One of the things that I wish I had been told as a bride was to seriously consider doing a First Look. It’s definitely something that I regret not doing.
I immediately shunned the idea, reminding myself that I wanted to see my husband’s face light up when he saw me walking towards him. But I wasn’t thinking about the fact that when I reached him, I wouldn’t be hugging him or kissing him. The reality was that I turned to face the priest and the wedding started. I couldn’t talk to him and be all giddy and excited. I just stood there next to him, sneaking glances and holding in my excitement. And then, although we planned for a good amount of time for photos to be taken after the ceremony, the Florida weather had a different plan. Thus, we only have a few photographs of the two of us. If we had done a First Look before the ceremony, this would have been completely avoided, and the afternoon thunderstorm wouldn’t have been a problem at all! (Florida brides: don’t forget about our those thunderstorms from May to October!)
A First Look isn’t for everyone, and it’s not the “traditional” thing to do. But if photography is important to you, then you should seriously consider a First Look. Some of the absolute best wedding photos I have seen have been when the bride and groom have a First Look.
Photo by Jeremy Gilliam
I asked around for some pros and cons of a First Look to share with you all.
- If you’re extremely traditional, a First Look could take away from the build up and suspense of walking down the aisle.
- Your guests won’t be able to see that “first look” you and your groom have when you’re walking down the aisle. (This con and the previous are thanks to Aleah of The Good Life Event Specialists. I really couldn’t think of any.)
- Chances are good that you might cry when walking down the aisle and seeing each other for the first time (yep, happened to me…resulting in, you guessed it: the ugly cry).
Photo by Jason Angelini
- You can revel in seeing each other for the first time, soak it up, and enjoy some quiet moments alone with each other. Cry, laugh, do a little dance- whatever you want to do!
- You will get some awesome photographs of you and your soon-to-be husband and have ample time to do so. The emotion captured by your photographer is truly a once in a lifetime emotion. Don’t you want photos like this? (see photo below)
Photo by T2 Photography
- Having a First Look will allow you to have most of your photos done before the ceremony. Then you can enjoy your cocktail hour and have fun with your new husband and the bridal party.
- You won’t feel rushed getting pictures taken after the ceremony.
- Melanie of La Dolce Vita Studio said, “Often our couples finish all their photos, have time to go touch up hair and make up if need be, hang out with their wedding party, have a drink and relax in those last few minutes before the ceremony. They also love being able to mingle with their guests at the cocktail hour because we only shoot the formals after the ceremony.”
Photo by Kristen Weaver Photography
- And I’m pretty sure anyone who has done a First Look has never regretted doing it. 
As you can see, there are A LOT of pros to having a First Look. Doing a First Look is completely your decision, just as everything for your wedding should be is. I’m just here to share some insight and personal experience. And that insight and personal experience is that I regret NOT having a First Look. As a bride I didn’t give it much thought because I wanted to be traditional, but now after the wedding, I definitely wish I had done it! Just some food for thought for all you brides out there!
This is great, Lauren. I didn’t do a first look… they hardly existed in 2004… and was never really sure if I liked the trend. (I guess I’m a traditionalist… and like the idea of the first look happening “down the aisle”.) But, your post makes some really great points! I really don’t have that many shots with just my husband. And, we did feel rushed to take all the family shots after the ceremony that we didn’t have time to just take pictures more relaxed. You’ve really made me rethink my stance on the “first look”.
Aww these first look photos are so endearing!
I was totally on the fence but ended up doing the traditional thing as the ceremony was very traditional like my parents wanted. But I did exactly what you wanted to do when I got up that aisle… Mike and I started whispering and after a minute or so he slightly pointed at his tux for the microphone. I haven’t watched the video yet to see if our little conversations were all caught on tape.
[...] about the pros and cons of doing a “First Look”. My brides, you should definitely check out her blog post and see what she thinks and why she regrets not doing [...]
Pro:
No makeup smears on dress and tux from loving family. I have had this on a number of occasions, and makeup shows well on a white dress or a dark tux.
I really wish we did this…My photographer was a wonderful photographer, and I know that we could of got awesome shots before the ceremony, but it didn’t happen. I do regret not doing this, and totally recommend people do it.
I love being able to shoot that “First Glance”! My brides are perfectly made up, the dress is fresh, and the emotion that I can capture when he turns to see her for the first time is magical. It does not take away from the emotion of walking down the aisle and it does give you amazing images that you will remember forever!
[...] I wanted to feature this wedding by All Dressed Up Photography because it embodies the past two weeks’ {Thursday Tips} posts so very well. This South Carolina couple chose to do a First [...]
[...] Don’t forget to spend some time with your new husband! A first look is the best way to do this, plus it greatly eases any issues with available photo time. If you [...]
[...] From Elizabeth Ann Designs {including a discussions in the comments}, Wedzilla {the photos in this one nearly made me cry!}, and Every Last Detail. [...]
[...] about 50% of JPG Photography’s weddings, we set up a special moment with the couple before the ceremony, so they can see each other for the first time without the pressure of guests and schedules. [...]
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