Having Second Thoughts About A First Look?!

What Is A First Look?

Traditionally, the couple will have a rehearsal dinner the night before their wedding. At the end of the night they they will part ways until they see each other from down the aisle the following day just before saying “I do".

A first look, on the other hand, is typically arranged before the ceremony where the couple will be able to see each other for the first time dressed to the nines in their wedding attire, in a more private and intimate setting. Usually this only includes the couple, the photographer and the videographer. However, we have also seen first looks done with parents and even the wedding party!

We often find that our couples are on the fence about doing a first look, so we wanted to round up some of the pros and the cons of doing a first look in hopes that it will help you make the best decision for you and your fiancé on your special day!

PROS:

Calms Nerves

There is a lot that goes into a wedding, and with that often comes nerves and anxiety- this is completely normal! Being able to see your fiancé sooner than the ceremony will allow your nerves to calm down simply by just being with the person you are about to marry. They are your person, your comfort blanket. Let them be that for you and just enjoy the moment together.

Alone Time

Having this time alone with your fiancé can often times be the most memorable part of your wedding day. It’s a moment where you can just be. No guests. Just you and the love of your life. We often times will suggest taking a few minutes to just get away and be with one another. Enjoy each others company. Embrace the moment- remember the smell, the look, the temperature, the color of the sky, the way your husband or wife looks. These are the moments that matter the most. These are the moments you will think back on and have vivid dreams about. Your wedding day only happens once, make it last a lifetime.

Look Your Best

If you are anything like us, and aren’t a fan of your own crying face, then a first look might be the best option for you! Seeing your fiancé waiting or walking towards you from the other end of the aisle will be one of the most emotional, exciting and memorable moments of your life. From a photographic stand point, shedding a few tears walking down the aisle typically looks a lot better than full on water works! Where as if you cry your eyes out during the first look, you still have time to freshen up before walking down the aisle and saying “I do.”

More Time For Photos

Because you have officially seen each other, the photographer will now be able to get through a majority of the photos that would have other wise had to of waited until after the ceremony. This allows the couple to get to the reception quicker and to start celebrating with friends and family!

Winter Weddings

We will 98% of the time suggest doing a first look if you are planning a winter wedding. The sun set can be anywhere from 4:30 to 6:00 throughout the winter season. Again, having a first look before the ceremony will allow additional time for photos during day light- natural light is always ideal, in our opinion!

CONS:

Non-Traditional

As previously stated, a first look is usually seen as non-traditional, although in this day and age the term “traditional” is ever-growing, as it should be! However, we completely understand wanting to wait to see each other at the alter! This builds anticipation and excitement- not only for the couple but for the guests. The guests always enjoy seeing your reactions when you both see each other for the first time. Let them cherish this moment with you, they are here to support you after all!

Grooms Initial Reaction Will Not Be At The Alter

One of our favorite shots to get when photographing a wedding is the grooms reaction while seeing his love walk down the aisle. There is that moment where the tears start to build and you can literally feel the emotions he is going through. This moment is one of the main reasons couples decide to not have a first look on their wedding day.

Must Be Included In Wedding Timeline

As you may know, planning a wedding requires a lot of detail and organization. Part of this includes having a strict timeline and sticking to it. We usually suggest dedicating about 60 minutes for the first look- which will require adjustments to other events while planning your wedding timeline.

Lighting Can Be More Harsh

The first look is typically done right after the couple is completely dressed and ready. This is usually during the middle of the day when the sun is at its peak- especially in the warmer months. This can often times lead to harsh shadows or blown out sunspots. In order to achieve the best photos possible we will look for shady areas to shoot in if need be.

Venue: Adaline Acres in Chester, Virginia
Hair/Makeup: Nicole Laughlin Makeup Artist in Richmond, Virginia
Photographer: Carbone Photo Co. LLC Richmond Wedding Photographer

Carbone Photo Co. LLC is a Wedding Photography company based out of Richmond, Virginia who travels the entire east coast for weddings. Carbone Photo Co. LLC offers photography for weddings, bridal portraits, engagement sessions, events, senior portraits as well as family portraits. This Virginia wedding photographer specializes in capturing the most sentimental moments using a photojournalistic approach to document raw candid moments of you and your loved ones.

