I often get asked by brides, ‘What is a first Look?’, or ‘What type of First Look should I have?’

A ‘First Look’ is when a couple see each other on their wedding day prior to their ceremony. It’s a very private moment for the couple where their emotions can run freely.

If you decide a First Look is for you, there are some pros and cons that I wanted to highlight for you all. My most important piece of advice as a professional photographer is don’t let anyone pressure you into doing one. It’s not for everyone.

Why Do A First Look?

1. You’re naturally nervous before your ceremony and allowing your emotions to run freely beforehand will allow you to be calmer during your ceremony. If you’re an especially emotional person, or you know you’re going to be a little nervous, a pre-ceremony glimpse may be beneficial.

2. It may be the only time on the day that you will have a private moment with your love. Everyone wants to congratulate you and naturally be present with you throughout your wedding day, so the First Look allows you 20-30 minutes of ‘you’ time.

3. If, like me, you are very emotional and are likely to cry during First Look, you can freshen up before your ceremony.

4. If your ceremony ends at dusk or later, having a First Look will allow me to take pictures of you when the light is at its finest. I can control the lighting more during a First Look than at the ceremony, as you can choose your favorite spot for the pictures.

5. If you choose to do a First Look, you won’t miss all of your cocktail hour. You save time by taking the bulk of your photos together before the ceremony.

6. There will be no obstructions, such as guests using their iPhone or own cameras. It’s just the two of you.

7. After your First Look you can get all your wedding party shots before your ceremony to give you extra time to enjoy cocktail hour with your friends and family.

Maybe It’s Not For You?

1. You may want to keep your day traditional and want to see each other for the first time at the ceremony.

2. You want to show your emotions in front of your friends and family. Your friends and family won’t be a part of seeing your partner for the first time. This can be a very important part of a wedding day for some couples and their parents.

3. Perhaps you want your bridal photos to be ones where you are actually married. Your First Look pictures won’t actually be of you as a married couple. If that bothers you, a First Look is not for you.

4. If you do cry during your First Look, you’ll have to keep a bit of time before the ceremony to touch up your makeup.

5. You lose having that special moment at the altar.

6. Seeing each other at the alter builds suspense and adds emotion to your ceremony.

7. There’s a chance your dress may get a little dirty during First Look depending on where we take the pictures. If you want to keep your dress as clean as possible, save the pictures until after the ceremony.

What Should I Do?

I often get asked by couples what I think they should do. I can’t answer that for you. There are so many factors to consider such as the timing and location of the ceremony and getting ready location.

As a professional photographer I LOVE doing First Looks as it gives us more flexibility to take more beautiful photographs of the two of you at your location choice. I want my couples to feel comfortable expressing their true emotions, so I stand a little farther away to let them have that special interaction alone. I also give them a few minutes after the First Look together, alone, to enjoy that moment. Wedding days go so quickly, so having an intimate moment is always something I recommend. However, it’s your day and your decision.

If you can’t decide whether to have a First Look or not, please give me a call. I’d love to chat about whether it’s the right thing to do for you as a couple.

Need Some Inspiration?

If you decide to do a First Look, congratulations! From my years as a wedding photographer I’ve put together a few First Look ideas:

1. Hand Holding: That intimate touch may be all you need to get your emotions flowing on the day.

2. Shoulder Tap: Nothing beats a tap on the shoulder. We can play with fun ideas for the tap such as the image below.

3. Back to Back: This is a classic and one many couples’ tend to choose for their intimate moment.

4. Dad + Daughter: Don’t forget about dad! Take some extra time to stage a memorable first look with him, your grandparents or another loved one.

5. Staircase Descent: If you like to make a statement, the descent down a beautiful staircase could be the way to go.

6. The Door Knob: Before turning the knob and revealing yourself allow me to capture a creative shot of you both holding the door knob.

7. Open Doors: What a way to make a statement! Your fiancé can have their back to you and turn around as you enter.

8. Blindfolded: This could be perfect for those sports-fans out there. Like this First Look pictures, the groom chose a blindfold in his favorite team colors!

9. Bridesmaids Reveal: Don’t forget to ‘wow’ your girls with your full ensemble.

10. Long Walk: Capture the anticipation of the moment by staging your first look inside a long hallway, spacious room, or out in the open.

I hope you found this blog post on First Look Wedding Inspiration useful. If you can’t decide whether to have a First Look or not, please give me a call or email me. I’d love to chat about whether it’s the right thing to do for you as a couple.

Check back in a couple of weeks to read my second installment to this blog; ‘First Look Alternatives’ – just in case you decide the First Look is not for you.