We have shot A LOT of weddings over the past 7 years and about a handful of those have actually been "first looks". We have never pushed a first look and very rarely even discuss it at our consults other than asking, "Will you guys be seeing each other before the ceremony?" and when we get a "no" we leave it at that. I think everyone is so caught up in keeping everything "traditional" that they are missing out on something AMAZING! (Just my opinion)
I get it, I was once there. I remember when I was planning my wedding, it wasn't even a question I wanted the "traditional way". I wanted Codie to see me for the first time walking down the aisle. I wanted the photographer to capture his "REACTION" and of course I got the shot I wanted....him crying, (because he swore he wouldn't) I mean lets be honest ladies, isn't that the shot we all want? Whether you're in a church (like myself) or wherever and those doors open or you walk around the corner and your eyes meet for the first time. It's an indescribable moment! I still remember like it was yesterday. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about that moment. I was nervous, scared, excited...so full of emotions, but the music came on, the doors opened and there he was...and in that moment I didn't notice the 200+ people standing there..... I just saw him!
So why do a first look you ask? Well here are a couple reasons...
Experience the moment in private
Doing a first look will allow you to embrace the moment, alone. The bride can walk up behind him, tap his shoulder and as he turns around and sees his gorgeous bride for the first time...He can kiss her, hold her, cry with her, talk with her (which you wouldn't be able to do until after the ceremony) and just share this moment together without any distractions or holding any emotions back. PLUS, your hair and make up are fresh and photo ready!
Looking back now, I wish I had that time to talk with Codie and tell him how handsome he looked and how excited I was.
Get rid of any nerves
Even us brides are so full of emotions, wondering if he's going to get cold feet and seeing each other beforehand can be a huge comfort for us before the big walk down the aisle.
More time for photos
You aren't trying to squeeze in all the photos after the ceremony. It sounds like plenty of time during the cocktail hour to rally up the family and bridal party for group photos, but it's harder than you think. It leaves you with barely any time for photos of just the two of you. (Just to be clear, it is all doable, as we have been doing it for years, but not feeling rushed is wonderful)
Alone time
Doing a first look allows you to be alone, because trust me you won't get any alone time the rest of the day. You will get 30-40% more photos of just the two of you than you would if you didn't do a first look. We can get those sweet intimate photos because your emotions are fresh and you can't keep your hands off each other. Whereas sometimes, it's harder to get back to that "lovey dovey" stage after waiting for so long to get through the family and bridal party photos. You can just enjoy each other without feeling rushed to get to the reception.
Whether you choose to do a first look or not, the day is still just as magical, but we have seen the benefits to doing a first look so we wanted to share this info with our couples.
Enjoy these images of Ashley and Cody's first look!
