Your wedding day is an eagerly anticipated, joy-filled journey, and as your wedding photographer, I’m here to help you make the most of every precious moment. Your pre-wedding traditions and choices shape the day’s flow, and one such choice can significantly impact your wedding day experience: the first look.
Years ago before I joined the wedding industry, I strongly believed in preserving that iconic moment when the ceremony doors swing open, and all eyes are on the bride as she takes her first steps down the aisle. There’s nothing quite like seeing your soon-to-be spouse’s reaction in that instant. However, there’s more to consider than meets the eye.
The season of your wedding plays a crucial role, dictating the availability of natural light. In the warmer months, from March/April to September/November, we ‘spring forward,’ offering longer days with extended sunlight. Conversely, in the colder months, from September/November to March/April, we ‘fall back,’ gaining an extra hour but witnessing shorter days with less sunlight.
Let’s imagine a scenario where you opt to skip the First Look. If photography is a priority for you, it’s crucial to ensure that there’s ample daylight remaining after your ceremony. This will allow us the time needed for capturing all your essential shots, from bridal party photos to family portraits and stunning couple portraits. Your wedding date is a key factor, so take a moment to consider the following questions:
- How long is your ceremony?
- Are you flexible with the ceremony’s duration?
- How large is your family, and how many formal photos are planned?
- How late do you intend to extend the celebrations?
- What are the locations for your couple portraits, and how accessible are they?
By answering these questions, you can shape your wedding day timeline to ensure an unhurried photography experience. If you choose the traditional path, not sharing a First Look, there are other cherished traditions that can help ease pre-wedding jitters. You and your partner can exchange letters through trusted members of your bridal party. Alternatively, write these heartfelt notes the night before your wedding or in the serene morning hours.
Another way to minimize those wedding day jitters is to embrace the ‘First Touch.’ While this tradition may sound unusual if you’re the first in your friend circle to get married, it’s a special, intimate moment to consider. The ‘First Touch’ occurs right before the ceremony, with the bride and groom physically close but intentionally avoiding seeing each other – perhaps separated by a door or a barrier. This allows you to hold hands, hear each other’s voices, or even share a heartfelt hug. It’s a poignant, private moment, and it’s likely one of the rare times you two will be alone together until the day concludes.
The whirlwind of a wedding day means that precious moments to connect as a couple can be few and far between. That magical moment when your eyes meet at the altar is undoubtedly special, but a private, intimate meeting before the ceremony can be equally heartwarming.
Now, should you opt for the First Look, you open up more time in your schedule to spend with loved ones, all while safeguarding your precious photos. A First Look varies from couple to couple, as there’s no right or wrong way to create this moment. Some pairs choose to share heartfelt letters, discuss their day, pray together, or simply bask in the excitement of how incredible they look before getting into their portrait session.
Following the First Look, you can spend time capturing couple portraits in various locations or focus on a few shots and then transition to bridal party photos. Ensure this is completed before the guests start arriving. Depending on your bridal party’s size and the creative elements you’d like to include, you might even have time for immediate family photos. If you’re considering including extended family members, this is possible, but arranging these photos post-ceremony ensures the schedule isn’t contingent on a larger group’s punctuality.
With the ceremony complete and all additional family photos captured, you can relax and enjoy cocktail hour with your guests. If you’re interested in additional couple portraits with different lighting, there’s a moment post-ceremony to capture these shots. Once all photos are successfully captured, you can either join your guests during happy hour or enjoy a quiet dinner together before your grand entrance.
Weddings are unforgettable, no matter when you first set eyes on your future spouse. If your ceremony is planned later in the day or if you prioritize portraits in natural light, a First Look may be your ideal choice. Conversely, a summer wedding that aims to avoid intense midday sun might opt for the traditional approach. It’s all about what resonates most with you both. Regardless of your choice, meticulous timeline planning is the key to a dream wedding day.
Keep an eye out for my upcoming post on creating the perfect wedding day timeline! It’s your journey, and I’m here to make it truly magical. 💫
