Weddings are one of the most special and cherished moments in a person's life, and every couple strives to make it as memorable as possible. In recent years, first look photoshoots before the ceremony have become increasingly popular, as they offer a unique and intimate moment that the couple can share before the actual wedding ceremony begins. However, before you decide whether a first look is right for you, there are some pros and cons that you should consider.
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If you opt for a first look, you can take most of your formal photographs before the wedding ceremony. This means that you will have ample time to enjoy your cocktail hour and reception without worrying about taking more photos or disturbing the flow of the event.
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A first look can be an incredibly emotional and intimate moment that the couple can share without an audience. Seeing each other for the first time, dressed in your wedding attire, can be a moment that you will cherish for the rest of your life.
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If either or both of you have pre-wedding jitters or anxiety, a first look can help calm your nerves and ease any stress before the ceremony. It can help you feel more relaxed and enjoy the ceremony without feeling anxious.
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A first look can also provide you with some additional photo opportunities that you might not get during the actual ceremony, such as candid and close-up photos that can be used in your wedding album.
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If you're someone who values tradition or wants a more traditional wedding, then a first look may not be the right choice for you. Seeing the bride walk down the aisle to the groom is a timeless and classic moment that many couples want to save for the ceremony.
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Although a first look moment can be incredibly romantic and intimate, it can potentially take away the excitement and drama of seeing each other for the first time at the ceremony. Some couples prefer to save that special moment for the ceremony.
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If you have a tight schedule and the wedding must happen according to a strict timeline, then a first look may not be feasible. A first look requires extra time before the ceremony, which might not be possible if you have to stick to a tight schedule.
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Some couples don't like the idea of taking photos before the ceremony and would rather keep the focus on the ceremony itself. If you are someone who wants to keep the focus on the ceremony and make it the most important event of the day, then a first look might not be for you.
Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing to do a first look before your wedding ceremony. It all depends on what you and your partner want and what will make your special day more memorable and enjoyable for you both.
Pros
If you're considering doing a first look on your wedding day, there are definitely some benefits to take into account. Here are some pros to consider:
- Time Management: By doing a first look, you can take most of your photos before the ceremony. This allows you to enjoy your cocktail hour and reception without having to worry about taking all your photos during that time period.
- Emotional Moment: Seeing each other for the first time can be an incredibly emotional and intimate moment that you can share without an audience. If you're a couple that values privacy and intimacy, a first look may be perfect for you.
- Nerves and Jitters: Nerves and jitters are perfectly normal on your wedding day. By doing a first look, you can ease any anxiety you may be feeling and help calm your nerves before the ceremony.
- Bonus Photos: A first look can provide you with additional photo opportunities that you may not get during the ceremony. For example, close-up shots and candid moments can be captured during a first look that may not be possible during the ceremony.
Overall, doing a first look can help make your wedding day more enjoyable and memorable. By taking some of your photos beforehand, you can have a more relaxed and laid-back day where you can focus on enjoying yourself and spending time with your spouse-to-be.
Time Management
If you are concerned about time management on your wedding day, a first look photo shoot may be a great option for you. By seeing each other before the ceremony, you can take most of your photos beforehand, allowing you to enjoy the rest of your wedding day without worrying about taking pictures.
Plus, you will have more time to spend with your guests during the cocktail hour and reception. You won't have to rush through pictures during these important parts of your wedding day, and can instead enjoy your time with friends and family. Not only will you have more time to relax and have fun, your guests will also appreciate having more time to visit with you.
To make the most of your time, make sure to plan out your first look and photo shoot in advance. Discuss the timeline with your photographer and schedule it out to make sure everything runs smoothly. It's also important to communicate with your wedding party and family members to ensure everyone is on the same page and ready to go for photos.
Emotional Moment
One of the most significant reasons couples opt for a first look session is the emotional moment it creates. The moment you see each other for the first time on your wedding day can be incredibly intimate and emotional. It's a special moment that you get to share without any audience, and it can help you shake off any pre-ceremony jitters and nerves.
The feeling of seeing your partner in their wedding outfit for the first time, trying to hold back tears while their eyes light up, is something that is difficult to describe. This moment can set the tone for the rest of your wedding day and can help you relax and enjoy the day. Additionally, a first look can give you the chance to connect and appreciate your partner in a way that you might not have otherwise been able to do, given the busyness of the day's events.
From a photography perspective, a first look also provides an excellent opportunity to capture those raw and emotional moments before the day's events start to unfold. These intimate moments make for beautiful and timeless photos that you'll cherish forever.
Overall, the emotional moment of a first look can be a beautiful addition to your wedding day if you're looking for an intimate moment with your partner.
Nerves and Jitters
Getting married can be nerve-racking, and for some couples, the idea of seeing each other for the first time at the ceremony can add to those jitters. This is where a first look can be beneficial. Taking some time to see each other before the ceremony can help calm your nerves and ease any jitters you may have before exchanging vows.
During a first look, you can take some deep breaths, hold each other's hands, and just take a moment to be together before the whirlwind of the day takes over. This can help you feel grounded and connected before the ceremony, making the whole experience more meaningful.
If you're an anxious person, doing a first look can be a great way to feel more relaxed and centered. It's a chance to see your partner before the chaos of the wedding day begins, which can help you stay in the moment and enjoy the day without getting lost in your thoughts.
