A First Look
The First Look is a scheduled time for a couple to see each other all put together and ready prior to the ceremony taking place. First Looks are a break from tradition, and you have to weigh the pros and the cons. Before deciding if you want to take this unconventional break, consider these do’s and don’ts.
An Intimate Moment Together Alone
The wedding day is filled with moments…being walked down the aisle…exchanging rings…dances…speeches… hugs and kisses…and everyone who attends your wedding will want time with you. You may wave at your new spouse from across the room more often than you are together! The events within your Event adds up quickly then you realize suddenly the day is over.
A First Look with your one-and-only will allow for a genuine moment with just the two of you. A moment to say something special, exchange gifts or just gaze into the eyes of your future spouse.
If you want help picking the location, your wedding coordinator or photography team can find the perfect location for your First Look and let the moment happen between you.
Contact Us for a conversation about what would make your wedding ceremony
a perfect preview to your happily-ever- after.
Get Your Emotions in Check
When all of the planning and preparations are finished, your emotions can be overwhelming. Enjoying a First Look with the one you love truly helps to get the jitters out and allows you both to have a more relaxed and comfortable day.
You’ll Have More Pictures Together
A First Look is one more opportunity to capture those light airy romantic images that you want in your wedding album. The more choices the better! You may even have more opportunities to utilize different areas on the venue’s property by doing a First Look in one spot and Bride and Groom formals in another location.
A First Look May Help You Relax
A First Look means you may be less likely to fight the clock! In a typical wedding timeline you have to sign your marriage license and finish paying your vendors (If you haven’t already). The cocktail hour is the only time to photograph your bridal party (unless you are pulled from the reception for your photos). Pictures are a big part of your memories so they’re very important to get done and be done right. Check out the photographers I recommend here in northern Michigan.
The Cocktail Hour Formals timeline generally looks something like this:
a) Family Portraits (20 minutes)
b) Bridal Party Formals (15 minutes)
c) Bride and Groom Formals (20 minutes)
A First Look timeline allows looks more like this:
a) First Look and Bride and Groom Formals (45 minutes)
b) Bridal Party Formals (30 minutes)
c) Ceremony
d) Family Portraits (30 minutes)
e) Additional Bride & Groom formals (15 minutes)
f) Bride and Groom banquet room viewing (10 minutes)
5. You’ll Have Time to Attend Your Cocktail Hour
Staging a First Look means that most formal photographs happen earlier in the day, allowing for a more relaxed timeline which means that you may attend a portion of your cocktail hour with your guests or arrange a private cocktail hour with your bridal party!
The First Magic of Your Wedding Ceremony Changes
Ask friends and family who got married without having a First Look. Many will say there was nothing as touching as one partner seeing the other walk down the aisle — seeing that person in all of his or her wedding finery is awesome. As an observer, I love seeing the look on the Groom’s face when he sees his partner for the first time especially if they haven’t been together since the day before.
The choice to do a First Look comes down to your personal choice. There is no right or wrong, so make sure you have your day go as YOU prefer. The memories of your wedding ceremony and wedding day will sustain you for a lifetime.
How can we help you make your ceremony an experiences you’ll always treasure?
Contact us today for a light and fun conversation about the possibilities.
Thank you to Palm Beach Photography for some of the ideas in this blog post.
