Benefits of doing a first look on your wedding day!
Sooo.. you’re might be thinking “whats a first look?”
In most instances, a first look is when the couple decides to see each other before the ceremony on their wedding day. It’s also common for couples to have a first look with a family member like mother, father or kids.
something to keep in mind
I want to start things off with saying, THIS IS YOUR WEDDING DAY AND DO WHAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU! The purpose of this blog post is to educate on the benefits of having a first look. Please don’t feel pressured to do something that doesn’t feel right for you. Each wedding is beautiful and unique, yours should be too!
Benefits of having a first look on your wedding day
Special + intimate moment together
Seeing your honey for the first time all dressed up in their wedding attire is a magical moment you only get to have on your wedding day. There is something really special about experiencing it intimately. No need to fight back the wave of emotions you’ll feel but rather, embracing them in a safe space with your forever person.
Private vow exchange
If you want to exchange vows privately, this is the perfect time to do so! You’ll be soaking in all the lovey dovey feels and if you cry, you’ll have time for a touch up before the ceremony!
Calms your nerves before walking down the aisle
Walking down the aisle will still be very special and exciting but you’ll feel much more comfortable and confident after the release of emotions during the first look!
Backup time slot for portraits
I always recommend adding two time slots for couple portraits on a wedding day because sometimes, things don’t always go as planned. Having a backup plan in place can alleviate a lot of stress on a wedding day. In the event something happens with the timeline, it’s always better to have at least 1 portrait session than none.
Optimizes your time before the Ceremony
This will allow all major photo opportunities to be completed before your reception so you can fully enjoy your wedding.
Couple portraits (Approximately 20-30 min)
Wedding party portraits (Approximately 30 min)
Family portraits (Approximately 30 min)
Unbothered post-ceremony Bliss
As someone who has experienced almost every angle of a wedding day (Bride, Bridesmaid, Guest and Vendor) trust me when I say, all you’ll want to do after the ceremony is smooch on your honey and celebrate with friends and family. Nothing hurts my soul more than having to pull my couples away while they are getting congratulated by their loved ones. Without a first look, the only time to do the 3 portrait sessions mentioned above is directly after the ceremony.
Join + enjoy your cocktail hour
After the ceremony, your guests want to see you, hug you and congratulate you! LET THEM! I promise joining your cocktail hour will be a meaningful part of your wedding day not only for you, but for your guests as well.
Relax and enjoy your wedding the rest of the evening
The last portrait session is typically scheduled 30 minutes before sunset because this is when the lighting is beautiful outside. This gives you the opportunity to freshen up! If there’s an outfit change on the agenda, you have the option to change either before or after sunset portraits.
Flexibility! If you’re vibing with your guests and would rather not get pulled away for photos, we have portraits from the first look to fall back on.
Xo Valerie