Ultimately, a first look is an opportunity to connect with your partner before the ceremony in an intimate and personal way. It's a chance to calm your nerves and ease any jitters you may have, helping you feel more grounded and centered as you enter into your new life together.
Bonus Photos
If you're looking to get a variety of shots from your big day, doing a first look can provide you with bonus photos that you might not get during the ceremony. Since you'll have more time to take photos before the ceremony, your photographer can capture lots of intimate and candid shots of you and your partner. Close-up portraits and full-body shots are also possible with a first look. You can even incorporate props or your wedding theme into these pre-ceremony photos.
Additionally, doing a first look can provide you with more creative freedom. Without the pressure of time constraints during the ceremony, your photographer can experiment with different angles, poses, and lighting for unique and stunning shots. You and your partner can also have more fun and be more relaxed before the ceremony, allowing for more natural and authentic photos.
If you're worried about missing out on ceremony photos, you can always schedule a separate photo session after the ceremony. That way, you can still get the traditional shots of your ceremony without sacrificing the bonus photos you get with a pre-ceremony first look.
Cons
While there are definite advantages to doing a first look on your wedding day, there are also some cons to consider. Here are a few reasons you might want to reconsider:
If you're someone who values tradition, a first look may not be for you. The tradition of not seeing each other before the ceremony is still very much a part of many couples' wedding day plans, and it may be important to you to stick to that tradition.
One of the reasons some couples choose not to do a first look is because they don't want to take away from the drama and excitement of seeing each other for the first time at the ceremony. There's something special about that moment when the bride walks down the aisle and the groom sees her for the first time.
Doing a first look requires extra time before the ceremony, which can be a challenge if you're already dealing with a tight schedule. If you're worried about fitting everything in, skipping the first look might be the best option for you.
Some couples just don't like the idea of taking photos before the ceremony. They would rather keep the focus on the ceremony itself and not worry about getting the perfect shot beforehand.
Ultimately, whether or not you decide to do a first look is a personal choice. Consider these pros and cons carefully before making your decision, and remember that there's no right or wrong answer.
Tradition
If you're someone who values tradition and wants to keep it alive on your wedding day, a first look might not be the best option for you. The first look trend is relatively new and has not been part of the traditional wedding ceremony. It goes against the traditional belief that the groom should not see his bride in her dress until the ceremony, where he sees her coming down the aisle for the first time.
Furthermore, some couples prefer to keep the excitement and anticipation of seeing each other for the first time at the ceremony, which can make it even more special and memorable. They believe that the moment captured in pictures will hold more significance when they remember the feeling of seeing each other for the first time in front of their loved ones.
However, it's important to keep in mind that traditional weddings can be adapted to fit your individual preferences. You don't have to completely forego the first look option if you want to incorporate some aspects of tradition. You can always choose to do a more traditional ceremony and then do a first look after the ceremony or take some individual photos before the ceremony with a limited audience.
Less Drama
One of the main reasons couples choose to skip a first look is because they want to keep the drama and excitement of seeing each other for the first time at the ceremony. Some couples believe that this makes the moment more special and meaningful, and want to share it with their guests.
While a first look can certainly be an intimate and emotional moment, it does take away from the surprise factor of the ceremony. Some couples feel that it's important to have that moment with everyone watching, and that it's more symbolic and romantic to see each other for the first time at the altar.
However, it's important to note that skipping a first look doesn't mean that you can't still have a private moment together before the ceremony. Many couples choose to hold hands around a corner or exchange letters or gifts without actually seeing each other to calm any nerves and share a special moment. Ultimately, it's up to you and your partner to decide if a first look fits with your vision for the day.
Timeline Issues
If you have a tight schedule for your wedding day, doing a first look may not be feasible. It requires extra time before the ceremony, which may not fit into your timeline. You'll need to factor in extra time for getting ready, traveling to the photo shoot location, and setting up the scene for the first look. This can cut into your schedule for getting ready for the ceremony, and could cause delays throughout the day.
However, if you're willing to adjust your timeline, a first look can still be an option. You could schedule your getting-ready time earlier in the day, or plan for a shorter photo shoot before the ceremony. Another option is to do a “fake” first look, where you still have the intimate moment of seeing each other for the first time, but without the extra time for photos.
It's important to consider your priorities and what's most important to you for your wedding day. If capturing the perfect first look moment is a must-have, then adjusting your timeline for a photo shoot before the ceremony may be worth it. However, if sticking to a tight schedule and having a more traditional wedding are more important, then skipping the first look may be the way to go.
Photos First, Ceremony Second
Some couples prefer to stick with the tradition of seeing each other for the first time as they walk down the aisle. They may find that doing a first look before the ceremony takes away from the moment and the magic of the ceremony itself. If you want to keep the focus on the ceremony and the symbolic act of walking towards each other, then a first look might not be for you.
However, if you're willing to break from tradition, keep in mind that doing a first look can help calm your nerves and allow you to fully enjoy your cocktail hour and reception without feeling rushed for photos. Additionally, by taking photos before the ceremony, you'll have more time for additional photos and moments with family and friends during the cocktail hour.
Ultimately, the decision to do a first look or not is up to you as a couple. You should weigh the pros and cons and decide which option aligns best with your vision for your special day. Whether you choose to take photos before or after the ceremony, remember that this day is about the two of you and celebrating your love in the way that feels most authentic to you.