We had the chance to capture Lindsey & Jonny’s beautiful Museum of Fine Arts wedding two Sundays ago. One of my favorite parts of their day was the First Look between them in the garden outside their venue. If you are in the midst of planning your wedding, you have probably already heard of couples doing ‘First Looks’ before their ceremony, but you might not know what this means. We basically create en extra moment for you and your fiancé to see each other on your wedding day prior to your actual ceremony. We call this moment a ‘First Look’ and due to the many advantages, more couples are deciding to have one. If you have a timeline that is a little packed, want extra portrait time or just want to be a little less traditional, a First Look might be for you. When couples do decide to see one another, Evan & I find a beautiful and private location at your ceremony or getting ready venue and coordinate your meeting. We make sure you don’t see one another until the big moment and when the time comes we capture all the smiles and emotions as they unfold. The moment is intimate, exciting and very memorable.
Probably about 70% of our couples do a First Look. Not only does it give couples a chance to see each other when nerves might be running high, it also gives you a chance to have the reveal in private. From a photographer’s point of view, a first look is optimal for getting relaxed and non-rushed portraits. And from a timing perspective it’s great because your portrait time is no longer restricted to cocktail hour. Doing a first look is also a great idea if you are having your ceremony in a church with restrictions on photography. Doing a First Look also gives you and your fiance the chance to freshen up before portraits if tears are shed. Our couples have said that a First Look made them a lot less nervous and they were able to better enjoy their ceremony. If you don’t like the idea of a First Look because you don’t think the moment at the end of the aisle will be the same, we’ve never found that to be the case. The first moment together at the end of the aisle is not special because of seeing the bride’s dress, but rather because you’re finally about to make it official. Lindsey & Jonny had a First Look and their ceremony was still very emotional. One of my favorite moments during a first look is when the groom asked the bride to spin in her dress so he can see. It’s always so playful and sweet. And of course we got lots of extra portraits for Lindsey & Jonny that would not have captured if not for doing a First Look. I’ll be blogging their full wedding, including the ceremony, tomorrow- so tune in for all that gorgeousness!
We’ve never had a couple regret doing a First Look, but have had several who regretted they did not. We definitely understand that a First Look isn’t for everyone though, and many of our couples decide not to do one. The decision can be difficult, but after a little discussion you can determine if it’s right for you. And of course, Evan and I are always happy to give our input of whether a First Look would be beneficial to your wedding timeline :)
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