Do I want a First Look?

I often get asked whether I believe a first look needs to happen or not. Some couples come to me already knowing that they want one…or don’t. While others don’t know what a first look is. And that’s ok!! As a bride, 10 and a half years ago, I did not want a first look. I wanted to hold true to tradition and wanted my husband to gets his first glimpse of me in my dress as I walked towards him down the aisle. In fact, for my wedding, I never once thought about whether or not a first look was even an option. I had always dreamed that the walk down the aisle would be our moment, in front of our friends and family where we would get our first glimpse of each other in our get up.

Then I started shooting weddings and fully understood why a ‘first look’ is so popular. A first look is the only time during the day where the couple will have some time to themselves to revel in their wedding day, JUST them (and their photographer. lol) away from all their guests. It’s their moment to truly take a moment to be present with only each other without distraction.

If you’re right on the edge and a bit unsure, here are a couple things to consider when deciding whether or not you’ll want a first look:

Timing

Your ceremony time will play a factor into whether or not a first look is feasible or makes sense. If your ceremony is earlier in the day, squeezing in a first look may not make sense and a portrait session between your ceremony and reception may make more sense. If you’re having a ceremony that is later in the afternoon, and you choose not to do a first look, keep in mind that we’ll want to steal you and your new spouse away from cocktail hour for your portraits and family formals. Otherwise, a first look will allow you to do all your portraits and wedding party and family formals before your ceremony so you can enjoy your cocktail hour with your guests.

Lighting

The sun sets earlier in the day in the fall and winter than in the warmer months. So there is naturally more daylight hours during the spring and summer. A ceremony at 4pm in the summer will still have a solid 4 hours remaining in the day for portraits if you’re looking for photos taken with natural light. A first look in this scenario isn’t necessary for natural light photos since you’ll still be able to have it after the ceremony. While a 4pm ceremony during the winter, will not have any daylight left once the ceremony is over. And portraits will need to be done with flash photography. If you’re hoping to get some natural light photos and you have a later ceremony, I do suggest considering a first look.

Final Thoughts

In the end, this is your day! I never push my couples to make a decision they’re not comfortable with. But, I will always talk through what’s most important to you and your future spouse so I can make sure I will be able to best support you. We can always talk through different options while keeping your priorities in mind. This is YOUR day!

If you’re still a bit unsure after reading this, I’d LOVE to talk it out with you. Let’s get you feeling great about it. Check out my calendar and choose a time that works best for us to connect!