Traditionally, a couple would first see one another on their wedding day walking down the aisle. A first look allows you to see your partner BEFORE the ceremony – to have a special moment between the two of you and to capture some beautiful images. 

I personally always recommend a first look to all of my couples. Here’s why.

Why have a first look?

#1 – Eases your nerves

Instead of seeing your partner for the first time in front of a crowd of people, we can make this a more intimate moment for the two of you. Having a first look means you can release those wedding jitters that have been building up all morning as you were getting ready.

The pressure will officially be off of you and your partner when the ceremony begins. You’ve already seen how amazing you both look and now you can just focus on getting married!

#2 – More time after the ceremony

Something most people don’t think about is how the logistics will work if you DON’T have a first look. Taking the traditional route means you are cramming your couple’s portraits, wedding party portraits, AND family portraits in after the ceremony. Think about it – you just said your “I do’s,” and you’re on Cloud-9. You probably are itching to go have some fun at cocktail hour with all of your friends and family. BUT, now you’ll need to take lots of portraits with a lot of people in a very small window of time. If you have a first look, you can take a lot of those portraits before the ceremony even begins, meaning more time at cocktail hour and more time socializing with your guests!

#3 – You’ll get more photos

Since you now have more time because you’re not cramming all your portraits in after the ceremony, you’ll likely get more photos of you and your partner. These photos will also feel more intentional and relaxed since you won’t be in a rush. 

#4 – It’s more intimate

As a photographer, one of my absolute favorite things to photograph is a first look. The moment your partner turns around and sees you dressed to impress is just….priceless. You’ll likely get a more authentic reaction from your partner than you would in front of all your guests. With a first look, you two can slow down. Take each other in. And really be in this moment that you can never experience again.

#5 – You can freshen up before the ceremony

Lastly, a first look allows you to freshen up before the ceremony. If you or your partner shed some tears when first seeing each other, you can fix yourself up and be 100% ready to go come ceremony time. 

Conclusion

At the end of the day, this is YOUR wedding day. No one else’s. If you can’t imagine not seeing your loved one down the aisle for the first time that day, then go the traditional route! That’s absolutely OK, and any experienced photographer will be more than confident to help you work out the logistics of that. But, if the above points are really speaking to you, or you’re just on the fence, let’s set up an immensely special and beautiful first look for you two. I promise it will be worth it.

Meet the photographer

Kathleen Kirby is a wedding and elopement photographer located in Florence, AL. She specializes in truly in love couples who want their day to reflect their genuine selves. She is inclusive to all people who want to capture their love story in a beautiful and authentic way.

Reach out!

The post Top 5 Reasons to Have a First Look appeared first on Deep South Photography.

Let me help answer some of your burning questions and hopefully alleviate some unnecessary stress.

What the heck should we wear?

If you aren’t physically comfortable in your outfit, let’s try something else. I want you in something that you feel like a million bucks in. No matter how dressed up or dressed down that is. Maybe it’s your “comfy shorts” (yes, I have those too), or your worn in converse. If you’re comfortable and happy, I’m happy.

Instead of wearing what you think you’re supposed to wear, or wearing what’s trendy, let’s think about what YOU actually like. Sometimes looking at too many Pinterest ideas can get us into trouble. We all have different styles and tastes. This session should reflect your personal sense of style.

Where are you getting photographed? Is it your bedroom? Wear your comfy clothes. Is it a retro arcade? Let’s look for some 60s inspo. A beautiful field? Skip the heels so you can skip around and frolic.

If you really have no clue what to wear, go for neutrals. Or if you’re like me who naturally gravitates towards neutrals because you absolutely love them, do it. Neutrals look great on all of us, and they can help the images focus on you and your partner rather than your outfits.

• What are some accent pieces you can incorporate to show off your style a bit more? Maybe it’s your favorite statement earrings, or some suede boots, perhaps an old school scarf. Don’t be afraid to try out different accessories.
• Let’s skip on the whole matchy-matchy thing. Many of us naturally think we need to perfectly match our partner for our session. Instead, let’s think how your outfits can complement each other.
• Avoid large logos. It can easily turn into a Nike ad if we aren’t careful.
• Remove distracting elements. That apple watch you’re wearing might be distracting and date your photos when you look back on them in a few years.

We are so awkward in front of the camera, what do we do?

TRUST your photographer. Odds are you like their work, right? Trust that they know what to do with you to achieve the look you’re after. For me what that looks like is getting silly, getting messy, getting intimate – experiencing a whole range of emotions during your session.

All I ask is that you trust me and try your best to be in the moment and not in your head. The majority of us are NOT models, and even professional models feel self-conscious at times. Realize this is normal. I don’t need OR want you to be perfect. I want you to be real. Interact with each other like you normally do. Pretend like you’re at home on the couch eating Chinese food, being silly. Being sweet. Being you. We’re gonna photograph that and it will be great. Promise.

My partner isn’t really feeling having their photos taken, what do I do?

We really need both of ya’ll to be down for this adventure. If it’s a matter of them feeling awkward, read the above blurb. If they still aren’t convinced, show them another couples’ session or two so they can get a full taste of what they’ll get from your session. We’re telling a story of your relationship for you to look back on years from now. And if they’re still not convinced, have them talk to me. As someone married to a person who is less than thrilled to have his photos taken, I totally get it. But at this point he fully understands the power of photographs and how we’ll never get these moments back. And plus, 10/10 of people say they actually had fun at the end of their session. I bet your partner will be one of them.

What about weather? What if it…..rains?!

This is something on most people’s minds if they’ve decided to have an outdoor session. I get it, we fear the unknown, and even more, we fear what we can’t control. This is another chance to exercise trust in your photographer. Every photographer is different, but for me, we will shoot rain or shine, unless of course there is truly dangerous weather forecasted. I have a couple clear umbrellas on deck for you and your partner to get nice and cozy under. 

Having a plan B may be smart though. Is there an indoor space we could move your session to? A coffee shop you two had your first date at? A brewery you like to hit up after work after a stressful day? Maybe it’s just your home where you two are starting to build your life together. Let’s brainstorm.

And if all else fails, we can discuss the possibility of moving your session to another date that works for all of us. I want you to be more than thrilled about your session location!

Conclusion

Meet the photographer

Kathleen Kirby is a wedding and elopement photographer located in Florence, AL. She specializes in truly in love couples who want their day to reflect their genuine selves. She is inclusive to all people who want to capture their love story in a beautiful and authentic way.

Reach out!

The post How to Prepare for Your Engagement Session appeared first on Deep South Photography.