What Is A First Look? | NC Wedding Photographer | Hickory Wedding Photographer

When I meet with a bride and groom to go over the details for their wedding, most don’t know what a first look is! Some couples immediately don’t want to do it while others love the idea!

So what is a first look? The first look takes place before the ceremony. It’s the first time the groom will see his bride in her beautiful wedding gown and one of the few times it will just be the two of you alone.

Why do a first look? There are a few reasons why this is becoming more popular. First, it may be one of the only times the two of you are alone until after your reception is over. This gives you time to reflect on the day so far, talk to each other in private, and get all the nervousness out before you walk down the isle or your bride is walking to you.  Second, your photos show so much more emotion when you first see each other in private than when you are seeing each other walking down the isle and at the alter. A lot of guys don’t want to show emotion up at the alter because even though all eyes are on the bride, everyone wants to see his reaction too! Lastly, having your “first look” done before the ceremony helps you get to the reception quicker! After the first look photos and ceremony, usually all that will be left are the family photos. You and your guest will get to your reception sooner. During different times of the year, if your wedding is later in the evening, it may be too dark to take your photos outside. First look photos will help solve this problem.

Did you do a first look? I did not. Due to weather we almost did do a first look! We were prepared if the photos needed to be done early. I think if we would have done a first look, I wouldn’t have been so nervous both walking down the isle and up on the steps during the ceremony. Personally as a photographer, I love the first look photos!

Are others around during our first look? I know a lot of bridesmaids and mothers want to see both the bride and grooms reaction when they first see each other! I recommend only the bride and groom and photographers be present. This makes it that much more special for the bride and groom an gives you a little time alone. Mothers and bridesmaids will see your reactions in your beautiful images, thats why you are paying a photographer to take photos on your wedding day anyway.

Do I have to do a first look? Of course not! Its your wedding day! The first look is totally up to you. I do need to know if you would or would not like to do it though, so I can schedule it into your day.

I hope this helps for future brides who are thinking about a first look or don’t know what a first look is! Here are a few of my favorite photos from first looks recently.