If you’ve been following us for a while (or even if you haven’t!), you’ll know we are big proponents of the first look. Although first looks haven’t been around as long as other wedding traditions, we believe that they are here to stay for all the things they offer brides and grooms! First looks can play an integral part in a full and complete wedding day and can help make the day run more smoothly and be less stressful. Today we’re going to share 5 reasons why we love first looks as photographers and as a former bride (Samantha) and friends to brides, and why you should too!
Please know that we never want any of our couples to feel pressured to go with this option. A traditional wedding day timeline has its own convincing reasons! However, we do want to make sure that we share all of the amazing benefits of a first look because there is a reason most of our couples do this and LOVE it!
1) Your hair and makeup will be fresh for photos
In some ways, wedding days are the WORST days to have photos taken! People are hugging you all the time, kissing you, sometimes you cry (maybe a lot), you’re out in the sun, or it’s raining (or blizzarding!). Not even the best makeup can stay fresh for 12 hours! This is why a first look is such a great idea. First looks typically happen directly after prep, when your makeup and hair is fresh, and you’re looking absolutely perfect! These photos will show you looking your absolute best!
Plus, if you decide to have bridal party photos right after, your bridesmaids will thank you for this as well!
Emily & Kelston
2) A first look gives more time for portraits! AND more time with guests!
When a bride and groom decide to do a first look, there are two “add-ons” that they can choose.
First, they can do some portraits and bridal party photos before the ceremony. This will essentially give them TWO portrait sessions, with two different locations, and two different types of light!
A second option is to do all bride/groom and bridal party portraits directly after the first look (excluding, of course, husband/wife photos during sunset!). This will allow for more flexibility and freedom after the ceremony to mingle with guests, enjoy cocktail hour, or move directly into the reception.
Eirwen & Stuart
3) You’ll calm your nerves, while still maintaining your excitement
Saving your “first look” for when you’re walking down the aisle is stressful! Not only are you seeing them for the first time that day, but you also have hundreds of eyes watching your every move. The mixture of nerves and excitement can be so overwhelming, you aren’t able to enjoy the moment. We’ve seen brides physically shaking with nervousness!
A first look can mitigate some of this. It releases tension while maintaining excitement. A first look allows you to divide the stress of the scenario. You can see each other for the first time in circumstances that are more private. It feels less like a show or performance. But then you get to walk down the aisle and enjoy the full magnitude of what is happening (YOU are WALKING down the AISLE!). We’ve been told time and time again by couples who opt for a first look that it only made the “aisle moment” better as it was filled with exclusively positive emotions!
Annet & Brad
4) There’s a greater chance that someone might cry
Let’s be honest, what all brides want when their groom sees them for the first time is a REACTION.
Grooms are usually nervous on wedding days, no matter how cool and collected they seem. The whole day is focused on them. They need to look their best, they need to be on time, he has no idea what side the boutonniere is supposed to go on… The tension grows. And this tension only stifles his reaction.
A first look can help ease tension and create emotional space
Firstly, first looks are done in privacy and seclusion. No on-lookers, no distractions. The bride, the love of his life, comes up behind the groom and touches him on his shoulder. He turns around to see her for the first time. He finally gets his first look at his beautiful bride. Not only see her, but embrace her, kiss her, enjoy that moment with her for as long as they want! And as she shows him her dress, twirling a few times and asking what he thinks, his nerves melt away. After all, SHE’S the one who makes him the most comfortable.
Secondly, after the first look, all the tension is released. By the time the ceremony comes around, the groom is no longer a nervous wreck! He had just spent the last hour or so with his bride–his best friend–and maybe their entire bridal party! When the bride finally walks down the aisle, the groom isn’t distracted by the emotional expectations of the 80-300 guests watching his reaction. The pressure is off and he can focus his entire attention on his bride! Often, this leads to a second bout of emotion (don’t forget to pack tissues!)
Carrie & Steve
5) A first look can help showcase who you are
You have so much freedom with first looks: where, with who, and how it’s done! Some couples choose to include their bridal party or family, watching in the background. Grooms can be turned around or blindfolded. Brides can come up behind the groom, or walk downstairs, or come out of double doors. It’s really up to you! Depending on who you are as a couple, first looks allow you to add more of what you love to your special day, whether that’s time with family or friends, complete privacy, or an extra surprise.
Tiffany & Albert
5 Reasons to have a First Look
If you’ve been following us for a while (or even if you haven’t!), you’ll know we are big proponents of the first look. Although first looks haven’t been around as long as other wedding traditions, we believe that they are here to stay for all the things they offer brides and grooms! First looks can play an integral part in a full and complete wedding day and can help make the day run more smoothly and be less stressful. Today we’re going to share 5 reasons why we love first looks as photographers and as a former bride (Samantha) and friends to brides, and why you should too!
