8 Reasons You Should Consider a First Look

If you’re asking yourself what a First Look even is, no worries. I’ve got you!

A First Look is a private meeting of the bride and groom before the ceremony. It’s often photographed but of course this is your day, and you can do whatever you want! Although seeing each other before the wedding used to be taboo, many couples have decided to break tradition and have a First Look for a multitude of reasons. Read on if you’re curious if you should have one too!

 

1. Joy

Your wedding day is bursting with love and joy! If you wait until you see one another down the aisle, you’ll definitely be flooded with emotion! Some find this exhilarating, and others find it terrifying.

If you chose to have a first look you’ll be able to feel that instant elation and have time to communicate it to each other. You won’t have to remember when it’s your turn to do something, worry about who saw you tear up, or any of the other zillion thoughts that could go through your head in a matter of milliseconds during the ceremony; you can simply be joyful together.

(To see more of this wedding click here)

 

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7. Purge the Nerves

It’s kind of nice to eliminate the pressure and anxiety of seeing each other for the first time on your wedding day. Some of my couples feel so relieved and like they were able to expel all of their pre-ceremony jitters. Seeing each other before the ceremony makes them even more confident and excited to profess their love in front of all of their guests at the ceremony.

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3. Variety

With a First Look you have an additional separate and private photoshoot outside of your bridal party or sunset portraits. Looking back on the day, you’ll be so happy to have many different kinds of shots to pick favorites from.

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4. Privacy

A first look is a very intimate moment. With out anyone else around, you have the freedom to let out the full range of emotions that might be caught up in nerves or stage fright during the ceremony. This is such a special moment and sometimes it’s nice to have the privacy to embrace your soon-to-be spouse and tell them exactly how you’re feeling without any added pressure.

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5. Togetherness

Your wedding day is about the two of you! If you have an evening ceremony and you do a First Look, you’ll be able to spend the majority of the day together! This also frees up the afternoon to do the bridal and group portraits prior to the ceremony and have a more relaxed timeline for the day. This also enables you to potentially only *have to* shoot sunset portraits or cruise the party bus between the ceremony and reception instead of trying to cram all of the photos into that tiny window. If you’re having a traditional Catholic mass with a gap, this is much less of a concern!

(To see more of this wedding click here)

 

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6. Alone Time

When celebrating your wedding, you essentially plan an amazing party and even if it’s intimate, you still intend to share it with everyone! A First Look is just about the only time during a wedding day that a couple has to be alone. Take those rare minutes and bask in them!

(To see more of this wedding click here)

 

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7. Get Creative

A First Look is an opportunity to incorporate any cool ideas you have for the big day. I’ve seen balloon releases, couples starting back to back, the standard shoulder tap, use of ceremony doors, staircases, you name it!

(To see more of this wedding click here)

 

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8. Family

Firsts looks don’t just have to be for the groom. This is also a great opportunity for a special moment with family or friends.

(To see more of this wedding click here)

 

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The Gist

A first look pretty much makes every facet of a wedding day easier. There’s no shame in staying traditional, but don’t forget about these added benefits if you’re on the fence. It basically maximizes your day to the fullest potential, and let’s face it: weddings FLY.

*** Have more questions about planning the Wedding of your dreams? Check out my Bride Guide or shoot me an email at felicia@feliciathephotographer.com . I’m an expert in Wedding Photography and am happy to share all of the do’s and don’t’s I’ve gathered over the years!

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If you like this post, you may also like:

10 Tips for Perfect Wedding Photos // The Bride Guide

Fun Ways to Personalize Your Wedding // The Bride Guide

 

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Image Details

Image 1  Venue: The Press Lounge Hair & Makeup: Jenna Redman, Bridal Gown: Pronovias via Nordstrom, Menswear:Men’s Wearhouse  // Image 2 Travel Agency: L&S Travel , Bridal Gown: Allure Bridal // Image 3 Bridal Gown: Justin Alexander via Gown Gallery, Menswear: Jos. A Bank, Venue: Mildale Farm, Edgerton, KS // Image 4 Hair: Silver Screen Salon Team, Makeup: Dani Jo Belle, Bridal Gown: Belle Vogue Bridal, Menswear: Men’s Wearhouse // Image 5 Hair and Makeup: L. Louise Hair and Makeup Studio, Bridal Gown: Emily Hart Bridal, Menswear: The Black Tux, Venue: Grand Street Cafe // Image 6 Hair: Rachel Davis, Makeup: Rachel Naster, Bridal Gown:  Bridal Extraordinaire // Pronovias, Menswear: J.H. & Sons Clothier //  Image 7 Venue: Westin Chicago North Shore, Bridal Gown: Reddington Bridal //  Image 8 Hair & Makeup: Carola Simmons, Bridal Gown: Jaehee Bridal Atelier, Venue: Azul Beach Resort Riviera Maya by Karisma, Decor:  Lomas, Travel: L & S Travel,