Is a First Look Right for Your Wedding?
So, what exactly is a first look? A first look is when a couple chooses to see each other before the ceremony. Typically this will take place an hour and a half to two hours before the ceremony with just the couple and the photographer (sometimes the wedding planner too). The groom/bride is staged in a set location while their soon to be spouse approaches from behind. The photographer will tell them to turn around and they will see their finance for the first time on their wedding day.
Trying to decide whether to do a first look for your wedding day? It has become a new untraditional tradition and here is why a first look may be a good fit for you.
It allows for a more intimate moment. You have the chance to see each other first in a more private and intimate setting. You can be emotional, you can say whatever you want, it’s your time alone before the day begins.
You will feel more relaxed. Sometimes you can feel anxious before the ceremony, so what’s better than getting to see your best friend. It will give you a moment of relaxation together before stepping in front of all your friends and family.
You will have time for more photos and feel less rushed. You will be able to get photos before the ceremony with your soon to be life partner, your families, and wedding parties. It will leave more time to join cocktail hour and socialize with all the special people you invited. It also gives photographers more room for photo opportunities.
You won’t lose the “special” moment. Some worry about losing that moment when you walk down the aisle. You won’t. Instead, you will share that special moment together privately and I guarantee when he/she sees you walking down the aisle they will still have all the feels. Don’t forget about those vows…. that moment is always special.
See what KME couples are saying about their first look…
ANNA & NATHAN 8.10.19
Nathan and I decided to do our first look after chatting to you and Natalia and hearing about the photo process. We really wanted family and bridal party photos, but also wanted to enjoy the day as much as possible and be present, so we thought having the first look and getting photos done before the ceremony was the perfect way to achieve this. We also knew we were going to try to not see each other from the night before until the wedding and figured having that first look would get our nerves out so we could be present during the ceremony. We really love how it worked out! My dad was super emotional and kept setting me off crying so I'm glad we got a lot of that out of our system before the ceremony or we would have been a crying mess hahaha
LAUREN & CHARLES 8.03.19
We both wanted to do a first look to reduce some of our nerves prior to that "big" moment of me walking down the aisle. I loved seeing my husband's reaction to my dress and the excitement of the day without all of our guests watching. The first look gave us 30 minutes of "us" time before the chaos of the day began. I also really think that your photographer sets the tone of your first look. We are both nervous and awkward around cameras, but our photographer really made us feel comfortable and confident. She made us laugh, coached us through the more formal/staged photos, and then took some shots from further away which allowed us to talk and have a few moments to ourselves. Looking back on our wedding day, that first look time was the only time my husband and I were alone to take in the true meaning of the day together. I also did not put on my veil until right before the ceremony, so that was something new that he had not seen me in prior to walking down the aisle.