The First Look

What is a “first look”?

The first look is when the bride and groom see each other for the first time before the ceremony.

Why consider a “first look”?

• Gives the photographer much more time to get beautiful shots of the bride and groom, bridal party, and immediate family.

• Bride is not stressed after seeing her groom and they get to share this very private and special moment together in a beautiful location.

• Don’t have to play hide & seek before the wedding (less stress).

• We are able to take all pictures before the wedding, so this allows for wedding party and guests all to arrive at the reception together, resulting in more time to party!

• The couple gets to see each other for the first time alone, instead of in front of hundreds of people. They get to say things to each other and hug, which they wouldn’t be able to do at the altar.

• The groom usually has a much more genuine reaction to seeing his bride when not being stared at by hundreds of people.

• In order to have beautiful, clear, crisp photos, we need natural light.  If we wait to take the photos after the wedding, we tend to lose a lot time between family shots, bridal party shots, and just the logistics of setting up different shots.  Most people hire me for my ability to capture the bride and groom on their wedding day, and if we don’t have the time or the natural light, then I can’t do this as well as it could be done.  I do not want the couple to be disappointed because their couple shots are not as numerous or varied as they would like. 

I understand this option is not for everyone, so if you feel you don’t have the time it takes, I would suggest an After Session.  This is when the bride and groom dress up again the day after their wedding (or within a brief period after the wedding) and we have an entire session dedicated to getting creative images without the demands and pressures of the wedding day.

How does it work?

We keep the bride and groom separated until they are fully dressed and ready.  Once the couple is ready, we send the groom to an agreed upon location where he has his back to the bride and no one else in sight.  She walks to him and tells him when he can turn around and take his first look of her in her stunning dress.  And then, magic.  The tears, smiles, words, and relief are always a beautiful sight.  As for my part, I take a few images and then step back.  Once the couple is ready, they are photographed privately, and then we ease into bridal party and family shots.