I’ve already written a blog post about what a First Look is and why I think every client needs to consider it.  I’ve also written a post about the history of the traditional reveal and why it’s such an outdated tradition.  There are a lot of reasons why I love a First Look – I could go on and on about them!  I believe so strongly in doing a First Look because of their ability to give my clients a stress-free, laid-back wedding day experience.

As a photographer who wants to give their clients a wonderful experience on their wedding day, doing things “the old fashioned way” just doesn’t make sense in this day and age.  Having only an hour of time after the ceremony for photos just isn’t realistic with today’s family structure and the amount of photos clients always request.  It ALWAYS ends up being a rushed, hectic, stressful period of time for everyone involved.  We’re always waiting for someone who snuck off to the bathroom, or the bar, or who knows where.  Grandpa Stu is cranky because he’s hungry and just wants to go to cocktail hour… not stand around waiting for his turn for a photo with the couple.  And I swear, a groom’s patience for photos significantly dwindles after the ceremony.  They just want to go to cocktail hour too… and I don’t blame them!  I’ve found myself apologizing way too many times during this brief hour after the ceremony that I’m given to take every group photo.  I genuinely do feel badly that I’m holding everyone hostage after the ceremony to take photos when the reality is we could have done all of this before the ceremony. In my mind, there’s absolutely no reason why we shouldn’t have gotten these photos out of the way before the ceremony. We have a lot more time, a lot more daylight… it’s a win-win.  A First Look creates a laid back, stress-free experience and that’s what I want for my clients, their friends, their family, and their guests.  In my mind, the wedding day experience should trump a dated “tradition”.

Another reason why I LOVE First Looks is that I have more time with my couples on their wedding day.  I LOVE shooting portraits and without a First Look, I’m lucky to have 20 minutes alone with my couple for portraits on their wedding day.  Without a First Look, portraits of the couple alone together are the last of the formal photos to be taken.  By this time, the groom is beyond annoyed and just wants to go to the reception, the planner may be following me around asking when we’ll be done and ready to get you guys announced into the reception, we’re often racing the sunset… it’s pure chaos and very unenjoyable for me as a photographer who loves to create beautiful portraits for my clients.  I really want and need time with my clients on the wedding day – preferably more than just 15-20 minutes after the ceremony.

First Looks also give us extra time on the wedding day in the event that Mother Nature doesn’t want to cooperate.  More time is ALWAYS a blessing on your wedding day – trust me on that!  On really hot days, we can take plenty of AC and hydration breaks during the time allotted for photos; on colder days, we can head inside to warm up for a few minutes if needed without worrying about the timeline.  If it’s raining, it gives us more time to wait it out and/or for me to figure out a great Plan B for your photos.  In the summer months, it’s HOT in Charleston – so doing a First Look allows us to get all of the formal photos done while everyone’s hair + makeup is still fresh… before everyone has been sweating for hours!  No one feels attractive after sweating for hours, so doing a First Look in the summer is definitely ideal.

But {insert groom’s name} really wants to be surprised when I walk down the aisle.

Oh, he will still have that “wow” moment when you walk down the aisle.  Surrounded by all of your guests, seeing you walk down the aisle on the arm of your father/mother/brother… nothing else can compete with that moment.  But he’ll also get another “wow” moment during the First Look – and this time, that “wow” moment is just for the two of you!  He’ll be able to hug you, kiss you, and tell you how he feels… something he won’t be able to do at the altar.  Most of my couples also save their veil, or sash, or something else for when they walk down the aisle… so that their groom sees something a little different during that momentous event.

But when I attend weddings, my favorite part is always the reaction to seeing their partner walk down the aisle.  I want that to be my experience too.  I’ve always envisioned my partner seeing me for the first time walking down the aisle.

I get it.  I really do.  And if that’s something you aren’t willing to compromise on, then that’s completely understandable.  But hear me out.  Regardless of whether you see each other before the ceremony or not, NOTHING is going to replace the reaction your groom has when he sees you walking down the aisle on the arm of your father/mother/brother during the ceremony.  NOTHING!!  That is such a powerful moment, in front of all of your friends + family, that even if you two shared a private moment together before the ceremony, and have spent all day together, you’re still going to have that moment of “oh my gosh this is really happening” excitement when you walk down the aisle.  And guess what?  You’ll be able to ENJOY that moment and soak it all in, because you’ve already seen each other, hugged each other, kissed each other, and gotten all of the nerves out of the way… so now, you can just relax and actually ENJOY this beautiful moment together.  All 3 of the couples below shared a First Look… and STILL had an emotional reaction seeing their partner walk down the aisle!

First Looks are so cheesy.

I’m not sure where this statement comes from, or what people think a First Look is, but a First Look is really just a private moment between the two of you, documented by your photographer.  Nothing cheesy, nothing contrived.  We find a quiet + private place, you walk up to your groom, he turns around, and you guys do what comes naturally.  Laugh, cry, hug, kiss, exchange private vows, exchange gifts… whatever YOU want!  It’s the only time during your entire wedding day where you two can just BE together with no expectations.

I’m also going to tell you a little secret.  You will get more of a reaction from your groom during a First Look than you would with a traditional reveal.  Why?  Because you guys are alone and it is a private moment.  Your groom can feel at ease, knowing that 150+ sets of eye balls aren’t watching him, waiting for his reaction.  He can gasp, cry, kiss, hug, high-five, and/or fist-bump you without judgement.  It really is such a sweet moment to savor together… alone.

Another thing to consider is that if you’re getting married at a church, chances are that I’m going to be restricted to the back of the church for the duration of the ceremony.  Some churches won’t even let me shoot in the sanctuary!  With church ceremonies, I am simply unable to get a good shot of the reaction.  Southern churches are super strict, so if you’re getting married in the church, I probably won’t be able to get a good shot of the groom’s face anyway.  It’s sad, but true.  Church ladies rule the roost and they don’t really care whether your photographer can “get the shot” or not.  It stinks, for sure.

The bottom line is that I want what’s best for my clients and, after shooting weddings for 12 years, I can say with absolute certainty that doing a First Look is the way to go.  Call me crazy, but I’ve seen it over and over again.  The couples who do a First Look are so much more relaxed, the families are so much more appreciative, the wedding party is so much more cooperative, and everyone has so much more fun with the photography process when you can plan your timeline around photos and not have to rush through them.  I cherish the time I get to spend with my clients, their wedding party, and their families, creating beautiful portraits that will be proudly displayed and admired for years – and doing a First Look gives me ample time to do what I love… create for my clients!  So this is why I wholehearted believe that a First Look is the best decision you’ll make for your wedding day.

CHEERS TO A STRESS-FREE WEDDING DAY!!