The First Look

You might have been hearing a lot of photographers lately talking about a first look. And if you’re like a lot of people, you’re probably like, “WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL WITH THESE FIRST LOOKS?!” Well, here it is, in a few points.

1. You probably fell in love with your photographer for a few reasons. Hopefully after you met them, it was because of their personality and the fact that you really hit it off, but initially, it was probably because of the photographs on their website. And if your photographer is anything like me, (or if it IS me, YAY!) then all of those gorgeous photographs you see on the website took TIME. Because no one is comfortable with a camera in front of their face right away. I’m not, and I’d venture to guess you aren’t either. A first look creates that time. We will work together to plan out your timeline so that you can see each other before your ceremony and take portraits. Then, because you will have taken most of your wedding party portraits beforehand, we will even have time for some gorgeous sunset photos after your ceremony, while still allowing you to join cocktail hour.
2. It calms your nerves. I can’t tell you how many brides and grooms I’ve had who immediately after their first look come over to me and say, “THANK YOU for suggesting that! We feel SO much more at ease now that we have seen each other.” I’ve seen grooms who were so anxious before the wedding, and once they see their bride, all their anxiety fades away and is replaced with a huge smile or tears, or a lot of times, both!
3. You actually get to talk to each other! When you do a first look, you can walk right into the arms of your best friend and give them a hug. You can look at his smile. You can tell her how absolutely stunning she looks in her dress. You have a moment between just the two of you, instead of sharing that precious moment with 150 other people.
4. I PROMISE, you will still get that feeling when you walk down the aisle. It’s a completely different feeling than your first look. No matter what, that walk down the aisle is crazy. You are about to make a covenant with your best friend, and it’s an amazing thing.
5. You get to enjoy cocktail hour. Can I get a hallelujah?! You invited all of your closest family and friends to be here, and you should spend as much time with them as possible!

Below is one of my all time favorite examples of first looks. Kellen and Kristi did their first look, cried a lot, took some portraits, and then cried some more as she walked down the aisle. They make me so happy :) I know after saying even all that, a first look won’t be for everyone. I’m ALL FOR first looks, but if it’s not for you, that’s ok! But going back to number 1 on my list, great photographs take time. So if you’re not going to do a first look, promise me that we will still have at least 45 minutes with just the two of you. You will love having that time to spend with just each other, and that will allow me to take some beautiful photographs of you!