If I could go back in time and change two things about my wedding it would be, seeing Daniel before the ceremony and hiring a professional photographer. Can I speak to you in a way you would speak to your girlfriend? What I am about to share with you is something so dear to my heart. I am not telling you this as a photographer, but as a former bride. A lot of people are not sure what a first look is so I am going to fill you in on what it’s all about.
A first look is when the bride and groom see each other before their ceremony with no one watching except the photographers. This allows the photographers to capture intimate and raw moments between the bride and groom. The way she looks at him or the way he looks at her as if they are seeing each other for the first time. Those are real moments. They are not distracted by their guests, details of the weddings, or their families. They are merely focused on each other and the excitement they feel. When I got married in 2007, I was not a photographer and photography was the last thing I was thinking about. It did not occur to me to hire a professional photographer to document my day let alone a first look. I wish I had pictures to remind me how giddy I felt, the butterflies in my stomach, the way I looked at Daniel and the way he looked at me. I wanted our moment to be special with just the two of us.
Although this is not for every bride it is something to consider. Opting for a first look makes a smoother day for your wedding. I know that a bride and groom can get overwhelmed with taking pictures on their wedding day. They never have time alone, and they want to spend time on their wedding day enjoying their guests and having fun! When a bride/groom decides to have a first look I also prefer to take the wedding party pictures as well and do the family pictures after the ceremony. I want my clients and their families to enjoy their day without being behind my camera all day long!!! I don’t expect all of my clients to do this but at least it’s an option.
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I’ve read so many blogs lately where photographers regret not having a professional shoot their own wedding and it really makes me so sad. Thanks for sharing the importance of a professional photographer and the plus sides of having a first look.
Evie! These are so beautiful! Thank you so much for all you hard work – we cannot wait for the wedding!!!
[...] and Karla opted for a first look. This allowed for more time taking pictures and enjoying their guests. I love the next few [...]