First Look - Yay or Nay?

PC: Mike Pham Photography

Are you thinking about doing a first look? Are you curious about what a first look is all about? Keep reading to find out more about a first look, and also some fun ways to make it even more special.

WHAT IS A FIRST LOOK?

A first look is when a couple decides to see each other before the ceremony. This is often to spend a little more time together on their wedding day, for photos, or just to do it privately, versus having everyone staring at them.

DO YOU RECOMMEND A FIRST LOOK?

This is a personal decision, but I personally feel like a first look is a great way for a couple to see each other privately, before the actual ceremony. Keep in mind, if your ceremony isn't until 5pm, and you decide against a first look, you won't see you significant other until 5pm on your wedding day. That's a long time to wait to spend time together... on your wedding day!

Another point to keep in mind is your ceremony time, sunset time, and how many photos you want to get during that time. For example, if your ceremony is at 5pm, and you have a winter wedding, sunset is about 5:50pm. This only gives you 50 minutes total to get photos together before the sun sets. Assuming your ceremony is 30 minutes long, this only gives you 20 minutes to get wedding party photos together, family photo combinations, and couple portrait photos. It might not be enough time to get all the photos you want before it gets dark.

WHAT ARE SOME COOL THINGS YOU SEE PEOPLE DOING DURING A FIRST LOOK?

There have been a ton of cool things happening during the first look. Couples have often given gifts to each other during this time, or given cards to each other. Something that I've been seeing more often is couples are reading their vows to each other during the first look (instead of during the ceremony). I've seen it done before the first look (so the couple is actually standing back to back and reading their vows before they turn around), and also facing each other right after they see each other. Both of these are lovely. Couples are also choosing to do first looks with their families - brides with their fathers or grandfathers, grooms with their mothers, couples with their wedding parties... I love it all!

Let us know if you're considering a first look. We'd love to help!