What is a first look anyways?
The first look is when a couple sees each other for the first time on their wedding day. This intimate moment typically makes for an emotional photo opportunity. Usually this first look can happen before the ceremony, or during the ceremony during the brides’ walk down the aisle.
Should I or Shouldn’t I?
Every client and I always have the talk about first looks. Should I or shouldn’t I? As a photographer, first looks have its advantages, but ultimately the decision to include first looks on your wedding day comes down to you guys! The bride and groom. It is your day and you should do what you feel comfortable with and prefer!
Whether it’s in a white chapel, by the beachside, the snowy mountains, or green forests, we have been imagining our wedding day from the good ol’ days playing in the playground. As we got older, most of us could close our eyes and imagine walking to our fiancé at the end of a beautiful aisle. But, like many traditions over time, they can change and grow and first looks are one of the newest aspects of a wedding ceremony that are taking over!
What are the Pros and Cons?
Before making a decision about whether you want first looks or not, it’s good to look at the pros and cons! (SPOILER ALERT: There’s no right or wrong answer!)
Pros:
- With first looks, you and your partner can enjoy some quiet time with each other before you walk down the aisle.
- With first looks, you and your partner can take couple photos before the ceremony so you can have more time after to enjoy with family and friends
- Taking a couple photos before the ceremony can also allow your bridal party to take their photos as well! Knock out bridal portraits and family formal photos before the ceremony? Count me in!
- After first looks it is also a good time for the couple to read their vows or say some words to each other before the ceremony. Some couples even do a beautiful prayer together and it really creates the intimate loving energy before they say, “I do.”
Cons:
- Some people just love tradition and not seeing the bride before coming down the aisle is a major one for all kinds of weddings. Traditions can be seen as sacred and very important to a couple and their families.
- We have all seen the videos trending on TikTok and Instagram Reels of a husband tearing up at the sight of his bride-to-be coming down the aisle. It’s such a beautiful thing to capture in front of your guests! An unforgettable moment for the couple to say the least.
- Speaking of guests, it also creates this first look moment for them as well. When the guests are able to also experience seeing the bride make her way down the aisle with the groom, we can capture the reaction of everyone and it’s a breathtaking moment to capture!
But Lety, What If I Want First Looks BUT My Partner Doesn’t?
Don’t worry if you and your partner have a difference of opinion on first looks. It’s definitely something to talk about and come up with a solution with but we do have options that can still make those moments before your ceremony extra special!
A first prayer is a great choice for those couples that still want those special moments before the ceremony. The couple can stand feet apart leaning against the wall from their wedding venue or a partition and read aloud a prayer to each other. Religion and spirituality is sacred within someone’s soul, and bringing these affirmations and loving words read aloud to each other before getting married is something we can do if you are interested!
Same goes with first touch! Same position, against a wall or with a partition, we capture you and your partner holding hands and gentle touches without seeing each other. This often calms the nerves of the bride and the groom right before they go down the aisle and lets each other know they are right here with them every step of the way.
With all that said…
There is no right or wrong answer on the topic of first looks. At the end of the day, it is your wedding and your love and it’s going to be up to you both! Whether you decide on full first looks, prayer, first touch, or none at all your day will be beautiful because it is about the celebration of your love. Whatever time during your ceremony you both lay eyes on each other it will be a moment you won’t forget. My only advice I can give is when the time does come, you soak it all in. Really take the moment to breathe and really experience the precious minutes. From the train of her dress, her details sewed in, to her makeup and headpiece. From the dress shoes, the tailored pants and choice of tie, bowtie, or nothing at all. I can’t wait to capture more of these first looks and aisle first looks! If you’re ready to discuss this and so much more don’t hesitate to reach out under the contact tab!