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.