The Pros and Cons of Doing a First Look….

“I want them surprised when I come down the aisle…”

“I want them to cry when they see me for the first time….”

“We want a traditional wedding…”

“We don’t need the extra photos…”

and on and on and on….

If you’ve had any of the above thoughts let me first say CONGRATULATIONS because obviously this means you’re wedding planning!!!! Ok so you’re planning everything out, you’re putting the timeline together and your photographer and planner are needing to know, “are you guys doing a first look?” First Looks on your wedding day serve several purposes so let’s get into the Pros and Cons of doing a first look!

The Pros

Let’s start with TIME! The average wedding day is nothing short of 8 hours when you add in the morning preparation it’s often an even longer day and while you will most likely be exhausted after such a long day. The day will feel like it flew by! You will be pushed and pulled in so many directions between your family, friends, and wedding party that you and your partner won’t even get a moment to yourselves to soak in the moment and the magnitude of this special day, most likely until it’s all over. By doing a first look, you can take moment away from the hustle and the demands of the day and just key on the most important part of the day, the two of you! You can take this moment away from everyone and say some last special words to one another, or even just be silent in one another’s presence.

The first look also unintentionally pencils in some buffer time as well. Wedding day timelines are notoriously known to fall behind. So if hair and make-up takes a little longer than planned, or someone in the wedding party is running behind, or maybe there’s a wardrobe malfunction. With a first look incorporated in your timeline, the rest of your day doesn’t have to fall behind! We can simply make up that time during the first look or worst case scenario bypass the first look all together if truly necessary so that your ceremony still starts on time!

Lastly, it’s my goal as your photographer to get you back to your wedding celebration as quickly as possible. After all, you paid for the cocktail hour, you should get to partake! When you incorporate a first look we’re able to knock out couple’s portraits, and even wedding party portraits. This means after your ceremony all that’s left are family photos, and any additional photos you may want now that you’re OFFICIALLY married and then off you go to spend time with your guests or maybe even sneak away for some private time to soak in the moment!

Another pro is INTIMACY. It can be overwhelming to see your partner coming down the aisle knowing all eyes are you and your anticipated reaction. A first look allows you both to have this intimate moment and for you to get your partner’s most authentic reaction without feeling the pressure of the crowd. I always tell my couples, I’ve never seen a spouse cry at the first look and not cry during the ceremony. If there’s going to be tears you’re going to get them both times!

The last pro is the PHOTOS. Sure, as a photographer I’m biased but you get to have this moment frozen in time forever. Your photographer/videographer will be able to capture this moment with no distractions and from the most optimal angles!

The Cons

There aren’t any! As a wedding photographer for over 5 years I’ve never heard a couple regret doing a first look. Sure you may need to start your day a little earlier but then again maybe you opt to start your ceremony later instead. As your wedding photographer I will capture your day just as beautifully whether you choose to have a first look or not! It’s really just a matter of preference and these are just a few things to consider! If you’re still in search of a wedding photographer click here and let’s get ready to create some beautiful memories together!!

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xoxo