Many couples when sitting across from their wedding photographer are asked: “Are you interested in doing the first look?” Some couples know the answer right away, others may need time to think it over, and some have never even heard of the “first look.” I’ve had a lot of couples ask me recently about the pros and cons of the “first look.” It can be a huge debate between a bride and groom, or even between the couple and their family. My hope is that this blog entry will educate you on the pros and cons so that you can make the best decision as a couple. Obviously my perspective is from a photographers standpoint-but, ultimately this decision is up to youthe bride and groom. First, let’s define the first look.

First Look: A special arranged (usually private) moment between a wedding photographer and the bride and groom before the ceremony.
Purpose: To capture the bride and groom’s reaction when they see each other for the first time on their wedding day.
Why?: To save time by completing all portraits and formal photos prior to the ceremony so that the couple can enjoy their guests and cocktail hour immediately following their “I do!”

The first look is a pretty new thing in the wedding industry. I know when my parents got married they didn’t have that option! Because this is not a traditional practice it creates room for debate. Typically, the groom will see his bride for the first time when she’s walking down the aisle. Then, following the ceremony we would move into family formals, bridal party portraits, and bride and groom portraits. I can only speak for myself, but in an ideal world I would love to spend 60-90 minutes (max) to complete all of those portraits. Depending on the timeline of your wedding day, sometimes this can overlap with part of the cocktail hour. Unless you have a gap of time between the ceremony and cocktail hour, chances are you will miss part of it. Now don’t get me wrong, my goal is to complete your portraits in a timely manner-because let’s face itI want you to enjoy your day and mingle with your guests! But, if you feel like you’re going to be stressed out about time and wishing you were at the cocktail hour, maybe the first look is for you. The pros of keeping it traditional? The grand entrance wow factor.

Another factor to take into consideration is time of year. If you are planning an evening winter wedding in the Northeast the sun will set early. If your ceremony begins at 5:30pm, and you decide against the first look, keep in mind that it will be dark outside. So, you have to ask yourself how important is it that your portraits are taken outside during the day/sunset hour?

The most important thing to remember is that this is your day. It’s all about the bride and groom and what you want as a couple it’s your moment. If you are more of a traditional person, would you regret not having the big entrance at the ceremony? Or, do you like the idea of having a special documented moment before all the craziness begins? Be honest with yourself and come to an agreement together.

So what do I think? Does the first look save time? Yes. Does it take away some of the stress? In my experience, yes. Is it traditional? No. But, again, this is about what will work for you.

No matter what the decision, when your eyes meet for the first time on your wedding day you will be filled with love from the tips of your toes to the top of your head!

.and I will be there to capture that moment no matter what!