First Looks
A huge topic in the Wedding world is, "Should I do a First Look?"
The answer to this is personal.
There are tons of pros and cons to doing a first look, but in the end, it is what you personally feel is best for you and your Fiancé.
I will walk you through some of the common Pros and Cons to doing a First Look, and hopefully by the end of the day, you can have more reassurance in your decision.
Pros
1. It runs more smoothly with the timeline.
A ton of photographers recommend doing a First Look so that more pictures can be taken prior to the Ceremony. This will result in less time after the Ceremony for your guests to be waiting.
2. It gives you and your partner some alone time prior to the Ceremony.
If you want to see your partner before Ceremony, do it. It will not take away from the Ceremony itself, the whole Wedding day will be an emotional day. Sometimes doing a First Look gives the happy couple some much needed alone time after months of planning and getting ready for this big day.
3. A photographer can capture more emotional and heartfelt pictures to last a lifetime.
Doing a First Look gives the photographer(s) an opportunity to get both partners' reaction to seeing each other for the first time on their Wedding Day. A lot of couples dream of the moment they tap their soulmate on the shoulder during a First Look. Usually, a photographer, especially if shooting alone, may miss a second of reaction from both parties on Wedding day due to the fact that one partner is standing at the front and the other partner is walking in from the back. Doing a First Look, lets the photographer get the reaction of both parties in one picture.
Cons
1. You will have to get ready earlier
Doing a First Look will give you the ability to get more pictures done prior to Ceremony, but results in having to get ready earlier. If you are doing a morning wedding or are not a morning person in general, this may not be ideal.
2. It may take away from "that moment."
I have always dreamt since I was a little girl of "that moment." That moment when the doors open at Ceremony and I take a pause & see my forever man standing at the altar prior to walking down the aisle. I have dreamt of that 5 second pause and how he will react for years to come, and maybe you have too. Doing a first look will take "that moment" away.
3. You most likely will have to and will want to take more pictures after the ceremony anyways.
Usually after Ceremony, the bride and groom will want pictures to be taken no matter if they did a First Look or not, of just the two of them as they are now a married couple.
So whichever you choose, just remember, nothing will take away from you and your partners big day. You will still be surrounded by so many people that want the best for you and love you beyond words could describe. You and your partner will remember the day for years to come, whether if you picked to do a First Look or not.
