Why Should i do a “first look” at my wedding?
THE FIRST LOOK, WHERE A COUPLE GET TO SEE EACH OTHER FOR THE FIRST TIME BEFORE THEIR wedding CEREMONY AND AISLE WALK, IS A FAIRLY NEW CONCEPT AND ONE THAT SEEMINGLY BUCKS TRADITION. HOWEVER, THIS NEW TRADITION HAS SO MANY PERKS AND CAN ADD SO MUCH TO YOUR WEDDING DAY SO DON’T WRITE IT OFF JUST YET! READ ON TO FIND OUT WHY YOU MAY WANT TO INCORPORATE THIS MOMENT AND GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR DAY!
TAKE A MOMENT AND SOAK IT ALL IN…
Let’s face it. the aisle walk isn’t exactly a private moment. In fact, your day is going to go by so fast that you will get few, if any private moments with your sweetie. There are two moments during your day that I will always recommend to get you two a minute away from the fray and just be in the moment TOGETHER. The first look and sunset portrait session. Take advantage of these moments. Yes, you want to celebrate with friends and family but at the end of the day, this is about the two of you. And there is something so romantic about two lovers running off together for some smooches while Aunt Sally wonders where you got off to ;)
SPEAKING OF THAT AISLE WALK…
Yes. Tradition says this is supposed to be the first moment you see your love on your wedding day. But why? Most brides will say because they want to see the big reaction from their partner as they come down the aisle, but let’s unpack that for a second.
There’s your partner, all eyes on him. Your Dad, you, there’s nosey Aunt Sally again all up in their business and they’re probably getting nudged by the best man and encouraging words from the officiant. Am I standing in the right spot? Is this the song you wanted? There will be a million things going through their mind. Now might not be the best representation of their true, raw emotions. I mean the pressure is ON.
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
What is going through your head? You are watching them, trying to keep up with the exact timing and remember what the officiant and planner told you at rehearsal. Was that the queue to go? You are trying to be in the moment with Dad and all of his love, oh and there’s Mom! And Aunt Sally is crying now…
Look… there is just a LOT going on in that moment. So many things tho think about and take in and with all eyes on you it can be really hard for both of you to FEEL everything you are supposed to feel.
NOW IMAGINE A MOMENT BEFORE ALL OF THIS GOES DOWN.
Your Boo strategically placed in a beautiful spot just waiting in silent anticipation. Alone with their thoughts and wondering how they got so lucky. You are lead to the spot, out of sight but you can see your love just waiting there. ALLLL of the emotions come. They know you are just behind them. You are feeling this same excitement. Some couples choose to up the ante and write each other letters to read right before the moment but I can tell you, it’s not even needed. Because it’s just the two of you and your photographer, you can totally be in this moment together. You tap them on the shoulder and ahhhh… there it is. That perfect moment. you can take it all in without any distractions and feel all of the feelings without worrying about Aunt Sally’s loud sobs interrupting the moment.
Think of how much easier it will be to let it hit you. To feel all of the emotions without an audience and all of the distractions. I guarantee you if a big reaction are your goal, a first look is SO much more conducive to tears and joyful excitement than you could imagine.
WHICH LEADS US TO THE PHOTOS.
Yes- there is a selfish component to why photographers LOVE first looks. This is the moment. The moment you experience each other for the first time on this super important day where you become one. We would be lying if we said we didn’t want to curate the experience to make for the best pictures ever. By doing a first look, we get to pick the perfect spot, with the perfect lighting and clear out all distractions. And I think MOST importantly, we are getting that first raw reaction with both you and your hunny in the photo together! Think about it. If you have that moment during the aisle walk, you will be at separate ends of the ceremony for the first look, meaning all pictures of you each in that moment will be separate. First look means you will be TOGETHER in those perfect emotional photos!
You are paying for your photographer’s expertise but so much of what we photograph during the wedding day is out of our control. First looks are a chance to let our eye and creative vision take the lead and make that perfect portrait that will bring a tear for years to come.
At least think about it. I know most photogs and especially me, love being part of the planning for your day. We have been to many weddings and seen a million different ways to have the day play out. Ask us! Let us help to make sure you get the most out of your photos. We want them to be the absolute perfect representation of all the love and emotion and joy that this day holds.
When it’s all over and the table settings and flowers have been packed away, only these photos will remain to help you relive every magical moment over and over again. And maybe we can even get some great shots for good ol’ Aunt Sally to frame too ;)
