What is a first look?
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.
