I have confessed my deep love for the “First Look” numerous times. I tend to point them out in every blog post. There is a reason for this. They’re AWESOME! However, not everyone is aware of how awesome they are, because they get caught up in how “non-traditional” it is. Therefore, they immediately write it off.
After shooting nearly 100 weddings, I’ve come to this conclusion:
Some couples love “traditions”….but what one REALLY wants when it comes to their partner seeing them for the first time, is a memorable moment.
Those who are not interested in a First Look usually think that by seeing each other beforehand means losing the reaction. They also assume that it will not be as emotional or as intimate as it would be if they were coming down the aisle. What I have found (this is starting to sound like a research paper!) is actually the opposite!
Couples normally become incredibly nervous on wedding days, even if they seem cool and collected. For most, the nerves kick in before they see their partner because when they see them, everything becomes VERY real!
So instead of keeping your other-half in a secluded area until it is time to enter the ceremony, what if you took them to a private place? No people, no on-lookers (except for me), no distractions. You, their best friend and love of their life, ask them turn around only seeing you.
Not only would they finally get a first look at their partner looking fierce and stunning. But you could embrace each other, cry it out, kiss each other, and ENJOY that moment for as LONG as you dang well, please! The nerves start to diminish. Nothing else matters.
I’ve had SO many couples tell me how much more relaxed they feel after the first look and are ready to just have fun! Because when the nerves are gone, true emotions are free to be expressed!
Now let me put a disclaimer on here before we continue…my clients are not required to do a First Look by any means! I used to feel bad for sharing this option with couples who were against it because I didn’t want to push anything on them.
However, I’ve seen the benefits of a first look over and over again. I only share this because I want the BEST for my couples!! It’s totally ok if couples choose not to share a first look! It’s just my preference to do one for many reasons. Keep reading to find out more of the benefits of sharing your first look privately!
You’re investing a lot into your wedding photography. With a first look, you’ll receive 40% MORE portraits of the two of you. And those are the images you will decorate your first home with!
You actually get to have intimate time on your wedding day with your love. Most couples don’t realize that when you come down the aisle and totally SHOCK your partner with your gorgeous-ness, they can’t even tell you how amazing you look. They can hardly touch you, embrace you or even SPEAK to you. You have to wait until 30 minutes later when the ceremony is over for them to react and tell you how amazing it all is. And after 30 minutes of the ceremony, the reaction just isn’t the same as the initial first glance.
Normally the wedding day would start when you come down the aisle. Then the ceremony would end, you would rush through portraits so that you’re not late for the introductions and then it’s reception time. With a first look, your wedding day is extended by almost 3 hours! Instead of being rushed for your wedding party portraits, you actually get to enjoy them. Furthermore, you will have fun hanging out with your BEST friends on your wedding day.
First Looks allow you to be TOGETHER and alone on your wedding day for a period of time. Normally portraits are a little rushed after the family formals. Also it can be hard to really get back into that “lovey dovey” mode… especially with family around! When you have just shared your first look, you’re READY to love on each other. What’s more, I always capture some super sweet images during those moments!
You get rid of your nerves! Literally 1/2 of my couples who’ve decided to do a first look, one of the partners were not a fan of the idea at first. However, because they have never experienced their wedding day before, they didn’t know how nerve racking it can be. I also have PLENTY of couples who still react during ceremony, because they already have those emotions flowing! Also check out this other blog about the first look.