The controversial First Look. You know, the moment where it's just you and your groom, and your photographer. But do you consider the First Look a time for before the ceremony, or as the doors swing open and your groom peeks at you for the first time as you sway down the aisle?
I find it's pretty close to 50/50 with our clients; half want the iconic tradition and build up of the moment, and the other half want to get through the pictures so they can relax and enjoy the day with their guests.
Mie and Keith see each other for the first time at their outdoor wedding last July; Photo by Anna Weaver & Josh Hayes
I think most photographers lean toward having a first look pre-ceremony, and as long as the moment is well thought out and sans bridal party or other onlookers in your space, it really can be such a beautiful capture.
Jose Villa was recently interviewed by Southern Belle Calder Clark, and he is one photographer that does not like to stage the moment; he prefers that swinging door moment all the way:
JV: I’m not a big fan of the “first peek” or “first look”. It’s so set up, even if you try your best to make it look natural, not very organic. Yes of course the couple will show their genuine love for each other in their wedding attire when they see each other. I love when the couple sees each other as they walk down the aisle at their ceremony. Nothing can re-create the emotions from the couple and the family. You can’t get more genuine emotion and love than that. {Via Calder Clark Designs Blog}
I personally prefer the pre-ceremony first look. Almost every time, it tends to calm nerves, and I think the photos that come out of it are just so much more
raw. As in, emotion, eyes only on each other, and I find the end result has a better job of capturing the couple up close and personal, vs. from far away as you come down the aisle. And, I'll say it- I figure you've spent the money on a fabulous cocktail hour, and I just like the bride and groom to be able to be a part of it.
Choosing to see each other before the wedding ceremony is such a personal preference, and there's really not a right answer....just a few thoughts to keep in mind.
1)
Your timeline will be even tighter, and possibly longer: You'll have all the girls' photos, then all the guys' photos, then each of the families associated with either you or your groom. Then once the ceremony is over, plan on at least 45 minutes- 1 hour of additional married photos after.
2)
You'll likely miss your cocktail hour: It's not a terrible thing, you'll just likely be introduced right into dinner or your highlight dances. But to me, the cocktail hour is often the most relaxed and has just the right level of imbibing and chatting (read: before the late-night partying begins..when you can barely talk to anyone because the music is upped about 20 decibels). Don't hate me because I'm married to the vision of the bride and groom, newly married, wine or champagne in hand, casually mingling with their guests.
No matter what you choose, there's a way to make it happen. Making sure your first look, however you do it, is special and well-documented is the most important thing, other than taking Jose Villa's advice on choosing your wedding planner, naturally. Couldn't have said it better myself!
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* Tell us your thoughts/opinions on seeing each other before the ceremony and/or what you've chosen to do and why and enter to win a $15 Starbucks gift card OR iTunes gift card, on us. "Like" us on Facebook and leave us another comment telling us you did so for an additional entry. Winner will be chosen randomly and announced on Friday May 27th at Noon MST!
~Happy Wednesday!