Please know that we never want any of our couples to feel pressured to go with this option. A traditional wedding day timeline has its own convincing reasons! However, we do want to make sure that we share all of the amazing benefits of a first look because there is a reason most of our couples do this and LOVE it!
1) Your hair and makeup will be fresh for photos
In some ways, wedding days are the WORST days to have photos taken! People are hugging you all the time, kissing you, sometimes you cry (maybe a lot), you’re out in the sun, or it’s raining (or blizzarding!). Not even the best makeup can stay fresh for 12 hours! This is why a first look is such a great idea. First looks typically happen directly after prep, when your makeup and hair is fresh, and you’re looking absolutely perfect! These photos will show you looking your absolute best!
Plus, if you decide to have bridal party photos right after, your bridesmaids will thank you for this as well!
Emily & Kelston
2) A first look gives more time for portraits! AND more time with guests!
When a bride and groom decide to do a first look, there are two “add-ons” that they can choose.
First, they can do some portraits and bridal party photos before the ceremony. This will essentially give them TWO portrait sessions, with two different locations, and two different types of light!
A second option is to do all bride/groom and bridal party portraits directly after the first look (excluding, of course, husband/wife photos during sunset!). This will allow for more flexibility and freedom after the ceremony to mingle with guests, enjoy cocktail hour, or move directly into the reception.
Eirwen & Stuart
3) You’ll calm your nerves, while still maintaining your excitement
Saving your “first look” for when you’re walking down the aisle is stressful! Not only are you seeing them for the first time that day, but you also have hundreds of eyes watching your every move. The mixture of nerves and excitement can be so overwhelming, you aren’t able to enjoy the moment. We’ve seen brides physically shaking with nervousness!
A first look can mitigate some of this. It releases tension while maintaining excitement. A first look allows you to divide the stress of the scenario. You can see each other for the first time in circumstances that are more private. It feels less like a show or performance. But then you get to walk down the aisle and enjoy the full magnitude of what is happening (YOU are WALKING down the AISLE!). We’ve been told time and time again by couples who opt for a first look that it only made the “aisle moment” better as it was filled with exclusively positive emotions!
Annet & Brad
4) There’s a greater chance that someone might cry
Let’s be honest, what all brides want when their groom sees them for the first time is a REACTION.
Grooms are usually nervous on wedding days, no matter how cool and collected they seem. The whole day is focused on them. They need to look their best, they need to be on time, he has no idea what side the boutonniere is supposed to go on… The tension grows. And this tension only stifles his reaction.
A first look can help ease tension and create emotional space
Firstly, first looks are done in privacy and seclusion. No on-lookers, no distractions. The bride, the love of his life, comes up behind the groom and touches him on his shoulder. He turns around to see her for the first time. He finally gets his first look at his beautiful bride. Not only see her, but embrace her, kiss her, enjoy that moment with her for as long as they want! And as she shows him her dress, twirling a few times and asking what he thinks, his nerves melt away. After all, SHE’S the one who makes him the most comfortable.
Secondly, after the first look, all the tension is released. By the time the ceremony comes around, the groom is no longer a nervous wreck! He had just spent the last hour or so with his bride–his best friend–and maybe their entire bridal party! When the bride finally walks down the aisle, the groom isn’t distracted by the emotional expectations of the 80-300 guests watching his reaction. The pressure is off and he can focus his entire attention on his bride! Often, this leads to a second bout of emotion (don’t forget to pack tissues!)
Carrie & Steve
5) A first look can help showcase who you are
You have so much freedom with first looks: where, with who, and how it’s done! Some couples choose to include their bridal party or family, watching in the background. Grooms can be turned around or blindfolded. Brides can come up behind the groom, or walk downstairs, or come out of double doors. It’s really up to you! Depending on who you are as a couple, first looks allow you to add more of what you love to your special day, whether that’s time with family or friends, complete privacy, or an extra surprise.
Tiffany & Albert
5 Reasons to have a First Look
Date:
February 14, 2020
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This is where we share recent weddings & sessions, as well as informative articles, wedding planning tips, and a little bit about my life!
When I'm not shooting beautiful people in beautiful places, you're most likely to find me reading, taking walks along the beach, or trying out new restaurants with my husband!
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[…] Osgoode Hall, for Nicole and Julian’s first look and portraits. Because they decided on a first look, Nicole and Julian were able to spend the rest of the day together without having to be apart […]