With a FIRST LOOK… I know it’s not traditional but keep on reading to see how to get a bang for your buck! 

While I LOVE First Looks, I try not to push them on my couples unless there is a conflict with their ceremony time + sunset.  That is the only time I “strongly suggest” they consider it, only because I cannot create beautiful images that are true to my style without two things… natural light + ample time.  The last thing I want for my couples is for them to be disappointed with their wedding photos, so I am always open + honest about what I need from them in terms of the timeline of the day to create the types of images they hired me for. Another reason I might really suggest it would be for the flow of the evening after the ceremony. If you plan on having a long cocktail hour with maybe lawn games before dinner I would skip the first look and we would just take pictures during this time. However, if you’re not going to provide an activity like this for guests, we will be very short on time to take all the romantic portraits (which are my favorite).

Remember you’re investing a lot into your wedding photography. With a first look, you’ll receive 40% MORE portraits of the two of you… and those are the images you will decorate your first home with! (Believe me, I’ve seen houses PACKED full of our romantic portraits!)  With a first look, you make the most out of this large investment and get the most for your money.

You actually get to have intimate time on your wedding day with your man. Most brides don’t realize that when you come down the aisle and totally SHOCK him with your gorgeous-ness… he can’t even tell you how amazing you look.  He can’t touch you, embrace you or even SPEAK to you. You have to wait until 30 minutes later when the ceremony is over for him to react and tell you how amazing you look.  And after 30 minutes of the ceremony, the reaction isn’t the same as the initial first glance.

First Looks allow you to extend your wedding day.  Normally the wedding day would start when you come down the aisle, then the ceremony would end, you would rush through portraits so that you’re not late for the introductions and then it’s reception time.  With a first look, your wedding day is extended by almost 3 hours! Instead of being rushed for your bridal party portraits… you actually get to enjoy them and have fun hanging out with your BEST friends on your wedding day.  The WHOLE first half of my client’s wedding albums are filled with images just from this time together before the ceremony.

First Looks allow you to be TOGETHER and alone on your wedding day. When some couples see each other, not only was it intimate, it was the only time to be alone the whole day! They cried and laughed and cried some more… and then that put them in the PERFECT mood for our romantic portraits. Normally portraits are a little rushed after the family formals, and it can be hard to really get back into that “lovey dovey” mode…. especially with family around! When you have just shared your first look, you’re READY to love on each other, and I always capture some super sweet images during those moments!

You get rid of your nerves!  I’d say, literally 1/2 of my couples who have decided to do a first look, the grooms were not fans of it at first. However, because they have never experienced their wedding day before, they didn’t know how nerve racking it can be. I have testimonials from so many grooms who initially weren’t a fan of the first look… but afterwards admitted to being SO much more relaxed and ready for the ceremony! 

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