Should you have a first look?
As an Ottawa wedding photographer, a hear a lot of brides asks me if they should have a first look. I'd say about half my brides do a first look on their wedding day. There is a lot of curiosity about bending tradition. Here is a few thing you should know about first looks.
What is a first look?
'A first look is a moment before the ceremony where bride and groom see each other for the first time on the wedding day. It is usually pre-arranged with their wedding photographer in a private place away from family and friends to capture that moment just for them.'
Here are a few reasons why it is advantageous to have a first look.
1. It gives the bride and groom a private moment just for them. This isn’t a performance. It gives you a chance to soak it all in. 2. you get to attend your cocktail hour and mingle with your guests instead of taking all the pictures during it. That gives you back one to two hours with your guests. 3. Your makeup and hair is fresh for photos.4. If you're planing for a sunset ceremony, having a first look before hand guarantees bride and groom portraits done in beautiful daylight. As a natural light photographer, this is key.5. It is easier for your photographer to capture your emotions in this setting. Depending on your ceremony site and on the officiant, it can be difficult and sometimes impossible for your photographer to get close enough for these shots. I've had officiants tell me I couldn't stand in the aisle or anywhere near the couple during the ceremony and vows.
Why you may not want a first look.
1. You always and still envisioned your dad walking you down the aisle while your future husband sees you in your dress for the first time that day. The emotions that are tied to a future memory are very strong.2. You already planned for an extra long cocktail hour and have at least two hours for photos.3. You want your wedding dress to be as clean as possible for the ceremony.I Love first looks. I think there are many reasons to have them but what's more important is that your decision feels authentic to you. Don't let old wives tales about luck on a wedding day or Pinterest wedding trends sway you from doing what you want. There is no wrong answer here. Even if you don't have a first look, some brides incorporate the idea of it into their wedding day. Like having a first look with their father or a grandparent before the ceremony. Or even just holding hands while back to back from each other. Just another way to add even more meaning into this amazing day.
Want more bride tips and tricks?
Here are a few topics I cover to help you have the best bridal experience.