One of the many things a couple will decide when planning a wedding is whether or not to have a First Look.
What is a First Look?
A First Look is an intimate moment when a bride and spouse-to-be see each other for the first time on their wedding day. This allows for a more relaxed atmosphere for your photos together. However, a First Look is not only limited to your future spouse. You can also have a First Look with your father/mother, child, bridesmaids, or anyone special in your life. A First Look is an opportunity to show someone how special they are to you by sharing this priceless time with them.
Pros & Cons of a First Look:
Pros:
Gives a couple time to connect with each other and take a deep breath before the chaos of the day.
Gives a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere for photographs.
Gets many of your photos finished and provides for less rush after the ceremony.
Guests don't wait as long between the ceremony's end and the reception.
Can cut expenses associated with cocktail hour since the reception can start soon after the ceremony ends.
Consolidates time after the ceremony.
Even if a couple has a First Look, we still take photos of the couple at different times throughout the day to maximize photographs under different lighting scenarios. For example, we will find a perfect place to photograph and ask the couple if we can photograph them for a few brief minutes. We will get everything set up and then pull them aside for a short session in a unique place with amazing lighting. This always becomes a respite for the couple to catch their breath and relax for a few minutes.
Cons:
You will have to be ready earlier.
The lighting can be harsh for photos during the day, but we have methods and equipment to mitigate the effect.
Your day is frontloaded.
When is a First Look A Must?
A First Look is a must if you are going to have your wedding ceremony at sunset. There is limited light right before, during, and after sunset so you have little time for photos together. We do use lighting, but you have fewer options if you don't have a First Look and your ceremony is at sunset.
Types of First Looks:
Traditional: First look is at the ceremony.
First Look with Spouse-to-Be.
First Look with Family.
First Look with Your Bridesmaids.
Our Recommendation:
Our recommendation is that you talk about a First Look with your spouse-to-be and decide what is best according to what you want. We never persuade our clients to fit what is best for us. There is definitely a better choice for photography and I hear of other photographers always pushing their clients one way. Waiting to see each other until you walk down the aisle is just as beautiful and emotional as a First Look. We have the experience to capture any scenario.
What is best is what you want. After all, it's your special day!