You’re engaged!! Congratulations!!
Now then…you’ve got some planning ahead of you! Maybe you’ve already figured out your venue, the date, and are starting to work on the nitty-gritty details of your big day. One of the big things to think about when you get your wedding day timeline together is your first look.
Traditionally, the groom’s first look of his bride isn’t until the moment she is walking down the aisle. It’s a moment shared between the two of you and with the entire audience at your ceremony.
The first look turns that tradition on it’s head. It’s a private moments shared between the two of you, bride and groom, well before the ceremony. You get to share words, show off how great you look, all with no audience and minimal involvement from your photographer and videographer.
The question comes down to – should you do a first look before your ceremony, or keep it traditional? We’re here to give you some info and a few tips on why you should consider a first look!
1. Your first look will be a private moment shared between you and your love.
The real magic of a first look is that you don’t have an audience (except your photographer who should be able to expertly shoot you while giving you space) and share that special moment with the one you love. This means that all the emotions come out, making for some really special memories and images. There’s no pressure, no eyes staring at the groom waiting for a reaction, no stress. Plus, you’ve got the majority of your wedding day without your best friend and dealing with the pressure of getting ready for your wedding day without them. The first look could very well be the first time of the day you get to catch up with each other and share some words.
2. Cocktail hour. With friends!!
Without the first look, you’re usually confined to doing all the couple’s portraits, bridal party, AND family group photos during cocktail hour. This means that’s less time you get to spend with your friends and family that came to celebrate your big day. Sometimes – this means missing cocktail hour all together. If you schedule time after your first look, you can get most of those photos out of the way before the ceremony and enjoy cocktail hour after your ceremony. It’s a win-win!
There you go! We hope you enjoyed reading these few reasons you should consider doing a first look. If you want to learn more about what real couples have to say about doing a first look or not – check out this article from BRIDES magazine!
But that said – we’re here to remind you that whatever you do. Do what you and your love want to do most. If you have your heart set on keeping it traditional and seeing your love for the first time as you walk down the aisle – that’s 110% what you should do! Because really. At the end of the day. It’s all about you two.
Have you picked a wedding photographer yet? If not – we’d love to chat with you about your big day! Feel free to reach out to Michael & Haley via our contact form!
Michael Rizza Photography is a Chattanooga and Atlanta wedding photographer & videographer team capturing timeless wedding memories. We photograph and document weddings in Chattanooga, Atlanta, and beyond. We are available to travel across the country and worldwide to document weddings as well!
