Should You Include a First Look on Your Wedding Day?
Growing in popularity, first looks have become a very big wedding trend over the past few years. First looks are a moment before your ceremony where you and your partner run off and see each other first the first time. This can be a private time between just the two of you or you can include family and friends.
As your wedding day approached, you may be asking yourself if having a first look is right for you. Here are a few reasons why you should and tips on how to make this moment flawles
It given you and your partner a moment alone
During your wedding day, there are not many times that allow you and your partner to be alone and to soak in the day. First looks give you and your partner time together to cherish the day and have some private time.
It helps get all your nerves out
Having a first look with your partner allows you to get all your nerves out together. Weddings are a time in your like where your emotions, nerves and energy are all over the place sometimes its hard to remember bits a pieces. Having this moment will allow you to shake off the nerves and soak in the moment.
The photos are worth it
If you ask any photographer, I bet they would say they love first looks. The photos you receive from your first look are so emotional and personal it brings even more life to your gallery.
It doesn't have to be only for the couple
I have photographed many first looks in my years of being a photographer and not all have been only the couple. Many people do first looks with their parents, bridesmaids and groomsmen, even with their kids.
You don't have to do a first look
There are several intimate ways to spend time together without seeing each other before your ceremony. Some ideas are, first touches, gift exchanges, and even voice recordings. These are all amazing ideas to spend time with your partner and not break tradition of seeing your partner walk down the isle.
Tips for a great first look
Find a secluded place for your first look. This will give you privacy to have your intimate moments and share your emotions.
Make sure your photographer knows who to include and who to keep away. As a photographer it is extremely important to me to make sure I know what the couples want.
Be sure to choose a location with optimal lighting. First looks are often done earlier in the day where the sun is a bit higher than preferred. Be sure to choose a location where there are not awkward shadows and where the sun is behind you.
Focus on each other. Do not worry about the photographer, wedding planner, friends and family who you want to join. Focus on each other and enjoy the time together and the emotions that come with the first look.
Schedule a bit of time between your first look and ceremony to knock out some couples photos or spend time together before walking down the isle.
Your first look is about a 30 minutes time period of your entire day but these 30 minutes can be some of the best minutes of your day. In all my time photographing weddings I have never meet a couple who regrets including a first look into their wedding timeline however I have had couples wish they included a first look into their timeline.
My last tidbit of advice for your first look, and your entire wedding in general, find yourself a photographer (like myself) who makes your photos about the wedding and not your wedding about the photos.
