Should You Do A First Look At Your Wedding?

When you go to plan your big day you will sit down with your soon to be hubby and discuss your wedding timeline. When will you start getting ready? Where will the getting ready photos be taken? What time do we cut the cake and when we we do the first dance? It can all be a little overwhelming at first and it’s easy to get a little flustered, but rest assured that you will do fine – you’re marrying your true love and that’s the most important part.

I have photographed, and been in weddings that each did something a little different, so there really is no one way to do it.

One of the big deciding factors to your timeline is whether or not to do a First Look. You may even be asking “what is a First Look?” or “why should I do a First Look?”

A “First Look” is when the bride and the groom set aside a few minutes just before the ceremony to capture the moment when they see each other for the first time. Usually the groom hasn’t seen their bride-to-be before this and because it’s just the two of them sharing an intimate meeting together, it allows emotions to flow freely. It’s a little outside of the box, but it’s one of my favorite parts (if the bride and groom are up for it) because it portrays such raw unfiltered feelings, and the two of them can just be themselves.

I’m a big advocate for First Looks, especially if either party is a little nervous – a secret rendezvous to calm one another works wonders.

If you do opt for a First Look at your wedding you open the door for more candid photo opportunities. It allows you more time with family once you have said your vows because your wedding photographer will have captured most of the bride and groom portraits beforehand.

I personally have photographed the wedding party shots immediately after the First Look – this is great for summer weddings especially, because this is when every one will look their best. These Okanagan Summer Weddings can be scorchers. Ideally, your wedding party photos can be taken right after you have all just had your hair and makeup perfectly applied, before enduring hours of heat.

Now keep in mind a First Look isn’t for every couple, because it’s a little less traditional, but I encourage you to discuss this option with your loved one to see if it’s right for you.