My Experience as a Wedding Photographer & as a Bride
As both a wedding photographer and once a bride myself, I can say (now with experience from the other side of the lens) that the First Look was one of the most powerful, emotionally charged moments of my life. It was really beautiful. I was a ball of anxious, excited nerves on my wedding day, but just as soon as Jeff (my now husband) turned to face me and we locked eyes, it really centered me. It put my mind at ease and put my attention on the reason why we were both there in the first place – to celebrate our love and to make a lifetime commitment to one another. Nothing else really mattered. Time stood still. Sure, there would also be a fabulous party to follow and a chance to have all of our dear friends and family together in one room – pretty cool indeed. But, at the core, it was about us! In looking back at our wedding pictures, some of my absolute favorites are from the First Look moment. Why? Because I vividly remember the way that I felt. And all the memories of that special time come to mind. Indescribable!
The first look is a personal preference of course. (I even needed a little convincing to be honest with you.) What I hear a lot, is that the bride-and-groom do not want to take away from the ceremony and seeing each other during the processional. I get that! Also, I say this from experience, as you walk down the isle, it will be yet another powerful wedding day moment – filled with intense emotion. Nothing can take away from that! I can count the number of times that I have seen my husband cry on one hand. The first time was during the first look, and the second was as I walked down the isle. (Okay, and the 3rd, 4th and 5th were perhaps during the ceremony and vows – he was a mess! It was great!).
What exactly is a First Look?
It is when a bride and groom decide to see one another prior to the ceremony in an intimate setting before their wedding day is officially underway.
What happens with a First Look?
I will find a lovely location at the venue – one that is private, with the hope of staying away from the attention of family and guests for your time alone together. He will have his back turned and you will slowly walk up behind him. After talking you through it as a reminder, my second shooter and I will step away and stay at a far distance. When he turns around to see you as a beautiful bride in your dress for the first time, it is a priceless moment between just the two of you. You can hug, kiss, cry, spin, dance, dip, laugh, pray and talk to your heart’s content. We will give you about 5-10 minutes to just be together and to breathe-in the moment.
What are the Benefits of a First Look?
When you see each other for the first time in a private location, both of you can express your emotions much more freely than when you are standing in front of your guests at the ceremony – resulting in beautiful, heartfelt imagery. We’re talking the stuff that romantic movies are made of! For many couples, this will be the only time that they get to spend by themselves on their wedding day. From that point forward, you are typically with your bridal party and surrounded by all your guests – that makes for a lot of hugging, be ready!
Most of my couples choose to do a First Look and they are always so thankful that they did. They get a more relaxed wedding day schedule and they usually find that they get a lot more intimate portraits together. The First Look allows us to capture the main images earlier on in your day, so you can attend some of your cocktail hour if you wish. Imagine that on your wedding day! Without the first look, we usually get a little pressed for time after the ceremony as it leaves us with just about 45 minutes (if it’s running on schedule) to get everything – family formals, bridal party, and oh yeh… the two of you together!
I hope that sheds a little more light on the benefits of doing a First Look moment together, but please reach out to me if you would like to talk through it a little more. I understand that it can be a hard decision. But again, one you will not regret! Promise!
Happy Wedding Planning!
Kris