Should I do a First Look at my wedding?

Let’s talk about a wedding first look! Should you have one? What if you do not want to have one? These questions and more answered within this blog!

What is a wedding first look?

A wedding first look is a private moment when the bride and groom see each other for the first time on their big day.  Ideally this will fall after getting ready and prior to the ceremony.  Having a first look is one way to ease nerves, share an intimate moment that you may not get the rest of the day, and have an easier flow of your wedding day. A first look will save time following the ceremony as we will be able to do more portrait variations prior to the ceremony-getting you to the party faster!

Why should I have a wedding first look?

I know you have heard it over and over again, but wedding days go by so quickly! A first look comes with quite a few pros:

• You get to see one another and shake off some of the nerves.
• You will have more portraits of you! When shooting a first look, I usually go straight into bride and groom portraits to maximize the amount of portraits we get of just the two of you.
• If you do a first look, we can begin family portraits before the ceremony which opens up your timeline for the rest of the day.

Look how sweet these images are from a wedding first look at Mountain Willow Manor.

How do I make my first look unique?

Write your partner a sweet note and/or get them a gift, and then give it to them at your first look! If it’s a note, bring it, and then read it aloud to them. Some couples read their vows aloud to each other at their first look.

It’s always sweet to bring something to exchange (could be as simple as their favorite snack or coffee) or read to each other during this moment, and it creates truly meaningful photos that are unique and true to you.

Some brides want to swap the traditional first look with their partner for a first look with family or their bridal party. That is just fine! If you have something in mind, we will work to make it happen.

Read more about one of my favorite first looks here.

What if I do not want to have a wedding first look?

If you have always dreamed of seeing your love for the first time as you walk down the aisle, that is exactly what we will do!  Some brides will want to do a first look with their bridal party or family members here instead. If a first look is not on your mind, we will work together to determine how you would like to use this time.  This could mean additional bridal portraits or a time where I capture both of you reading notes you have written in separate areas. There is no right or wrong answer here! Do what feels best for YOU!

One of my fabulous couples opted for private portraits following the ceremony instead of a first look. See more from their wedding here.

So, what do you think? Are you team wedding first look, or would you rather see your partner for the first time coming down the aisle?