If you’re planning out your wedding day timeline you might have been asked by your planner or photographer if you want to do a first look. If you’re on the fence or want to know the benefits of a first look than keep reading!

Still looking for a wedding photographer in the New England area? Let’s see if we’re a match!

First of all what is a first look?

It’s when the couple has a prearranged time to see each other before the ceremony. You’ll have a private moment to hug, talk, laugh, and kiss without any pressure. You’ll get to fully take each other in. And your photographers will be there to capture the whole thing for you to relive later!

As a photographer I love first looks and here’s why:

1. LIGHTING

If you’re getting married in the fall/winter with a later ceremony time it will be next to impossible to get light and bright outdoor photos after the ceremony. First looks also give you more time together! If you wait to see each other until the altar you’ll go right from the ceremony to photos to the reception with little time to talk or hang out with your guests.

2. LOGISTICS

Logistically it makes sense as I can get all of the important family and bridal party photos done before the ceremony. This way you and your family will actually be able to enjoy cocktail hour!

3. KEEP YOUR FAMILY FOCUSED

It’s much easier to keep people focused before the food and alcohol are served. If your guests are big drinkers it can be hard to corral people for photos once the alcohol and food come out. (You know which relative I’m talking about!)

4. SO FRESH AND SO CLEAN

Everyone's hair and makeup is fresher before the ceremony (especially in the summer)

5. ALL THE FEELINGS

It actually gives you 2 emotional moments together during the day. If either of you is very emotional the first look is when your photographer can really capture the facial expressions/tears. You could truly focus all of your attention on each other without an audience.

6. WORRIED ABOUT RUINING THE AISLE MOMENT?

In my experience it doesn't take away from the 'walking down the aisle' moment. When you round the corner with the music playing and catch that first glimpse of each other as you're about to commit to forever... everyone gets emotional! (Even me, I've cried at a stranger's wedding ;)

7. JUST CHILL

It can calm you down if you're nervous about walking down the aisle.

8. STRIKE A POSE

You’ll get more photos! With a first look we can do couples portraits before the ceremony as well as take a few more once you’re officially married!

Still don’t want to see each other before the ceremony?

Another option is a first look without seeing each other. If you look up 'blind first look' on Pinterest there's plenty of examples of a bride & groom holding hands around a door or standing back to back.

That would allow you to be together and talk before the ceremony (you could read letters to each other during this time too) but would save the big reveal for the aisle. If you have a videographer this will also give them great audio to overlay over your video.

All that being said, if either of you is still 100% against doing a first look that's your choice and your photographer should be happy to adjust the schedule to accommodate.

Are you getting married in the New England area and are looking for a light & bright wedding photographer?

Check out my wedding guide and let’s see if we’re a match!