You may have looked at today’s blog post title and wondered “what the heck is a first look?!”
There are so many things that you could/should do on your wedding day, but when the bride and groom choose to do a first look, it is something just for the two of them! Having a first look is a private moment – orchestrated by your fabulous wedding photogs – shared only by the bride and groom where they can choose to see each other before the ceremony.

 

first look First look

 

Think about It:

At a traditional wedding, the bride and groom spend the entire day leading up to their wedding – and usually the night before as well – apart.
These two, who spend all their time together and share everything are suddenly separated… on the most stressful day of their lives!
The first look is amazing because it really gives you a chance to connect with your fiancée, tell them you love them, and go into the wedding as a team (the way it should be!).

 

bride and groom first look bride and groom snuggling Fresh Look Photography

 

First Look – How It Works

The groom would be looking away -at one of your fabulous photogs – while the bride starts walking up towards him from behind. She will tap him on the shoulder, and he turns around to see his beautiful bride for the first time. I’m telling you, the reactions are always priceless!
Once the two lovebirds have had a few minutes to canoodle, we head to take portraits of the two of them. Then we can take pictures with the family and the bridal party, getting all the “official” pictures out of the way. We make sure to tuck the bride away before guests arrive, and this pretty much gives everyone permission to relax and enjoy the wedding!

 

bride and groom before the wedding Virginia Beach wedding photographer

 

Benefits of a First Look

The biggest reason I love doing first looks is because it gives the bride and groom a chance to refocus and remember that this day is about the love the two of them share as they start a new chapter in their lives.
But I always encourage people to do a first look because it’s WAY more genuine.

Think about it: if you wait to see your fiancée until you are walking down the aisle, he can’t tell you how beautiful you look, or give you a kiss, or hug you… you’re in front of 100 of your favorite people and you’ve got to go right into the ceremony.

However….

If you choose to do a first look:

  1. You’re away from prying eyes, and it stays an intimate moment between the two of you.
  2. The reaction is 100% genuine because no one is worried about “putting on a front.”
  3. Photos are taken when the bride’s hair and makeup are still fresh and gorgeous.
  4. It gives the bride and groom a chance to refocus on each other
  5. The couple ends up with WAY more portraits of themselves (which is who the day is really about!)

 

Fresh Look Photography

 

Convinced You Should Do a First Look Yet?

I totally understand that some people are more traditional and WANT to wait for that moment at the wedding to see their (almost) spouse. There’s nothing wrong with that and it will make for a very special memory! But – having gotten married last November – my hubby and I did a first look and I am SOOOO glad we did! It really helped center me and I felt like after that I was ready to go into the wedding day now that I had my partner in crime with me!

Love Anchors the Soule

 

Love What You See? Want to Have Your Own Session?!

If you’ve finished looking at this blog about doing a first look and are thinking to yourself – I wanna do that too! Awesome!!! We would LOVE to help make your wedding day AMAZING! Feel free to message me by hitting the { CONTACT ME } button or by giving me a call at 757-749-5350. I can’t wait to create some magic for you!