Why Couples Should Do First Look Wedding Photos
Imagine you’re facing some beautiful trees outside, enjoying the changing of the leaves. You’re straightening your tie, making sure your buttons aren’t undone. You run your hands through your hair to ensure there aren’t any flyaways. You spent most of the morning getting ready with your best friends and trying to calm your nerves about the day ahead.
Suddenly, you receive a tap on the shoulder. You turn around and there she is: The most beautiful woman you’ve ever seen, all done up in white. And she’s here today to marry you.
First looks provoke some of the most emotive, beautiful wedding shots. The tears are flowing, the laughter is free, and the smiles are pure and genuine.
Still, some couples elect not to have a first look or to have photographs taken during this moment – choosing instead for the first look to be when the bride or groom walks down the aisle.
It’s certainly okay if you want your first look to be when one of you is walking down the aisle, but there are countless benefits to doing a first look before the ceremony begins.
As a wedding photographer, that first look shot is one of my favorites to capture. In this article, I’ll provide you with a list of compelling reasons why you should consider doing a first look with your partner – and having it captured on film.
Reason #1: Enjoy a Private Moment Together
Before you greet your family and friends, it’s great to have an intimate moment together with just you two (and your photographer of course). The first look gives you the opportunity to have some quiet time together to celebrate before the whirlwind of the wedding day starts.
Scheduling time for a first look also gives you both a moment to take a breath, calm your nerves, and connect. If you’re feeling nervous, this is a chance for you to provide one another comfort and reassurance and relieve some stress. It can make the day feel less overwhelming.
You won’t regret taking the time to reflect together before the hustle and bustle of the day really begins. Plus, it’ll be a surprise if you two get another chance for a moment alone together later in the day. Take the opportunity while you can.
Reason #2: Share Your Vows
During the first look, couples often share special words for one another – words they may have been thinking about for a long time and saving for this special moment. During this time, couples may share vows, letters, or other meaningful sentiments.
Many couples like these moments to be private but don’t mind having a photographer there to capture the moment so they can reflect on it later.
Reason #3: Capture Your Genuine Emotional Reaction
If you’ve watched any sort of wedding movie, you’ve heard them talk about the moment when the bride walks down the aisle and the look on the groom’s face is priceless. The groom’s face is a picture of unbridled joy and oftentimes there are tears mixed in. It’s one of the most beautiful moments of the wedding day.
A similar emotion is captured when couples do a first look. In fact, a first look can inspire an even more earnest reaction – due largely in part to its seclusion from friends and family. It’s just you and your partner, completely unguarded and open to express your emotions freely. Whereas some people may be more guarded in front of their friends and family during a public ceremony, the first look is often able to evoke more authentic reactions.
All the while, your photographer is there, silently capturing all the action so you get to relive the moment in photographs over and over again through the years.
The meaningfulness of this first look moment shouldn’t be missed. And not to worry: It doesn’t diminish the beauty, excitement, and overwhelming emotion of watching your future spouse walk down the aisle.
Reason #4: Be Efficient With Your Time
Purely logistically speaking, having a first look makes sense. It allows you to take the bulk of group and family photos before the ceremony takes place. That gives you more time to converse with family and friends after the ceremony and before the dinner and reception begin. You’ll be able to enjoy more of the festivities you planned, rather than being pulled away for photos during the bulk of it.
Having a first look can be a practical choice for couples who want to maximize their time on their wedding day. It allows for more flexibility in scheduling photos.
Savor Your Wedding Memories
Opting for first look wedding photos can be a decision that enriches your wedding day in several meaningful ways. It provides couples with a private moment to savor their love and calm their nerves before the whirlwind of the day begins. It offers an opportunity to share heartfelt vows or sentiments in seclusion, with the added bonus of capturing those genuine emotional reactions that are often more pronounced when it's just the two of you. Moreover, from a practical standpoint, it allows for more efficient use of your time, enabling you to enjoy more of the festivities and interactions with family and friends.
While the choice of whether to have a first look is a personal one, it's worth considering the emotional and logistical benefits it can bring to your special day. Ultimately, a first look can create beautiful and lasting memories that enhance the overall wedding experience for both you and your partner.
The first look moment is one of my favorite parts to shoot during the wedding day. Check out some of my work and set up a session to speak with me about photographing your wedding.
