When it comes to wedding photography, you want your photos to be nothing short of perfect, right? Surely, you’ve spent hours researching photographers, looking into different styles and techniques, and drawing inspiration from different celebrations. However, if you want your experience to be truly memorable and incredibly touching, now is the perfect time to look into a first look.
A bridal first look is a trend that has taken over the wedding photography world due to its intimate and romantic appeal. If you’re just hearing about it or considering whether it’s the right option for you, you’ve landed on the perfect spot. In this blog, we’ll show you all there is to know about a first look so you can decide whether to include it in your wedding photography.
Photo via Eleni P Photography
What Is a First Look
As the name suggests, a first look is when the wedding couple sees each other for the first time before the ceremony begins. Traditionally, this is done as the newlyweds are walking down the aisle since doing it beforehand is considered bad luck.
However, couples have decided not to cling to this wedding superstition, so they opt for something more modern instead, i.e., the first look. For this “ritual” to happen, the newlyweds meet up dressed up in their attire at a pre-disclosed place. One partner usually has their back turned so they don’t see the other partner walk in. Once both parties are present, they turn to see each other, and the waterworks ensue.
Naturally, the wedding photographer plays a major role in the first look. As the couple is sharing this incredibly heartfelt moment, the photographer is typically tucked away somewhere, snapping photos of it. Since first looks don’t last too long, couples also use the opportunity to capture some portraits as well.
Photo via Eleni P Photography
When Does The First Look Take Place
Typically, the first look occurs right before the ceremony. Although the moment doesn’t last too long, you still need to arrange time for it in your wedding agenda. To plan it, you need to agree on where you’ll meet with your partner and how much time you are willing to spend for this moment.
Additionally, it may be smart to ask your photographer for some advice as well. For instance, you might have your heart set on a certain place in your venue. However, given the particular time of day you’re choosing to have the first look, the place you’ve chosen may not have the best lighting conditions. For that reason, ask your photographer to scout your venue beforehand. By doing so, not only will they test the conditions, but they will also find some unique backdrops to make your first-look photos pop.
Photo via Jon Montis Photography
Is a First Look Right For You
So, how do you know whether a first look is right for you? Well, let’s look into some of the pros and cons of this wedding photography trend.
A Moment Just For You
Let’s face it – weddings can get incredibly hectic. Since so many things are happening simultaneously, you might find yourself overwhelmed and not fully immersed in the experience. However, a bridal first look is reserved just for you. In other words, there won’t be floods of people witnessing this intimate moment. Instead, it will just be the two of you, so you can use this time any way you want. Finally, if you’re opting for full privacy, you can always ask your photographer to place their camera at a distance.
Ease The Pre-Wedding Jitters
When the time comes for you to tie the knot, your nerves will surely act up. Naturally, you’re about to make a drastic change in your life, and just the thought of seeing your partner dressed up in their attire is more than enough reason to feel a million butterflies in your stomach. Well, a first look can change all that! Having a moment for yourselves before all the festivities begin can make a world of difference. You and your partner can calm yourselves down and prepare for the magic that will ensue. Slowly but surely, all the jitters you may be feeling will drift off in the air.
Photo via Jonathan Tung Photography
You’ll Have More Time
Coming up with an agenda for your celebration takes a lot of work, especially when it comes to wedding photography. After the ceremony, all of your guests will rush to congratulate you and have your picture taken together. While this is a heartwarming sentiment, it may not leave you with enough time to capture some beautiful portraits. However, with a first look, breathtaking pictures are more than guaranteed. You’ll know exactly when you’ll have your photos taken, so you needn’t worry about being late or missing out on anything.
Beautiful Emotions Captured Forever
Lastly, one of the main reasons why you should consider having a bridal first look is all the emotions. Yes, walking down the aisle and having your partner wait for you is a spectacular moment. But as you’re walking down, you may become self-aware of your reaction, meaning you might feel repressed to show your true emotions. With a first look, this is an unlikely possibility. You’ll have the freedom to express your emotions authentically, and best of all, they will be preserved forever. That said, whenever you need to take a step back and reminisce about your gorgeous ceremony, or rather the minutes before it, all you have to do is look at your first look photos. And let us assure you – this memory will leave you awe-struck every time you look at it.
Photo via Eleni P Photography
Hire The Best Wedding Photographer For Your First Look
If you’re already set on having a first look as part of your celebration, the next step is finding the photographer who will capture it all in action. Luckily, we have a few suggestions that will surely pique your interest.
Jonathan is a master at capturing emotions in their rawest, most authentic form. In other words, they are the perfect photographer for your first look! Instead of focusing on heavy posing and staged shots, Jonathan is all about the candid moments, as they are the ones that stick with you forever.
Eleni is yet another fabulous photographer who has captured beautiful love stories for 7 years (and counting!). What makes her stand out is her amazing attention to detail and how she effortlessly captures your most cherished moments. Eleni is ideal for couples who value photography above anything else, especially those who are in love with dynamic, lively, and modern shots.
If you want your first look and wedding photography to be handled by true professionals, just turn to Jon Montis and his crew! Jon runs a family business with local photographers who go above and beyond to make your experience magical. Their team is all about communication, so spare no detail about how you want your photos to turn out. It’s safe to say the final result will be much better than you have dreamed of!
With this, you know everything there is to know about a first look. This modern wedding photography trend will provide not only stellar photos but also a moment of intimacy at the time you will need it the most. At Wedding Style Society, we want nothing more than your whole planning experience to be effortless. So, browse through our directory and find the perfect photographer for you.
