4 Truths About The First Look | San Francisco Wedding Photographer

She taps his shoulder and simultaneously his eyes well up and his smile shines as he turns around and sees his bride for the first time. This is the essence of the first look; an event that has become popular in the wedding industry. Wedding photographers, myself included, are quick to recommend first looks;  here are 4 truths about how doing a first look can make your wedding day better!

1.) It allows you more time with your guests

We’ve probably all been to a wedding where the bride and groom were taking photos after the ceremony, and we had to wait an hour or two before we could eat. It used to be the norm, but the first look can alleviate that problem. By completing most or all of the portraits before the ceremony, the bride and groom can go straight to the cocktail hour or reception. Not only do the bride and groom get to spend more time with their guests, but their families get more time to catch up with old friends, family members they haven’t seen, or get to know new people in the bride and groom’s life.

2.) It calms your nerves

Music was playing, we were laughing, and I was feeling so calm the morning of our wedding. As soon I got my dress on and we were ready, I got SO nervous. Of course I wanted to go through with the wedding, but the immensity of it all made me start shaking. I headed to meet Greg for our first look, and I was finally able to exhale as soon as we saw each other. We laughed, we cried, and the nerves washed away. Instead of feeling nervous right up until I saw him at the altar, we were able to completely enjoy our time with our loved ones before the ceremony.

3.) It enhances the “walk down the aisle” moment

The number one reason people shy away from doing a first look is because they want the epic “groom crying at the sight of his bride for the first time” moment. In my experience during my own wedding and as a wedding photographer, the first look only enhances that moment. Greg and I still both cried when I walked down the aisle. Since we had shared some of our vows to each other before the wedding, our excitement manifested itself in tears as we realized those vows were about to be sealed. We got to share a private moment seeing each other for the first time, and we got to experience that on an elevated level with 200 loved ones.

4.) It elongates your wedding day 

The wedding day FLIES by. Doing a first look makes the wedding day feel longer because you (being the bride and groom), are together longer. A couple who doesn’t go the first look route sees each other for the first time at the ceremony – say, 5:00pm. Doing a first look may mean you see each other at 3:00; that leaves time to hang out with the bridal party, get more pictures done, and enjoy the day. As stated above, you’ll also be able to knock more pictures out early so you can be present with your friends and family immediately following the ceremony.

 

So there you have it! Those are the 4 main reasons why I – and many other wedding professionals – recommend doing a first look. I’d love to hear your comments in the comment section below!