Wedding Tip Wednesday | 5 Reasons to do a First Look

Client Education

I’m back again this week with another topic that is special to my heart. Let’s talk about 5 reasons you should do a first look on your wedding day! A first look is when a couple sees each other on their wedding day. It is planned before the ceremony for a special, intimate moment between just them. Now, I know not everyone is on board with a first look and that is totally fine! We let every couple decide what they want to do. I just personally love first looks and wanted to share all the benefits on today’s post!

MORE PORTRAIT TIME

You’re investing a lot into your wedding photography experience. When you choose to do a first look, you get even more portrait time with just the two of you. In fact, I’d say you’re getting at least 40% more portraits! You know what that means?! More images for you album, more to choose to print and hang on the walls of your first home. With a first look, you make the most out of this large investment and get the most for your money.

ENJOY THE SURPRISE FREELY

You actually get to have intimate time on your wedding day with your man. Most brides don’t realize that when you come down the aisle and totally SHOCK him with your gorgeous-ness… he can’t even tell you how amazing you look. He can’t touch you, embrace you or even SPEAK to you. You have to wait until 30 minutes later when the ceremony is over for him to react and tell you how amazing you look. And after 30 minutes of the ceremony, the reaction isn’t the same as the initial first glance.

EXTEND YOUR DAY TOGETHER BY HOURS

First Looks allow you to extend your wedding day. Normally the wedding day would start when you come down the aisle, then the ceremony would end, you would rush through portraits so that you’re not late for the introductions and then it’s reception time. With a first look, your wedding day is extended by almost 3 hours! Instead of being rushed for your bridal party portraits… you actually get to enjoy them and have fun hanging out with your BEST friends on your wedding day. The WHOLE first half of my client’s wedding albums are filled with images just from this time together before the ceremony.

DIMINISHES NERVES

I’d say, literally 1/2 of my couples who have decided to do a first look, the grooms were not fans of it at first. However, because they have never experienced their wedding day before, they didn’t know how nerve racking it can be. I have testimonials from so many grooms who initially weren’t a fan of the first look… but afterwards they admitted to being SO much more relaxed and ready for the ceremony! If you want to get rid of the nerves when you walk down the aisle, a first look is the answer.

YOUR ONLY ALONE TIME

The majority of your day is spent doing all the things with everyone else. First looks allow you to be TOGETHER and alone on your wedding day. Even if it’s just a few minutes. Normally portraits are a little rushed after the family formals, and it can be hard to really get back into that “lovey dovey” mode…. especially with your family and bridal party around! When you have just shared your first look, you’re READY to love on each other, and I always capture some super sweet images during those moments!

Like I said at the beginning of this post, if your heart is dead set on a traditional see you at the end of the aisle first look, I totally understand. I love documenting all wedding days with or without first looks. I also just adore seeing the first look and all the emotions unfold. I hope this post discussing the 5 reasons to do a first look was helpful! 

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See you next week! If you enjoyed this post, you’ll love this one.

xoxo,
Zoe

Comments

  1. […] possibly sweating. I suggest planning an outdoor ceremony 2 hours before sunset if you are having a first look. If you are not interested in sharing a first look, then I would suggest having your ceremony 3 […]

  2. […] you’ve been following along during my wedding tip Wednesday series, you already know, I LOVE first looks. This is one of my favorite parts of the wedding day! I will find the perfect location for my […]

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AN EAST COAST WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

I'm a family girl at heart. Some might say I'm an old soul. My deep roots in both faith and family are what inspire me to document and preserve lasting legacies for each couple I serve.

I believe in serving well and building a lasting friendship that allows you to trust that I will document your memories in an effortless and romantic light.

And I can't wait to get to know you!

I'm Zoe

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