What is a First Look?

Your wedding photographer asks if you want to do a “first look” - What is it? How does it benefit you? And how does it work with your wedding day timeline?

A “first look” is when the couple chooses to see each other BEFORE the wedding ceremony and photos are taken. It “breaks tradition” if you will, but can be a great benefit to your nervousness, excitement, emotions and wedding day timeline.

In my 8 years experience in the wedding industry, I find if you are nervous (as most couples are, in a good way) and/or emotional, this is a good option to get those emotions “out” without all of your wedding party and guests being witness to it.

At your first look, typically it is the couple and the photographer(s). I tend to suggest to my couples not to have their wedding party there. Your wedding party my take away from the moment of just the two of you, and possibly add some unnecessary commentary. The photographer typically takes a back seat while you have your moment together, and take it all in. You may be stopped a few times as you are walking up to your partner, and be given some direction before you see each other so your wedding photographer gets the best photos and doesn’t have to run around so much. But once you see each other, most wedding photographers will give you the space to take each other in. Share those hugs and kisses, twirl around, look at each other’s clothing and accessories and hair and makeup and take in the moment together.

First look photos are some of my favourites I have taken in my career. There seems to be a lot less stress the rest of the day once the couple sees each other, and no one needs to feel stress on their wedding day.

For my couples that have decided to do a first look, they have not regretted it. Even though they may have been hesitant in the beginning.

I had a couple a few years ago, they didn’t have a very big bridal party (1 on each side) and they wanted to wait to see each other at the ceremony. But when we started discussing their timeline in more detail, a first look made more sense. Their outdoor ceremony was taking place later in the afternoon, and they had a lot of family photos they wanted taken before their reception started. The more we talked about it, the couple did opt to do a first look, and when we spoke afterwards, they said it was one of the best decisions they made. They were both so emotional and excited.

I hate to say this… but I feel like sometimes guests expect a reaction out of whoever is standing at the top of the aisle. They want to see the groom’s jaw drop, or tear up or something. But if you are focusing on trying not to faint or puke… maybe a first look is a good option. And knowing that guests want a reaction out of you… maybe that is an added stress. And I repeat… no one needs to be stressed on their wedding day.

Another reason I like first looks, is a benefit for your timeline. Your ceremony may now be able to be bumped into the later afternoon, your hair and makeup can start a little later, you can get a 9-holes of golf in, the day becomes a little bit more relaxed, and it is all up to you.

Also… If you have guests from out of town, they don’t have to look for something to do in between the ceremony and reception for 2 or 3 hours while you are getting photos done.

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I hope this helps! If you have any questions or comments for future posts, send me a message here or at info@katlynjane.com 

Here is the link to the video for my IGTV.

And the link to YouTube.