What’s this thing called a “First Look” and why would I want you to consider it?
I have been shooting weddings for years, it is what I love to do (like I’m a bit obsessed!) and I always say to my couples that this is one of The Best Things to incorporate into your day. It is certainly not mainstream yet and I find that a lot of couples don’t take the time to really consider it, they rule it out due to tradition.
Those that do do it, love it!
This is Leah & Justin along with their testimonial...
“When Sally asked if we wanted a first look I was curious as to what that meant and was instantly sold on the idea.
We loved the idea of a private and intimate moment between bride and groom and the memory of that time is something I will cherish forever.
The pictures that Sally took of the first look are my absolute favourites and you can see in the pictures how much we loved that time by ourselves and loved each other”.
Six Solid Reasons
1. Fully Experience The WOW Moment!
No matter when your partner sees you, there will still be the WOW factor! There is a perception that it has to happen at the “altar” but ask yourself why?
And your partner gets to see you before pretty much everyone else. That makes it even more special. You make the first look one of THE moments of your wedding. Not trivialise but rather embrace it as a major part of your day. You go through the ritual of the first look much like the ritual of the ceremony and by having this ritual it makes the first look an integral part of your day.
2. Intimate Alone Time
Couples that have done first looks always say that it was a super special time together, like a secret meeting where they get to connect before being in front of everyone else. Seeing each other privately before the ceremony is much different than seeing each other in “Let’s Do This” mode as all your best friends and closest family members are watching. You then got to enjoy the ceremony rather than being in a surreal state and have the ceremony fly by. The rest of your day will be filled with family and friends that can’t help but share their love and excitement with you and while this is a great thing, it leaves for very few private moments!
3. You’ll Be More Present At Your Wedding
There is so much going on and so many things to accomplish on your wedding day that sometimes it can be difficult to take it all in. While your photographer will be there to capture every moment, you should be able to witness them all yourself. You don’t want to find yourself feeling like you missed things when the night comes to an end because you were too busy sticking to a schedule. A first look will allow you to slow down and be more present on your wedding day which is something that you will treasure forever.
4. More Opportunities For Photos
Let’s face it, I want you to have more opportunities for great pictures! At the end of the day all that’s left is the photography to look back on. A first-look photo session definitely allows your photographer to capture all the emotions and feels (as they hide behind a bush lol) of the Groom laying eyes on his Bride for the first time. It is harder to do this at the Ceremony as there is so much going on and the emotions are definitely not as on show!
5. It Calms The Nerves
If you are the type of person that gets nervous around crowds and gets anxious at the thought of being the centre of attention, then this is a great option for you. We’ve found that most clients are super nervous just before the ceremony, and those that thought they wouldn’t be suddenly get a little freaked out. Let’s face it, your wedding is probably one of the biggest days of your life. Time and time again I’ve seen the stress fly away just after the bride sees the groom for the first time. It’s almost like a weight is lifted off your shoulders allowing you to head into your ceremony calm and collected – and don’t worry you’ll still feel that rush of joy and excitement as you walk down the aisle
6. You Have More Options When It Comes to Location
At the end of the day, you’ll get beautiful photos no matter where you have them taken, but a first look allows you to have more location options. If there is a special spot that is meaningful to the two of you but is a little out of the way, you can make the trip to that spot to take your wedding portraits. And different locations always provide for lots of variety!
Of course your Big Day will be amaze-balls with or without a First Look, this is your day and you do it your way. Your photographer will still deliver images that you will fall in love with.
