During the ceremony or in private, first looks always ALWAYS spark some of the most emotional and tender moments of the day. That first moment where you see each other is when your wedding becomes real – you’re freaking doing the darn thing!! Now many years ago someone decided it was “bad luck” for the bride and groom to see each other before the ceremony, this person was stupid. Don’t listen to them. Now if you’re determined to have that first-look-at-the-ceremony kinda moment, then this post isn’t for you (that’s ok!!) but if you’re still on the fence because you don’t know if they are worth it or think they are a bit cheesy, I am here to drop some wisdom.
What is a first look?
Good question! A first look, for these purposes, is a time set aside for you and your boo to see each other before the ceremony. Yup. Just the two of you (and me with a camera) basking in each others’ beauty. It’s emotional, tear-filled, exciting, and most importantly all yours.
Why should we do one?
Also a good question. During the ceremony, and the party that follows, you are surrounded by people and it can be hard to focus on each other. A first look can be a moment of silence, between just the two of you, to really take it all in. It also means you don’t have to worry about what you look like (cry those happy tears baby!). So when I am there snapping pictures, I can capture a genuine, special, authentic, and uninterrupted moment between you two.
But they look cheesy with all the shoulder tapping stuff…
This is true. BUT YOU’RE IN LUCK! A lot of photographers have a special way they do first looks, and after working with quite a few of them (Cheers Babe Photo is an expert at the non-cheesy first look) I have 2 ideas for a first look that will be authentic, classic, and vegan (no cheese lol).
1. The hallway, runway, walkway, or pretty much anything with a corner to turn and strut down.
This is a great option but will take some venue scouting on the part of your photographer (not you… never you… we take care of everything you just sit there and look good). Essentially you find a hallway or alley space that your bride or groom can sit and wait for you to turn the corner and walk towards them. It then becomes a glorious 60 seconds of them really getting to see you, and both of you taking in the moment of realizing you are gettin’ married!
2. The close up (no shoulder tap required)
This one is adorable if you don’t have a hallway type deal. You can build suspense by holding hands around the corner, but when you open your eyes and face each other it is a close, quiet moment that didn’t require a shoulder tap!
Isn’t it so cute!!! Anyway I’m a sucker for first look moments.
I hope this helped you decide what you wanna do for your first look (and if you wanna do one). Follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more blog updates and helpful tips for planning your special day.
