“What is the ‘first look’?” you might ask. The first look is when the bride and groom opt to see each other before their ceremony, usually in a more secluded space, photographed in a more intimate way. By adding a first look to the wedding day timeline, we are able to capture many more images of the bride and groom together (rather than only taking them after the ceremony). We are allowed a lot more time to be creative with our posing and portraiture and more time to follow the bride and groom around as they enjoy some sweet moments together before they say “I do”.

Doing a first look can be quite beneficial in many aspects, from capturing emotional moments of your significant other’s first time seeing you in your dress, to photographing the entire wedding party together, maybe even knock out some of the family photos before the ceremony begins. It’s a brilliant trend in the wedding world that I highly suggest doing. 

The way I like to set up the first look:

• We scout out the prettiest location around the venue and quickly figure out the logistics.

• We show the groom where to stand (no peeking!) and explain to him how things will go down. He will then patiently await his beautiful bride. 

• We then send for the bride to sneak up to her husband-to-be.

• The bride and groom get to see each other for the first time and fully enjoy the moment! We quietly stand back and photograph the sweet moments that unfold right then and there…the hugs, the kisses, the tears, etc. Seeing each other for the first time on your big day is a big moment and can be quite emotional! We don’t chime in until things calm down.

• Then, we get to spend a good amount of precious time exploring the venue and taking some AMAZING and romantic portraits! It’s seriously the best.

We are usually able to photograph all of the wedding party pictures and some of the family group portraits before the ceremony, which allows everyone to arrive at the reception together and get the party started on time! I often hear about how bored and hungry guests can get while they wait for the couple and wedding party to come back after finishing their photos, and doing a first look beforehand definitely alleviates that time in between the ceremony and reception. 

I fully endorse doing a first look. Though, I completely understand that it’s not for everyone and that’s okay too! ;)