When determining how much photography coverage my clients need, one of the first questions I ask is whether they are having a first look. Tradition aside, there are so many great reasons why a First Look can be the best decision you make on your wedding day. Here are our top 4 reasons why you should have a first look!
• You get to see the love of your life for the first time, in private. The first time you see your life partner can be a super emotional moment (even for me, I’ve definitely fogged my viewfinder a time or two). What I love about having a first look in private is you get to have your laughs, cries, and smooches without all eyes on you. In turn, when you do have that big moment at the ceremony, you get to take it all in without all the nerves that go along with it!
• You have time to take all of your family photographs BEFORE the wedding ceremony. This might not seem like a big deal, but for the sake of time and how you spend it, it’s HUGE! Having the immediate family photos taken before the wedding opens up your timeline in a big way! See #3!
• You get to go straight to cocktail hour! So, I’m a big believer that you should take part in all aspects of your wedding. If you have a cocktail hour, you should be able to enjoy it. Having a first look, allows you to skip family photos after the ceremony (with the exception of any special photo requests with guests), and head straight to the bar for your signature drink!
• It gives you more photos! Let’s be real, everyone wants those dreamy photos with their love right? Well the first look gives us another opportunity to get great, emotional, raw photos of you as a couple. You get these beautiful, bright, clean images before the ceremony, and then the authentically romantic photos at sunset. It’s the perfect combination of scenarios leaving you with endless options for thank you cards!
At the end of the day, you have to decide what is best for you and your love. As a photographer, I’m an advocate for a first look for all of the reasons above, but probably also because after seeing close to 100 first looks, I know that it doesn’t make the ceremony any less special. It’s your wedding after all. The whole day will be supremely special, and that first look helps set the tone of what will be a magical day for everyone!