Our Tips For Nailing Your Photo Session Outfit

For some reason, a lot of people find nailing the perfect outfit for their photo session to be this daunting task. We are here to tell you that it absolutely DOES NOT have to be! Instead, it can be fun and made into part of the experience of booking a session in the first place. Of course, we are not fashion experts and we too have our days of fashion “no-no’s,” like REAL “no-no’s.” But it’s okay! The first step is being prepared so that your “no-no” will not be documented and will hopefully remain in the comfort of your own homes…hopefully.

We have gathered as much of our experience and knowledge related to outfit planning and coordinating to make the process that much more enjoyable for you- and to show you it’s actually not that bad! Here are our top tips to nailing that perfect outfit:

Color is everything

We always suggest starting with a simple color pallet. Color pallets are a set of 2-4 colors that are pretty much guaranteed to look great together. You can have cool toned, warm toned, earth/neutral toned and even pastel toned color pallets. Some are better depending on which season your session is booked in. Once you have landed your color pallet you will be able to feel confident that your outfits will all correlate! If you are feeling stuck, feel free to check out some of our favorite color pallets here!

It is usually best to start with the youngest of the group. For example, if you have a toddler or newborn it is best to put them in the color from the color pallet that stands out the most. This will allow them to be the focal point of the image and will also keep them from being overlooked. You will then be able to put outfits together from the other colors that you have on the pallet. Do not be afraid to use pops of color from the first outfit that you put together- this creates consistency in the photos! You can even add in different textures or patterns. We are always a fan of one person in the family wearing stripes or plaid- just to add a little variety in there!

Comfort will forever be key

Before deciding on any outfit, it is always best to remember that comfort is key. If you are not comfortable in the clothes that you are wearing, you will not feel confident and it will more than likely show in the end result or final images. What we are saying is dress absolutely comfortable. Wear what is typical to your individual style. We cannot stress this enough. Comfort is key.

Coordinate, don’t match

We would never, in 100 million years, ever tell any of our clients to match. Coordinate? Absolutely. If and only if we were going for awkward family photos or something along those lines would we ever ask you to 100% match. It just almost never turns out right, no matter how much you want it to, and usually just end up look like a hot mess. When in doubt feel free to reach out- we are here to help make sure your photos turn out perfect!

Pull out the iron

Next is the fun part- picking your outfits! We know how exciting it can be to go out and buy all new outfits, especially for photos! But in our opinion, this doesn’t always work out like we think it will. Our first suggestion would be to go through all of the clothes that you currently have and find outfits that go with the color pallet. This pretty much guarantees that the clothes will fit correctly because they have already been washed and worn in. You know how they fit and there will be no surprises the day of the shoot. Obviously don’t pull out something that is extremely dated, or that was balled up in the back of your drawer for the last 3 years. More like your current go-to pieces that really show who you are, this moment in time!

If you still can’t gather what you are looking for and need to purchase a new wardrobe from the local Target, it is usually best to do this weeks in advance after wearing and washing the clothes a few times to make sure they do not shrink up in places they shouldn't!

If you are needing inspiration, the best place to look is over on our Pinterest! We have come up with seasonal outfit boards to help you land the perfect stylish threads for your photo session with us!

Danielle + Kyle's Engagement Session

[ Danielle + Kyle ]

Meet Danielle and Kyle! These two met in 2016 while working at a local grocery store. They later decided to continue their education at Liberty University located in the charming town of Lynchburg, Virginia. They both are set to graduate next year with business related degrees!

Kyle proposed to Danielle on July 21st of 2019 in Williamsburg, Virginia. The best part is that each of their families were there and got to witness Danielle say yes! When they aren’t being cute as heck, they enjoy cooking, hiking in the mountains and just spending time enjoying each other’s company.

Their engagement session started at Casa Del Barco on The Canal Walk in Richmond. We started out in the graffiti building and headed up towards the James River where we found a little path and run-down but also rustic beach area. From there we head back up the canal to Browns Island. Being that it is officially springtime, the island had flowers and trees blooming! It was absolutely perfect- even though we thought we may have to reschedule the whole week prior because of the weather. Turns out the sun came out and all was well!

