Choosing whether or not to do a first-look session is not always the easiest thing for a bride and groom to decide. It seems that many couples disagree on this topic so we think it should be addressed before your wedding day. The reason for many of the disagreements is simply the culture in which the bride and groom were raised. Some people prefer the traditional “first-look” being when the bride walks down the aisle, whereas the new, modern “first-look” takes place before the ceremony. Neither one of these options is wrong, but we are going to explain why we prefer the new, modern “first-look” from a photographer’s perspective.
When it comes to doing wedding photography, it seems that time flies by the fastest when the moments are the most-special. For this reason, we prefer the bride and groom to see each other before the ceremony. When this is the case, we are able to capture some special moments between the bride and groom that simply cannot be re-created. Not only does this allow the bride and groom to have a few minutes together before the ceremony, which often softens the nervousness, but it makes it possible to go ahead and get shots, such as the bridal parties with the bride and groom, before the ceremony even begins. This is huge on a wedding day because now you do not have to capture these moments between the ceremony and the reception which makes the guests not have to wait a long period of time before eating. Remember, the guests are there for you, so be sure to spend as much time with them as possible! You want their memories of your wedding to be irreplaceable.
Both forms of the “first-look” have pros and cons, but from a photography standpoint, the modern way wins hands-down. That’s why most of the couples that I work with here in the Central Virginia area (Lynchburg), choose to savor the first moment of seeing each other without all the guests watching. By no means does the first look take away from the magic when the time comes to see each other at the ceremony. It rather fuels up the emotions for that perfect moment!
We want to know what you think: Will you have a first-look?
Love your work. You’re very talented:)
What an excellent idea, and your photos are beautiful.
Love the first look pics!
I love this idea! Your photos are great, you are quite talented :)
I always thought I would prefer the traditional “walking down the aisle” first look, but I can see how having some quiet, tender moments before the ceremony would make for better pictures. Awww, these are so incredibly beautiful.