HUGE and sometimes a little crazy, and this is a moment that is *just* for the two of you to be together. From a former bride: “It allows you the freedom to enjoy ALL of your day and you’ll never forget the look on your husband’s face during that intimate moment.”
Increased Time for Photos of the Couple
Following the ceremony, there will be family photos, wedding party photos, and bride and groom portraits. When things run long (which they almost always do), it’s possible that time for the couple’s portraits will be cut short in order to stay on schedule for the reception. Having a First Look builds in extra time for pre-ceremony photos allowing your photographer to capture even more of the most important portraits of the day. Ask any wedding planner or photographer and they’ll tell you that logistically, a First Look can make the day go much more smoothly!
Relax!
After your First Look, your wedding day jitters will all but disappear! Having seen your beloved will calm you and you can walk down the aisle feeling serene. You’ve been planning this day for months (maybe years) and there’s a lot to be said for getting rid of that nervous energy and being present in each and every moment! One bride said, “it didn’t take away from the excitement of walking down the aisle… I was actually calmer and was able to take in all the excitement of the moment without being nervous.”
One of the main questions couples ask me is how to structure their timeline to ensure there is plenty of time to capture those romantic, beautiful portraits. While I love photographing every type of wedding day and meeting the unique needs of each couple, I do adore the flexibility created by incorporating a First Look. Whether it’s here in Tucson at one of our stylish Southwestern venues (like Hacienda del Sol shown in the First Look below), or at a destination wedding, the priority is always, ALWAYS, creating beautiful heirloom portraits for the bride and groom! In Utah, couples even have a full First Look Formal Session in a beautiful location during golden hour a few weeks before the wedding and then have the images printed and framed to be displayed on the wedding day, but that’s whole other blog post…
as ever,
jen xx
All Images ©2020 As Ever Photography
Credits:
Floral: Posh Petals
Dress: Wtoo by Watters at J Bridal Boutique
Hair and Makeup: Hannah Sapone
Venue: Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch
Couple: Nicole Soper and Kim Truong
Jen:
This is a great looking newletter and your point of the “first look” is well-founded.
Both Rachel and Amy did this and they were glad they did. The first look was witnessed by parents and siblings and was a special moment for the entire family and it will be remembered forever!