Danielle and Kyle are tying the knot in August of 2020 at Wolf Trap Farm in Gordonsville, Virginia and we are SO excited to be there to witness one of the most important days of their lives!

Chandler + Christians Engagement Session

[ Chandler + Christian ]

These two are high school sweethearts who have been a part of each other’s lives since middle school. After years of dating, Christian popped the question at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts on Arthur Ashe Boulevard. Chandler described it as “sweet and simple,” which is exactly how it should be, in our opinions.

OBVIOUSLY, we love when our couples incorporate their fur babies into their engagement sessions (and even weddings)! Pumpkin and Thor were so great for their close ups and we could tell how happy they are that their mom and dad are getting married!

Shooting their engagement session was (literally) a walk in the park! We started out by meeting in front of the Carillon in Byrd Park right in the center of Richmond, Virginia. There are beautiful rows of trees that are beautiful, so I knew that would be a great place to start. From there we pretty much walked around the area stopping at every spot that had lots of greenery and character. Byrd Park is HUGE. We actually stumbled upon a little pathway with a lot of cobble stones. These types of stones can be found all throughout Richmond, especially in the Shockoe Slip and more historical areas. They add so much character to the city and make great settings for portraits!

Within minutes of working with Chandler and Christian I could tell they were right for one another. They kept each other (and me) laughing and every time they would look at each other you could literally feel the love between them. We are so excited to be a part of their big day this coming November. Chandler and Christian will be holding their wedding ceremony and reception at the stunning Maymont Park, also right here in Richmond! Stay tuned for their wedding blog!

Top Five Reasons You SHOULD Have Bridal Portraits Taken

When someone asks us if it is important to have bridal portraits done, the answer will forever and always be a yes. Absolutely, yes! There are a million and one reasons we could list out as to why bridal portraits are important, however, we will share with you our top five reasons why they are an absolute must!

1.) They make you feel good about yourself- and who doesn’t like that?!

Let’s face it, getting dressed up and looking our best always makes us feel great about ourselves. However, when it comes to such an exciting and emotional time in your life and you also throw wedding attire into the mix, it really kicks that confidence up a level and allows you to feel more comfortable on the day of your wedding. Not to mention, this is the only time in your life you will ever wear this dress. Why only wear it once, when you can wear it twice?!

2.) Hair + Makeup Trial

Our second reason why bridal portraits are a must-have in your wedding package is so that you can get a trial run with your hair and makeup team. This way you will be able to land the look you are envisioning on your wedding day. This time with them can potentially save you from any unexpected surprises the day of.

3.) Canvas Prints

It is common to see brides have large canvas prints on display at their reception. This again allows you to show off how great you look and share your bridal portraits with all of your guests! If you need help ordering high quality prints, feel free to reach out at any point after booking your wedding package with us.

4.) Makes for a fun day-date with a close friend or family member!

Have a mom who always talks you up and makes you feel great about yourself? A cousin that brings out your inner Beyonce’? A best friend that makes you feel like the bad ass that you actually are? That is the person you should bring with you to your bridal portraits. What better way than to start your day out a late brunch in one of the nation’s biggest food cities, then head off to get your nails done. Oh, and then you just mosey on over to the place you are going to get married have your hair and makeup done professionally and then have a photoshoot. Sounds like a horrible day (If you can’t tell we are being EXTREMELY sarcastic). Seriously though pamper yourself, you are worth it!

5.) One on one time with the photographer!
We all know weddings follow a strict timeline that only allow for so much one on one time due to the rest of the photographs that are on the shot list. Of course, we always aim to get solo shots of the bride and groom but our main goal on the day of the wedding is to get every shot that is on the list provided by our couples as well as our company list. This one on one time will also allow you to be more comfortable in front of the camera and with your photographer the day of your wedding!

Keep in mind- should you choose to book a bridal session with us, and you are planning to order prints, you should schedule this session no later than 8 weeks prior to your wedding. We have a two-week developing/processing time and it could take several weeks after placing your order through print labs before actually receiving your prints.

Photography: Stephen Carbone with Carbone Photo Co. LLC
Hair: Natalie Porch with Luxe Hair Studio
Makeup: Brittany Staggs with Luxe Hair Studio