What exactly is a first look? Even though these are happening more frequently, there is still some confusion out there as to what exactly is a first look and why it is important. I do need to preface this that as a photographer I am biased towards giving you as much as possible to having a ton of time for photos on your wedding day. In the end, this is your wedding day, so you should what you want and not feel swayed to do anything you don’t want to do.

What is a First Look?

A first look is having the bride and groom get together before the ceremony to see each other. It is typically done with the photographer there, to capture the initial reaction of both the bride and the groom, plus a chance for their picture to be taken together without anyone else there. It is usually the calm before the storm.

So why do I like them so much and recommend them? Here are five things to consider:

It Calms Your Nerves

This is my number one reason to do a first look. I remember my wedding day clearly, and I although I was trying to be calm, I was truly quite nervous before walking down the aisle. I think part of it was having to see Robert for the first time in front of everyone. As a photographer I can tell you from experience that both the bride and groom are much more relaxed for the rest of the day when they do a first look. And you know what that makes? More relaxed and natural pictures.

My favorite thing to do during a first look is, after they take each other in for the first time, is to give them a moment to hug and relax together. I don’t take pictures and I let them be. Having them love on each other helps make for a genuine and relaxed pictures after that.

Guarantees Time for Pictures

Of course you want your day to run on-time, I do too! But the reality is that sometimes hair and makeup can take too long. A member of your wedding shows up late due to unforeseen circumstances. Or the family pictures after the ceremony run longer because of last minute requests. These things happen! And they all contribute to less time for the two of you getting images of just the two of you together. As someone who has peppered her home with pictures from her wedding day, I can tell you that having a good amount of pictures of myself and my husband on our wedding day is wonderful to have.

Lots of Light

Third, and as a photographer, this is an important point, a first look guarantees good lighting. With ceremonies happening in the afternoon or evening, the sun sometimes sets during this or quickly after. So if you are doing the family and wedding pictures before your couple pictures, you could run out of natural light. This is a scenario that has happened on more than one occasion, and the couple was hoping for some natural light pictures and instead were doing pictures in pitch black.

Doing a first look guarantees natural light pictures, which means higher quality images, in my professional opinion. There is just something extra about having images in natural light.

Emotional Ceremony Images

One of the main areas of concern I get about a first look is the emotionality of the ceremony if the couple has already seen each other. Here is the thing: the first look is a private moment between the two of you before the ceremony. It has a different feel and tone to it. From my professional experience the moment the groom and bride see each other at the ceremony, the emotions flood them regardless  if they did a first look. There is truly something about the two of you seeing each other in the room filled with those you love that is totally different but just as emotional. You will still cry if you are a cryer. You will still have your heart leap into your chest. It all still happens. And it is beautiful.

More Time for your Family

After the ceremony you have a window of time between that and the reception. In this time frame you typically need to fit in family pictures, wedding party pictures and couple pictures. I have had circumstances where there was only 30 minutes to take all those pictures. In those cases the couple received limited amounts of images because the schedule was so tight. And let’s not lie, during family pictures, there will always be a relative {or two} who want a combination of images that are not on the original list. It happens. And it takes up more time.

With doing a first look, you give yourself the ability to add extra family pictures into the mix. Extra time to do fun pictures with your wedding party. To use a few different locations to the pictures to give you a wide variety of images. I takes the pressure off and allows you to relax and have fun, which is what your wedding should be like!!

Important note: this is your day. You don’t have to do a first look. If you want to see your honey during the ceremony that is completely ok! Just schedule at least an hour in between the ceremony and the reception to do all the pictures. You will never regret having ample time to make out with your new spouse!

Love my work? Want me to capture you and yours? Let’s talk!! It’s easy, my email address is Christine@cwrightphotographyhouston.com. Let’s have a heart-to-heart, get excited about the possibilities of your wedding or session and come up with a plan that is uniquely you! I want to hear from you!