Why You Must Do A First Look!
Weddings are beautiful celebrations of love and commitment, filled with unforgettable moments that deserve to be cherished forever. One such moment that has gained popularity in recent years is the "first look." A first look refers to the special occasion when the bride and groom see each other for the first time before the wedding ceremony. In this blog post, we will explore why a first look is a valuable addition to any wedding day and why it is worth considering for couples planning their big day.
Marisa and Alex got married in late August of 2022. From the beginning, they had decided to do a first look. Some couples know they want one, some know they don't, and some are on the fence. I always like to give pros and cons for both.
Pros:
a first look let's you see each other before the ceremony which can really help ease nerves, a first look also gives you time alone together away from the wedding party and family before the day gets chaotic/busy, a first look gives you time to read private vows/letters to each other instead of front of everyone, and a first look allows you to be able to do all wedding party, group, and family (and some portraits together) before the ceremony meaning that after the ceremony, you can spend most of cocktail hour with your guests instead of spending that time taking photos, and you'll have even more photos from your day!
Cons:
Cons of doing a first look: it actually may make you even MORE nervous to see your significant other before the ceremony, a first look won't allow you to do portraits before the ceremony, meaning you'll be away from guests at cocktail hour, a first look won't let that first moment your significant other sees you walking down the aisle (to some this is important!), a first look means you'll have to get ready earlier, and it may be hard to find a private spot with good lighting depending on where you're getting married and at what time of day. I still let them know the cons, but Marisa and Alex were totally in for a first look still!
"My husband and I got married in Bar Harbor, Maine in August 2022 and we are so happy that we decided on Janelle as our photographer. From the start she was highly responsive and so much of her work was on her website that we were sure we would like her style. Our package came with an engagement shoot which I would highly recommend to anyone as it helped us get comfortable in front of the camera. As the wedding approached Janelle shared a sample timeline with us, which we adjusted to fit our needs and Janelle was happy to go with our plan. On the wedding day itself Janelle was amazing. We highly recommend Janelle to anyone who is considering her!"
I recommend doing a first look for all the pros I listed above: a first look let's you see each other before the ceremony which can really help ease nerves, a first look also gives you time alone together away from the wedding party and family before the day gets chaotic/busy, a first look gives you time to read private vows/letters to each other instead of front of everyone, and a first look allows you to be able to do all wedding party, group, and family (and some portraits together) before the ceremony meaning that after the ceremony, you can spend most of cocktail hour with your guests instead of spending that time taking photos, and you'll have even more photos from your day!
Marisa and Alex read really special letters that they both wrote to each other, and the first look gave them a private time where the wedding party, guests, and family knew that this was THEIR time together, alone! Their letters were between the two of them only, not them and everyone at their wedding. They both were able to cry in front of each other freely at this time and be able to value the presence of each other in that moment, without distraction. I'll always take a step back and take photos still, but be more at a distance to give them even more privacy. There wasn't anyone asking to join or watch, because everyone understood how important this was to the both of them! It also really helped them both be able to take in the day more relaxed because the most nerve-wrecking part - seeing each other for the first time on their day - was already over with at the very beginning, meaning they could both go into the ceremony with a little more ease.
While the traditional route of seeing each other for the first time during the ceremony holds its own charm, the first look offers a beautiful alternative that should not be overlooked. It provides an opportunity to create timeless memories and allows couples to optimize their schedule, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable celebration.
Ready to capture your precious first look moments? Book Janelle- an experienced and passionate wedding photographer!! Contact her here to schedule a consultation and let’s preserve the magic of your wedding day.
