Should You Do a First Look on Your Wedding Day?

I’m not sure when the “first look” trend officially began, but I can say it’s not going anywhere! A first look is simply a moment in your wedding timeline when the bride or groom sees someone for the first time in their gown or suit. This can be with anyone of importance in their life from their bridesmaids, mom, dad, grandma, brothers, Uncle, you name it! Two of the most common First Looks we see are with the bride and her dad and with the bride and groom.

While some of our couples prefer to keep that First Look for the ceremony, about half choose to take a moment before the ceremony to see each other privately and even exchange vows.

So, how do you know if a First Look is right for you?

There are several factors we could discuss in choosing if a First Look is right for you, but we will narrow them down to two primary thoughts:

1. A couple’s personality and relationship is a big factor in whether a First Look before your ceremony. I’ve noticed a private First Look works really well for couples who are a little more nervous or shy in front of a crowd and would prefer to share emotions privately with their spouse.

2. Considering the timeline of your day is another element to think about. If you have a winter wedding with your ceremony starting at 4 or 4:30, it doesn’t leave a lot of daylight after you say “I Do” to get your family formals, bridal party and bridal portraits done before the sun goes down. Doing a First Look with your spouse before the ceremony will give you some time for portraits together before the ceremony giving you a little breathing room in your schedule afterward.

Is a private First Look as meaningful as seeing each other for the first time at the altar?

I’ve witnessed countless First Looks at weddings throughout the Central Florida area and I will say that the private First Look tends to give our couples more of an opportunity to express themselves more honestly than they might in public. Oftentimes, I’ll see a groom who would probably maintain a stiff upper lip in front of his family and friends bawl like a baby in a private First Look.

Ultimately, every moment during your day is what you make of it. If you’ve envisioned seeing your spouse for the first time during that walk down the aisle, don’t let a wedding trend dictate your wedding! We’ve even had a couple share private vows after the ceremony which proved to be more emotional than the ceremony! So again, this is your day. Take some time to sit down with your spouse and envision how you’d like it to go based on your personalities and timeline.

How can we make the most of our First Look?

So, you’ve decided to do a First Look - great! Now, what? Our team of professional photographers and videographers will guide you through the perfect location for this moment and will help you prepare so that it’s everything you’ve dreamed of.

Many of our couples take this time to share private vows. This is a great way to share some thoughts and anecdotes that you might want to keep private. Another idea is to exchange wedding gifts or a sentimental item that you’d like them to carry or wear during the ceremony. Other couples take the moment to pray together.

Whether you decide to do a First Look or keep the moment for the ceremony is entirely up to you and we will pass no judgement on your decision or try to push you one way or the other. If you only have your ceremony site for a short time or it’s already an intimate affair, a First Look might not be the best idea.

As professional Orlando photographers, videographers and DJs, we know how to coordinate these moments so you can enjoy your day and soak in every minute.

Our job is to help make your day go as smoothly as possible and capture every special moment and the candid moments in between! If you have questions about how we can make your day happen, get in touch today!