One of the best days in anyones life is their wedding day. It’s a day filled with so much gooey love and emotions that the memories will last a life time. One of those special memories is when the Bride and Groom see each other for the first time. For just a small moment all the nervousness washes away and the couple can enjoy an emotional connection that they can cherish forever.
So what exactly is a first look? The first look has become a modern tradition that involves a one on one photo session where the Bride and Groom see each other for the first time prior to the ceremony. The wedding dress, spiffy new tux and sparkle in each others eyes are captured during this intimate and special moment. There are actually two kinds of first looks: one the day of your wedding and the other taken before your wedding day. As a photographer I would recommend scheduling your first look a few days before your big day. When you schedule your first look photo’s or “Bridal photo shoot” you are allowing us to have more control over the location, time and over all outcome to get some jaw dropping portraits! Here are just 5 of my reasons why I think you should do a first look.
1. It Calms Your Nerves
Lets face it your wedding day is one of the biggest days of your life and you’re going to be nervous before the ceremony. Taking the time for a first look will slow everything down for just a moment and give you a chance to soak in the affection you have for each other before the frenzy of the wedding day. Most important, it lets you get all of the jitters and nerves out before seeing each other, knowing your significant other will be there to help calm your nerves.
2. Gives You Some Alone Time
This small amount of time allows you to step away for a minute and have just a small moment for the both of you. This is your big day, but ironically you wont have very many moments where you will get to enjoy each others company. Some couples are nervous that a first look will take away from that moment when they see each other walk down that isle, but I promise that moment is tender just the same! The rest of your day will be filled with family and friends and lots of hugs! Having a first look also gives us more time to get the group bridal portraits out of the way.
3. You’ll Look Your Best
We all LOVE looking our best and if we take the time and do a first look your hair will all be in perfect place, you would have cried off your mascara, and you will look super fresh! Bonus! If you decide to do a first look a few days before your actual wedding day it gives you a whole second day of wearing that gorgeous wedding attire!
4. You Get More Photo’s
Now I don’t know about you, but more bang for your buck is always a plus! When you schedule a first look before your ceremony and ideally you have some time for sunset photos during your reception, you get more photos! Weddings are unpredictable and anything can happen that can delay your schedule. A first look allows things not to be rushed if the schedule does get behind or the ceremony runs a tad longer than expected.
5. More Time With Your Guests
With Scheduling a first look you will create some extra time to socialize with your guest and family members who have come to celebrate your marriage. There is going to be so much going on and instead of worrying about getting enough photos or having time to chat with everyone, having a first look will take some of that stress off your shoulders and allow you to be fully present on your day.
There will be lots of tender moments, lingering glances, and sweet kisses and giggles that will be captures but there is only going to be one first look, so make the most of it and don’t let it slip away.