The first look has become a common tradition in the wedding industry, but what exactly is it, and is it right for you?

This moment of a wedding day replaces the past tradition of your partner seeing you for the first time as you walk down an aisle surrounded by other people. A First Look is a few minutes set aside before the events of your wedding day begin. Typically, it will be after you have gotten ready separately, but before the ceremony. It is the moment that you see each other for the first time on your wedding day, and is usually a quiet moment, just between you and your love. It is photographed in it’s progression to capture the reaction of you first seeing each other, which is often met with lots of emotion.

Though it might look different depending on the suggestions of your photographer, it typically begins with one partner standing with their back turned. The other will walk up, tap their shoulder, hug them or call out their name as they approach to signal that you are ready to see each other. By this time, the anticipation builds to excitement and both partners have a beautiful reaction to seeing their future spouse dressed up with their wedding day ahead.

Wedding First Looks

There are a few primary reasons why I suggest that my couples include a first look in their wedding day timeline:

• It gives you an intimate moment with your partner. Wedding days, especially with any number of guests, are often busy and a little anxiety-ridden. Between celebrating with friends and family, thanking guests who came to witness, and keeping the day on schedule, things can get hectic. A first look blocks off a bit of time in the day to just be in the moment with your partner and soak in the significance of the day that lies ahead.
• It helps to take away some of the wedding day jitters when you see your love. You have spent many hours planning this day, and you want everything to go perfectly. With this comes pressure and a little stress. More often than not, I can actually see a weight lifted off your shoulders, a sigh of relief mixed with excitement, when I am documenting this moment. The couple feels a lot of that stress melt away by finally seeing their partner.
• Finally, a first look will give you a less strict timeline between your ceremony and cocktail hour/dinner. If the first time you see your partner is walking down the aisle, all couples photos, formal family portraits, and wedding party photos are crammed into the short window between your first kiss and dinner. During this time, I’d imagine you would rather take a moment to celebrate the ceremony that you just performed. You’re married! It’s time to enjoy that.

You can also include first looks with more than just your partner. A first look with your parents, wedding party, or siblings can be just as fun for a wedding-day reveal.

Elopement First Looks

The idea of having a private moment without guests can be especially appealing to couples planning a larger wedding, but first looks can be built into an elopement day timeline as well. Even if there will be no guests in attendance, you can still get ready separately and enjoy being present the moment that your partner reveals their wedding day attire.

There are a few ways this is possible. First, you could set a first look location that will be close to your getting ready spot for convenience before you set off on your adventures. You could also wear hiking clothes or street clothes to your ceremony destination, and change once you’ve arrived to avoid muddy clothes for your vows. This way, you can change with your backs turned away and then reveal to each other once you’re ready. Or, you can travel to the location separately after getting ready and enjoy your first look at the trailhead.

Planning Your First Look

There is no right or wrong way to plan your first look. The biggest tip I have is to give yourself the time and space to be completely present in the moment.

Don’t rush it into 15 minutes. You deserve to take a proper moment and breathe in the day. Even as you approach your partner, slow down and experience every emotion that you are feeling.

Plan it in a space that is away from a crowd. Whether it be guests or passersby, you don’t want to be distracted by others around you. For this reason, as the photographer, I typically hang back a little bit and use a longer lens to give my couples the space they deserve to truly create a beautiful memory.

Why I Love First Looks as a Photographer

First Looks are a common favorite part of wedding days, from couples to vendors! Dedicating time in your wedding day to stand for a moment, and let the day sink in before the events have begun is a beautiful thing. It gives you the chance to have an intimate and emotional moment with your partner, and celebrate some time alone so that you can enjoy even more of your wedding day with your love.

Helping you to plan the perfect timeline is included in all of my wedding and elopement packages. For guidance and ideas on including the perfect first look for your day, contact me and we can get started.