First Look Wedding Photos
What are First Look Wedding Photos? Should You Do Them?
Pros and Cons of First Look Wedding Photos
What is a First Look at a Wedding?
A First Look at a wedding is a private moment when a soon-to-be-married couple sees each other on wedding day for the first time prior to the ceremony. This is an intimate moment with just the two of you and your photographer and it can a perfect opportunity for you both to share an emotional moment.
Are wondering what exactly a first look is or if first look wedding photos are the right choice for your big day? Or are you looking for other alternatives to a first look? Let’s explore why it has been trending lately and see what side you are on.
The Top Reasons for Having a First Look
Getting Photos Done Before the Ceremony
This is usually the main reason why couples will do first look wedding photos. Some couples either want to be part of cocktail hour or just want to get all the group photos done ahead of the ceremony. This gives you the option for some additional mingling with your guests before the reception starts by being part of cocktail hour.
A Private Emotional Moment
Wedding day is full of emotion and some couples want to experience that emotion together, in private, before all eyes are on them. Doing a first look allows you both to have a special moment, where it’s just the two of you, prior to doing group photos, the ceremony and the reception.
Ease Pre-Ceremony Nerves
Doing a first look can ease your pre-ceremony anxiety. Some couples are more emotional than others and some know they will be too emotional at the ceremony. If you feel like you need to get some of that out prior to the ceremony, doing a first look can help relive that. See our first look alternatives section below if you want other ideas to relieve a little emotion without fully seeing each other.
If it Makes Sense with the Daylight
The best reason we as photographers have found for doing a first look is due to scheduling around the best light of the day. During the winter months in particular, the sun sets early, around 5:30 or 6:00. If couples still want to do a ceremony at that time, all the natural sunlight will be gone after the ceremony. If you want photos in the daylight, that’s when we tend to recommend doing a first look.
First Look Wedding Timeline
For a wedding first look timeline we like to plan to do it about one to two hours before the ceremony time. Scheduling the First Look at this time should allow ample time for photos and to soak in the moment without feeling rushed.
Immediately after the first look we like to work with just the couple for 30-45 minutes to get all their relaxed portraits.
Then we like to take advantage of the remaining pre-ceremony time to do wedding party shots and some of the family groups. All of this we discuss in advance with you to make sure we develop the perfect game plan, so you get all the photos you want.
Unique First Look Wedding Ideas
Make your wedding first look memorable with these unique ideas:
Blindfolded First Look
Build anticipation by blindfolding your partner before the reveal.
Incorporate a Gift Exchange
Exchange handwritten notes or small gifts during the first look for an added emotional layer.
Read Love Letters to Each Other
Take the time to write love letters before wedding day. Then read them to each other during your first look.
How to Make a First Look Special
Where to Have the First Look at a Wedding?
Select a secluded location at your wedding venue that you love. Selecting a pretty area where you can both be alone for a few minutes away from family, guests and the wedding party for a few minutes key.
Communicate with Your Photographer
Share your vision and expectations with your photographer to ensure they capture the essence of the moment.
Take Your Time:
Don’t rush the moment. Allow yourselves to fully experience the emotions and take in the significance of the occasion.
We like to back off and give you time to share together uninterrupted or staged. Our goal is to capture this moment as candidly as possible and let your emotions and love for each other shine through.
Reasons to Skip the First Look on Your Wedding Day
The Reaction of Coming Down the Aisle
The vast majority of our clients say the moment you first see each other at the ceremony is THE most important moment of the day and want to keep that tradition by not doing a first look. By far, our #1 requested shots are getting photos of your partner’s reaction to you coming down the aisle and all the authentic, in the moment emotion, that comes with it.
You are Less Emotional at the Ceremony
When couples do a first look, we tend to see a lot of the emotion shift from the ceremony to the first look. This is all personal preference as to where you want to have those feelings. Some couples really want to have that out of their system prior to the ceremony and others want all those feels as they are walking down the aisle and saying their wedding vows to each other.
Most of your Photos are Finished Before the Ceremony
For couples that do a first look, they are doing one primarily to get all of their photos done ahead of the ceremony. This is generally all of the photos of the two of you, all your wedding party photos and most all of your family photos. For some couples, that can be a lot of posed pictures at one time. When couples don’t see each other before the wedding ceremony, we are able to spread those out between pre-ceremony and cocktail hour, making your day feel like less of a photo shoot and more like a wedding.
A First Look Should be Your Choice
We are happy to work through both options with you and we don’t feel you should be pressured one way or the other. There is no “one size fits all” and we can go through all the different options you have and you can decide what fits your personalities and vision for the day. This decision should be completely up to you and if it makes the most sense with your schedule and vision. Don’t let a wedding planner, your wedding venue or your photographer pressure you into making one of the biggest decisions of your wedding day.
Wedding First Look Alternatives
Do a First Touch
Instead of doing first look, we love doing a first touch. After pre-ceremony photos of each side independently, we can get you both together around a door or a corner and you can hold hands and have a quick chat or whisper sweet nothings, without having to see each other. Or even back to back holding hands. Some couples like to read something they wrote, say a prayer together, or just say hi and see how each other is doing. It can be equally as emotional as doing a first look but still keep much of the suspense.
Do a First Look With Your Dad or Other Immediate Family
If your dad is walking you down the aisle, he is going to see you at some point prior to the ceremony anyway. Let’s schedule this moment, to make sure there is a camera to candidly capture that genuine moment when he sees you for the first time.
Do a Gift or Card Exchange
This can be around a corner too but most often the best time and place to do this, is independently once you’ve gotten ready. You can read a card you received aloud to your side of the wedding party or do it as a private moment as we candidly capture your reaction.
Do a Reveal With Your Bridesmaids
Most brides like to include their bridesmaids in their getting ready photos, however doing a reveal with your bridal party can be a lot of fun. Your mom and maid/matron of honor can help you get dressed and then you can do a grand reveal to the rest of your bridesmaids.
FAQs: First Look Frequently Asked Questions Answered
How long do first look wedding photos take?
Typically, a first look and the accompanying photoshoot last about 20-30 minutes, providing enough time for genuine reactions and stunning pictures.
What is the difference between a first look and an aisle reveal?
While a wedding first look happens in a private setting before the ceremony, an aisle reveal is the traditional moment when the couple sees each other for the first time as one walks down the aisle.
Who should be at the first look at the wedding?
Ideally, only the couple and your wedding photographer should be present during the first look to maintain its intimate nature.
Is it traditional to do a first look?
Traditionally, couples saw each other for the first time at the altar. However, the first look trend has gained popularity, offering a more private and intimate alternative.
When did the first look start?
The first look trend gained traction in recent years as couples sought more intimate and personalized ways to experience their wedding day.
Can you kiss during the first look?
Absolutely! The first look is your moment, and if you feel the urge to seal it with a kiss, go ahead and embrace the joy of the occasion.
