There is something truly exhilarating about seeing something...or someone for the first time. Emotions are heightened, thoughts racing, and so many imaginations fly through your heart in anticipation for what is about to happen.
In our modern day, everyone must know what a First Look is by now as it has become quite a popular trend to do at weddings! In case you haven’t let me tell you. A first look is an intimate one-on-one experience where the bride and groom lay eyes on each other before their ceremony or anything else begins. It is a rising trend with traditional weddings and elopements alike and probably one of my favorites for many reasons!
When considering whether or not to do a first look, or even just considering how, you want to think about your personalities and what is important to you. You want to be happy with your decision, whatever you decide to do! I see the giddy excitement of couples taking their First Look at each other whether they wait for the ceremony or precede it with a special moment to meet.
With that being said, I’d like to share some reasons I find a first look to be a wonderful option on your wedding day!
Calm your nerves
Whether your wedding is one with everyone you know surrounding you or an intimate elopement with a breathtaking view, nothing up to this point in your lives perhaps, will get you nervous like the day you tie the knot. If you’re someone who gets anxious or doesn’t like to be the center of attention, a first look is a great option for you! You might also have a lot of stress built up around all the planning you put into this day. Compound that with the sheer excitement of seeing each other for the first time! The first look slows everything down to a private, cherished moment to be encouraged and reassured by the one you love before the rest of the day unfolds; what a way to start your forever together! You can get through the nervousness of seeing each other for the first time so you look relaxed and confident for the rest of your photos!
“Having a first look on our wedding day was one of the most special moments we shared as a couple. Being alone on your wedding day can be hard in the midst of photos and greeting your guests. Austin and I spent about 45 min alone reading our personal vows and enjoying the celebration of our marriage before the ceremony even began. For us, having a first look allowed us to be more confident and relaxed during our ceremony because we had already had those special private moments before. While I cried happy tears during our first look and vows, Austin shocked me by staying strong for our first look but totally teared up when I walked down the aisle. An added bonus was doing all of our family portraits before the ceremony so we could enjoy the entire cocktail hour and reception with our guests. All in all, having a first look ensured that we made intentional time during our wedding day to focus on our relationship and all of the reasons why we were getting married in the first place”.
~Ellen
A chance to exchange gifts and relish your bond
You are the center of attention this day and a first look session really captures the bond and affection shared between you two. This is a great time to bask in the affection of your partner. First look sessions are when couples typically read letters to each other, exchange little gifts, or just breath and embrace. While you’re both still star-gazed amazed, this is also the perfect time to get in some ahhhmazing couple portraits before family and wedding party photos take place if this applies to your wedding style.
And don’t think for a moment that it will take away the emotional highs of the ceremony! I still see so many couples tear up when walking the isle, even though they’ve seen each other earlier in the day. Seeing each other privately is much different from the moment it’s all really happening in front of loved ones or a private, enchanting view.
Look your best
Early on in the day when your hair, makeup, and attire are still perfect is really a great benefit to getting some first look photos! SO much time and boundless energy goes into getting ready and looking the best you ever have in your life, so why not make the best of it and capture it for all time?! You haven’t cried yet (maybe!) or really been anywhere for the chance to get dirty(depending on your location!) so you’re both sure to have clean shoes, outfit, and a glowing face. Of course, you are going to look great all day! That much is ensured with all the time you put into every detail of your appearance.
More time to celebrate
Whether or not you have guests aplenty attending, an intimate gathering of few, or just you two, leaving your guests waiting while you take portraits post-ceremony isn’t exactly fun or equitable. A first look will smooth the transition time from ceremony to reception where you can talk with guests and actually enjoy your own party! Who wants to miss their own cocktail hour or postpone a picnic reception?! You can still have time to snap any portrait photos with the changes of light and it serves as a back-up slot if you missed any special poses earlier in the day, or if something came up and cut time short. But even a few photos won’t take you away for too long.
As a bride, I told myself I didn’t want to do a First Look because I was worried it would take away from the moment of me walking down the aisle. Hannah convinced me to try it & boy was I glad I did. Not only did we have more time with Hannah as our photographer because we did a first look, but by doing a First Look, we were able to spend more time with our family & our friends during the reception because we took our bridal, groom, & bridal party before the ceremony!
If you’re worried about the First Look like I was, just know that my husband cried during the first look, & even harder when I walked down the aisle. The moment was still there for both of us. I cried, he cried. It’s two totally different moments. Thank you, Hannah for convincing me to do a first look! It was totally worth it!
~Jeanna
More Photos, less risk
Many things can happen despite all your hard work planning ahead. Weather, late arrivals, missing rings, etc. you know… many moving parts! If you do a first look before the day unfolds, you can get all your pictures done and documented, even if rains start to pour. Although rain can make for some fun photos! The last thing you want is to rush photos after your ceremony (which can typically run longer than planned!) to get that perfect golden hour light or another myriad of reasons!
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, photos and memories are what you have to look back on to remember the beginnings of wedded bliss. I want you to have plenty of opportunities for great photos you will cherish and enjoy for years to come. There will be so many moments to capture during your ceremony and celebration. Little glances, happy smiles, well-timed laugher and heartfelt tears...But your first look only happens once!
