I have always been and always will be a huge fan of first looks on your wedding day. One of the first questions I ask when I meet with a couple is if they would want to do one or not. I never require a couple to have one, but it is highly recommended and in this post I will go over those reasons in full detail! Whether you have a first look or not really determines how the whole wedding day will flow. From the timeline, to the pictures, and getting to the reception after the ceremony. Keep an open mind about it as you look through this post and figure out what will work best for you as a couple, and how you want your wedding day to feel.
Examples I often hear
“We don’t want to do a first look because my fiance wants the first time he sees me to be when I’m walking down the aisle.”
“My Mom doesn’t like the idea of doing a first look because she is adamant that the groom isn’t supposed to see the bride until the ceremony.”
I hear these statements pretty often, and like I mentioned, I never require a couple to do a first look, but I wanted to write a blog post highlighting the benefits of having a first look vs not having one. So here we go!
My Story
When we were planning our wedding, Justin was set on not having a first look because he wanted the first time he saw me to be during the ceremony. Although I saw where he was coming from, I knew how beneficial first looks can be. I also knew how much easier they help a wedding day flow. We would shoot weddings where the couple didn’t do first looks, and yes, the groom would have a great reaction during the ceremony. Then we would shoot weddings where the couple did have a first look, the groom would have a great reaction, and then have it AGAIN during the ceremony. Double win! Your groom will still beam when you walk down the aisle, even if you do a first look. I remember one wedding we were photographing the first look, and for some reason, Justin left that wedding with his mind changed.
Documenting the reaction
Justin’s reaction when he turned around and saw me, is one of my favorite wedding pictures from the whole day. It was such a sweet and intimate moment, and was documented so beautifully. I loved that it was just us, the photographers (of course), and my sister who brought tissues so I wouldn’t ruin my makeup from crying.
You get to relax!
Our nerves immediately went away once we saw each other. We were so happy to spend the day we’ve been planning for so long together.
More time together
We were able to spend an extra 3-4 hours with each other versus only being together during the ceremony and reception. Who wouldn’t want to spend more time with their bride or groom on their wedding day?!
Photos taken before the ceremony
We were able to get ALL the photos done before the ceremony, so we could go straight to the reception and start partying right away!
MORE photos taken
We were able to get more photos than we would have, had we not chosen to do a first look. On wedding days when a couple chooses not to do a first look, I hate to keep guests waiting, so our time limit is pretty tight for getting all the family formals, bridal party pictures, and portraits of the bride and groom together and as a result, you don’t get as many photos.
Time change and seasons play a role
Our wedding was in the summer so we didn’t have to worry about the sunset being early, but during fall and winter wedding season, most ceremonies start around 4, which means there’s only a 30ish minute window to get photos done before the sun sets. I always suggest for my fall/winter couples to do a first look because of this and none of them have regretted it! I did have one couple that still decided against it, and as a result, all their photos were taken in the dark with a flash, which I’m prepared for if I have to do that, but it isn’t ideal and their photos didn’t match the rest of their portraits from earlier in the day.
Here’s a few of my favorite first looks from 2018
Daniel & Morgan
Demi & Casey
You are able to move right into your portraits together! So seamless, and so sweet.
Sam & Mary Kathryn
I love when couples write letters to each other! Sam had just read his from Mary Kathryn before their first look, and his reaction was so sweet.
Will & Elizabeth
Another favorite is when brides decide to do a “first look” with their dad! I had one with my dad on my wedding day and their some of my favorite pictures.
Elizabeth & Mr. Gooch
Morgan & Mr. Leslie
Mary Kathryn & Mr. Brundige
So there are my reasons for the benefits of having a first look! I hope you love whatever you choose to do!
More About Me
I’m Candice Emerson and I’ve been a family and wedding photographer for 10 years now! I’m a fine art, hybrid photographer, which means I shoot on digital cameras as well as film cameras. My style is considered “light and airy”, romantic, and timeless. I absolutely love every wedding I have the honor to photograph whether it be an elegant black-tie wedding, beach wedding, barn wedding, destination wedding, elopement, church wedding, or even an intimate woodland wedding. I’m a native to Macon, GA and photograph weddings and families in Macon, Fort Valley, Milledgeville, and Atlanta. I’m always up for an adventure and ready for destination weddings or engagement sessions any day of the year! Contact me for more information on meeting for coffee and booking your wedding! I would love to be your wedding or family photographer!