The First Look

A long time ago when the “traditional” wedding ceremony first started, the bride and groom didn’t see each other in person until the moment of the wedding. Because the groom sometimes had wedding jitters, a bridal veil was introduced so he could not see his future wife’s face until the very last moment. Romantic, wasn’t it?

Fast forward to today and many couples are split on whether the bride and groom should see each on their wedding day prior to the ceremony. 

As a wedding photographer, I love to capture the First Look between couples before their ceremony officially begins. In fact, my own wedding included a First Look between my wife and I. 

An Intimate Moment Between the Couple

For those of you who aren’t familiar with the idea of the First Look, it is an intimate and private moment between the bride and groom (or groom and groom or bride and bride) prior to their wedding ceremony. The dress, the hair, the jewelry, the tux—it’s all been a surprise until this moment. And your wedding photographer is there to photograph your reactions. 

Oftentimes, the couple’s First Look is filled with tears of joy, big smiles, laughs, and an intimate kiss. These are reactions a couple might not be comfortable sharing in front of hundreds of people. By having that time set away—even just for a few minutes—the couple can enjoy a special moment alone before exchanging their vows in front of friends and family. 

Goodbye Anxiety

As a wedding photographer, I often see both brides and grooms filled with an excited anxiety on their wedding day. It’s perfectly normal for a momentous occasion.

But the moment the bride or groom sees their future spouse for the First Look that nervousness washes away. The couple is then at ease to enjoy their ceremony, vows, and reception.

On a more practical level, a First Look is a great opportunity for me to capture the best moments between the couple. It’s an unscripted and candid moment between people in love on the biggest day of their lives. The photos aren’t posed and no one is straining to smile. Some of the best photos from my 25 years as a wedding photographer have been captured during this moment.

 

Time and Location Matter

Additionally, by taking photographs with your future spouse prior to the ceremony you’ll have precious time after family photos. Rather than posing for photos, you can mingle with guests, enjoy the cocktail hour appetizers you sampled, and sip a glass of celebratory champagne. 

As a photographer, I also love the idea of a First Look because it’s another venue where I can snap photos of the two of you on top of the ceremony and reception. Depending on where you choose to get married, we can photograph the First Look at an important location to both of you—where you met, where your first date was, where you got engaged. These photographs will be another special moment in your relationship. 

To learn more about our wedding photography services or to get started on planning your perfect wedding, contact us today.

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