Hi friends! So many of you are in the midst of planning your weddings, which is such an exciting time. So much imagination, creativity, and heart goes into your personalized displays of love, devotion, and joy, and it’s a true honor to be part of the process as a wedding photographer.
When I meet with my couples for the first time, I like to gain a clear sense of their wedding vision so I can understand how I will fit seamlessly into their plan well before I ever take my camera out of my bag. So, naturally, among other big questions, I ask whether they want first-look photographs or to wait for the traditional reveal moment on opposite ends of the aisle. And I gotta say — you would be amazed by how many times this question is answered with crickets, conflicted facial expressions, or opposing views within the couple!
First-look photography isn’t exactly a new wedding trend, but it remains a challenging question to answer for many couples. How do you determine whether a first look is right for you?
The First Look
There are several perks to a first-look photo session.
Personally, it can help to ease your and your partner’s pre-wedding jitters. By having a private moment together before the festivities really begin, you can take a deep breath, be present with each other, and feel a bit more grounded as you head into your ceremony.
Logistically, if you’re getting married later in the day, a first look can help reduce the amount of photography time needed for portraits in between the ceremony and the cocktail hour or reception. (It also guarantees that you won’t risk taking pictures in the dark if you’re having a late fall or winter wedding!)
And on a fun note, for folks who know they will be antsy to get to their own party, a first look is worth considering.
Keeping Things Traditional
There are benefits to foregoing a first look as well.
First, there’s no denying the buildup one feels before they get to see their partner in front of their closest friends and family members, dressed to the nines, primped to perfection, and ready to say, “I do.” It’s the ultimate “Wow!” moment, the take-your-breath-away feeling that many refuse to miss on their wedding day (and, secretly one of my favorite photography moments of the day).
Second, some couples find that this big reveal moment makes for much more candid and emotional photographs, while first looks can feel a little more staged as they aren’t part of a live ceremony. So, it’s important to consider your photography style preferences and how comfortable you and your partner feel in front of a camera when making this choice.
And logistically, if wedding planning already feels overwhelming, skipping a first-look session gives you one less moment to plan! Instead, you can focus entirely on your wedding ceremony and then let the rest of the day unfold as it may.
Consider Other People
Choosing to have a first look between you and your bridesmaids or groomsmen, your father or your mother, can be a very special time. So even if you’ve decided against a first look with your fiance, don’t count out the entire idea. That excitement from your bride-tribe or your daddy’s gentle smile as he turns in awe are moments worth capturing.
In the end, the right choice is the one that suits both you and your partner! It’s not about being traditional or modern, classic or trendy… it’s about feeling the way you want to feel on your wedding day when you see your partner and acknowledge the beautiful life that lies ahead of you both. And no matter which photography plan you choose, I will be there to capture each amazing moment for you!
With Grit & Grace~
Happy Planning!
Sarah Keenan, Photographer
Westland Farms Studio
Boudoir Studio Knoxville
