It's your wedding day. Your heart is racing and you're overcome with excitement. The day you've been waiting for, planning every detail for, has finally arrived. Instead of seeing your significant other at the end of the aisle in front of all your guests, you've chosen something a bit more private. The ceremony won't start for another hour, but you're walking up behind your spouse. As you get closer, you put your hand on their shoulder and they turn around. You both see each other for the first time, all dressed up and ready to be wed!
A "First Look" is a special moment when the wedding couple can see each other before the ceremony. This can be done privately with just the two of them, or alongside family and the bridal party. Historically, it was "bad luck" for spouses to see one another before the ceremony, however in recent years more and more couples are opting for this "sneak peek" before the processional.
There are many practical and sentimental advantages to a first look, but it is a very personal decision. I will go over some of the pros and cons of incorporating this modern trend into your wedding day.
PRO-Ease pre-ceremony nerves
I was SO nervous on my wedding day. It wasn't that I was nervous about getting married, it was the fact that ALL eyes would be on me. The pressure of that first moment, of walking out into the church for the first time in front of everyone was weighing on me.
A first look can help to alleviate those nerves. Seeing your spouse before the big moment reminds you that you are in this together! You share a few tears, a few laughs, and are ready to take on the rest of your day!
CON-No big first look at the altar
On the other hand, that first big moment, as scary as it can seem, is so very special! As a photographer, this is one of my favorite parts of capturing a wedding day. It's timeless and allows for all of the guests (and vendors!) to share in the emotion.
PRO-More time for portraits
While the first two "pros" and "cons" center around emotions, this next "pro" is completely practical. A first look allows for you to take formal portraits BEFORE the ceremony, giving you more time and flexibility. In a traditional wedding, formal photographs of family, bridal party, and the couple happen during cocktail hour. While many couples enjoy this break from the crowd to have fun with family and their bridal party, others prefer to join their cocktail hour and visit with guests. This also frees up your photographer to capture moments of guests visiting during this time.
CON-Your day will start earlier
Your wedding day will be joyous and full of excitement, but exhausting! When incorporating a first look into your day, you must be prepared for a longer timeline. There will be more formalities and you'll need to start getting ready earlier. Here are two sample timelines showing what a wedding day might look like with and without a first look. Remember each wedding day is unique and times and length of coverage will vary.
Basic timeline with first look:
1pm-Getting ready coverage
2:30pm-First Look
2:45-4pm-Family portraits, bridal party portraits, couple portraits
4:30pm-Ceremony
5pm-Cocktail hour begins
6pm-9pm-Reception coverage
Basic timeline without first look:
3pm-Getting ready coverage
4:30pm-Ceremony
5pm-Family portraits, bridal party portraits, couple portraits (Cocktail hour)
6pm-9pm-Reception coverage
Remember, this is YOUR wedding day. There are endless options when it comes to timelines. You may decide to forgo a first look with your spouse and instead choose a first look with your parent or bridal party. You may decide to remain unseen to your partner and do a "first touch." (That's a whole new blog post!) As your wedding photographer, I'm here to help you plan a day that is unique and special to you as a couple, filled with memorable moments to capture!
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