5 Reasons to do First Look on your wedding day

I have been getting a lot of requests for a ‘First Look’ shoot on the wedding day, though still a lot of couples don’t know what a first look is! With that in mind, I’ve decided to put together a short list of reasons why you might want to consider a first look on your wedding day or elopement, now that they’re becoming more accepted and popular (42 percent of US weddings now include a First Look as part of their photoshoot!).

So, what is a First Look?

Well, it’s going to seem obvious when I tell you, it’s literally the moment a groom sees his bride for the first time on their wedding day. The difference, however, is that couples are choosing to have that moment together before the ceremony, instead of at the end of the aisle. What does that mean in reality?

Well, these 5 reasons might give you an idea.

• 1. Get over wedding day jitters

Some people know they are going to be nervous until the moment they say ‘I do’ while others find that the anxiety sneaks up on them during the day. Couples that meet before the ceremony have a moment of peace and love together to reflect upon what the day will hold. This can be a kind of meditation for couples, to consider the vows they are going to make and enjoy a moment’s peace to calm the nerves before the guests and bridal party get involved.

• 2. Private time away from the crowds

It seems strange to think about, but once the wedding starts going, the couple is very rarely alone. After the ceremony, they may go away with the photographer for some official portraits but they are usually accompanied by the bridal party. Although a wedding is definitely a moment for sharing your love with those who care for you, it can be nice to take some time before everything to see your partner dressed up and ready, and spend some special moments together before the busy day begins. Some moments alone to remember everything you love about the person you are going to marry

• 3. One less thing to think about

Having photos taken during your private moment allows for some calm portraits without the need to rush. Everyone has been to a wedding where the bridal party goes for photos and arrives late to the reception. Many wedding photographers have been in a situation to try to get as many photos as possible in a very small gap between the ceremony and the reception.
First look photos are an intimate, private memory of that first moment on your wedding day, without having to worry about where you need to be. Getting ready in time for photos means not rushing your hair and make-up to be at the ceremony. The first moments an even be captured together before you individually leave for the location itself.  

What’s more is it allows for a lighter day for your guests. Taking photos before the wedding can mean a later ceremony that is closer to the reception time itself, which means less time waiting around. It also means that any photos with family and friends after the reception don’t have to be rushed to make time for the official bridal portraits. You can take your time knowing that the more formal couple portraits have already been taken care of.

Knowing that the main photos have been taken means enjoying the rest of your wedding and your time with your guests, and letting the photographer document that experience without interrupting to move to another location.

• 4. Enjoying the wedding together

  
  

There is something to be said for the psychological effect of marriage – taking a vow to go toward the future, together. The bonding of two people is a vow which gives strength and sets the tone of companionship in the years to come. Why not treat your wedding day the same way?

By meeting before the wedding ceremony itself - spending quality time and considering what is to come - the wedding itself becomes more of a day spent together as one, coming together in private and then presenting your united love to your family and friends. Though some like to wait until they’re walking down the aisle to see their partner arrive, there is something to be said for the togetherness of spending the whole day together, beginning with a private moment and then going together to meet the crowd of guests.

• 5. Be present at your wedding

We hear a lot about trying to be present and ‘live in the moment’ and if there is any day where it is important to try and experience it as fully as possible, it’s the day of your wedding. As a wedding photographer, one of the things I find is I have to stay calm, to find solutions and work smoothly so that the couple can enjoy their day in peace. Some of the best photos I have taken are when they don’t even realize that I’m there.

By completing the organized, formal part of the wedding earlier in the day, you can let loose to celebrate your love and enjoy the company of those around you, creating memories that will be more vivid because you were able to let go and just enjoy the company of those you’ve invited.

Now, obviously, I’m talking about this from the perspective of the photographer. There are many reasons why a First Look photo shoot is beneficial from a photographic perspective: it allows time for really special, intimate portraits; the photographer gets your most important photos while you’re looking your best at the beginning of the day and; it allows a variety of shots as the sunlight changes throughout the day.

This is a choice that you have to make as a wedding couple, and not one which anyone should pressure you into, but as times change and traditions shift away from the old adage of not seeing the bride before the wedding, it’s important to know the options you have to organize the wedding you want.