SHARE
The few advantages – easing of the nerves, makeup and hair are perfect, and pictures will not take as much time after ceremony.
Katelyn James and Korie Lynn are two talented photographers that I asked to help me with this post. Both of them have previously covered this same topic on their blogs and I believe it will be super helpful to all brides!
Let’s see what they have to say:
Korie Lynn said, “So all I have to say about first sights are….THEY ARE THE BEST!! Especially for brides who are doing evening weddings who won’t be able to get good natural light after the ceremony. I’ve heard of several brides who regret not doing one because they didn’t get the photos they hoped for from their wedding day. It’s all about planning and good timing. And fabulous lighting 🙂 If great photos are important to the couple, then a first sight is key!
There are tons of benefits to doing a first sight beyond having great photos.
1) It’s a big stress reliever once the bride and groom get to see each other.
2) No more playing hide and seek with the groom. That alone makes everyone involved less stressed.
3) All family photos and bridal party photos can be done before the ceremony! So when the couple says “I do,” it’s party time! Forget missing your cocktail hour! Go enjoy your wedding! Grooms especially like this one :)”
photo credit – Alexandra Meseke Photo
First sights/looks are breathtaking and intimate. Take a look at Korie Lynn and Katelyn James’ blogs to see for yourself.
Thank you ladies for your helpful tips! It seems after talking to several photographer friends – first sight/looks are the way to go, so many advantages! Don’t worry your groom will still get emotional when you walk  down the aisle!
Adding to the advantages of having a first look before the ceremony, here are a few more reasons why it can be a wonderful choice for couples:
- Easing Nerves: Seeing each other before the ceremony can help ease nerves and calm anxieties. Sharing a private moment together allows couples to connect and support each other before the whirlwind of the day begins. This intimate encounter can set a positive tone for the rest of the wedding festivities.
- Perfect Makeup and Hair: Having a first look ensures that both partners’ hair and makeup are fresh and flawless for the photos. This is particularly beneficial for brides who have spent hours in the makeup chair, ensuring that their look remains picture-perfect throughout the day.
- Efficient Photography: Opting for a first look allows couples to capture more photos in a shorter amount of time. By completing family and bridal party portraits before the ceremony, photographers can focus solely on the couple during the post-ceremony photo session. This efficiency ensures that couples can maximize their time with loved ones during the reception without feeling rushed or overwhelmed by photography sessions.
- Opportunity for Intimate Moments: First looks provide a special opportunity for couples to share intimate moments together before the ceremony. Whether it’s a quiet exchange of vows, a heartfelt embrace, or a shared laugh, these moments create cherished memories that couples will treasure for a lifetime.
- Enhanced Guest Experience: With family and bridal party photos completed before the ceremony, couples can minimize downtime for guests between the ceremony and reception. This allows guests to enjoy the celebration without long waits for the couple to return from a photo session, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
- Uninterrupted Cocktail Hour: By completing formal portraits before the ceremony, couples can join their guests during the cocktail hour without missing any part of the celebration. This gives couples the opportunity to mingle, socialize, and enjoy the festivities alongside their loved ones from the very beginning of the reception.
By considering these additional benefits, couples can make an informed decision about whether a first look is right for them. Whether they choose to share this intimate moment or wait until the ceremony, the most important thing is that the day reflects their love, joy, and commitment to each other.