Wedding Day First Looks
There is one issue I see a lot of couples struggle with when planning out their wedding day. Should they do a First Look, or should they wait to see each other when they first walk down the aisle? As a wedding photographer, I have worked with couples in both scenarios. While both ways can work well, there are a few distinct advantages to going with a First Look prior to your wedding ceremony.
How Does it Work?
The First Look begins with some quiet time for just the two of you…alone. The walk down the aisle in a very public wedding ceremony would cause all eyes to be focused on you. Alternatively, your First Look, where you see each other alone before your formal portraits, is often extremely special for you both. You are able to exchange letters or gifts, calm your nerves and think about the events ahead. This quiet time for the two of you also helps to prepare yourselves for the events to come. It is amazing how couples relax once they have held their First Look.
Another Benefit
Another benefit of First Looks is that your hair and makeup are still fresh and you are still comfortable in your wedding attire. Often times, wedding days and wedding wardrobes can be heavy and hot, so people look less and less fresh as the day progresses. Seeing each other in top form will happen if you choose to do your First Look right away.
After the First Look
After the First Look time has finished, we take some posed photos of the two of you. While we still refer to these photos as “posed”, rest-assured that we use our expertise to create images of you that look relaxed, natural and intimate. These photos are the ones that most often end up on walls and in prints or albums. We like to take these photos alone, away from bridal party and family members, to continue to capture candid emotions and moments together.
Formal Portraits
Once your portrait time is finished, you are able to regroup with bridal party and family members and complete as much of your posed, formal group portraits as possible prior to your wedding ceremony. Once your ceremony is complete, you are then able to spend as much time as possible mingling with your guests and not forced to break into posed photos afterward while wishing you could be somewhere else.
All-in-all, including a First Look into your wedding day is an amazing experience, and one I highly recommend!
Want more advice? Wedding photography information? Want to see if I would be a good fit for your wedding day? Give me a call at 612.220.8227 or contact me!
Looking for More Advice and Opinions? Check out my other help articles:
Wedding Day Photography Tips
Engagement Photography Tips
Top 10 Things to Look for When Hiring a Wedding Photographer
Should You Have an Unplugged Wedding Ceremony?
Six Tips to Help Plan Your Wedding Day Timeline
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