Top reasons to do a first look.
Most couples I speak with are torn about doing a first look, or, skipping it. So here I’m just going to dive straight into the facts.
A first look alleviates nerves. This is especially true for my shy or nervous types. They really seem to find a lot of comfort around doing a first look privately, with many of them actually sighing an audible breath of relief and exclaiming “Now all that’s left is to party!”
Your partner may feel emotional about seeing you on your wedding day, but they may not want to express that emotion in front of everyone. This is important for those that say they want a shot of their partner’s reaction as they come down the aisle. I’ve even had clients before that really wanted that photo of their soon to be husband crying… but he didn’t …. and sometimes people can’t express themselves when the entirety of the wedding invitation list is watching.
Privacy. This is a big one for some couples. This moment can be incredibly tender and unbelievably romantic, and some folks are just more comfortable having that moment privately. Especially if they want to read private vows to one another. You may have included inside jokes about moments or secrets that you wouldn’t like everyone to know about, so having a little moment to yourselves is useful.
Speaking of moment to yourselves— a first look is a beautiful time to reconnect with your partner, hear his or her breath, hold his or her hands, and just be for a moment. Your wedding day will be a blur of motion and laughter and tears, and this is the chance to just take a beat and be fully present in the reason for your day— you are one of the lucky ones that’s in love!
PHOTOS! This is an excellent time for your photographer to grab some intimate, emotional shots of the two of you together. If you’ve asked for the rest of your wedding day to be captured in a more documentary style kind of way, this little chunk of time will be even more important for getting some sentimental portraits of the two of you as you look on each other fondly. These are exceptional shots every time and if strong emotions are involved, it’s even better. Plus, if you’ve planned for a little time after your first look and you’d like to get some more editorial photos in, you have the time without being interrupted by anyone!
A first look may be a fantastic option for you if you are a more private, reserved, or sentimental couple that wants to keep some things for just the two of you.