The Importance of Having a First Look on your Wedding Day

A first look is a moment that every couple should experience. It’s an opportunity to be with your partner, before anyone else is there, to share a moment of pure joy. 

Couples often take the first look as an opportunity to have photos taken with each other before guests arrive at their wedding ceremony. That being said, I also want everyone to be aware of how detrimental a first look can be in regard to photos. If you don’t choose this option, then your photos will need at least 8 hours of shooting time. But if you do choose it, then a minimum of 6 hours will work just fine.

The most important thing is that you have a clear vision of how you want your wedding day to unfold and that you communicate this with your photographer. This will help ensure that your experience is one of the best days of your life.

If you’re planning on having a first look, here are some things you should know:

• It’s important that your photographer knows exactly when the first look will happen so they can plan around it.
• In essence, the first look should happen before the ceremony. This way, you have time to take intimate pictures and savor the moments together before saying I DO.
• The first look should also happen somewhere that is easy to access and has beautiful scenery.

Benefits of Having a First Look

You’re going to have a lot of moments in your life that you’ll want to remember forever. You won’t be able to capture them all, but there’s one memorable moment that your photographer can: the moment when you see your partner for the first time on your wedding day.

The first look is a beautiful and intimate experience that allows the bride and groom to take in each other’s appearance before the ceremony. It’s become an increasingly popular choice among couples, and here’s why:

• First looks are romantic 

This is a special moment that you can share with your partner before anyone else comes. It will be a memory that you both cherish for the rest of your lives and it will help set the mood for what’s to come.

• You get to see each other before the ceremony – and that makes it extra special

Your wedding day is all about you and your partner. It’s a day that marks the beginning of a new life together as a married couple so it makes sense that you want to make every moment count. This is why I love first looks; they give couples an opportunity to share something special with each other before their guests arrive at the ceremony site.

• It’s a form of intimacy 

When you and your partner share the first look, it can be an extremely intimate moment. You’ll have the opportunity to see each other before anyone else does which is why I love this particular type of photography session. It gives you a chance to share something special between the two of you. 

• You will cherish those moments forever – you’ll be able to look back at photos and remember how much meaningful it was! 

When you share a first look with your partner, you’ll have the opportunity to get some amazing photos that you can use in your wedding album. You can also use these photos for your thank you cards, and share them on social media.

• Your wedding day will be less stressful

The anticipation of seeing each other for the first time can be extremely nerve-wracking. By sharing the first look with your partner, you’ll have the opportunity to relax and enjoy yourselves before the wedding. This will set the tone for the rest of the day.

• You’ll have more time to spend with your guests

Since you and your partner will already have had your first look, you’ll have more time to spend with your guests. This will ensure that everyone has a good time and that you get to spend quality time with your family members and friends.

The Logistics of having a first look

Before your wedding day, you should consider the location and other people who will be present at your first look. You’ll want to choose a place that is quiet and private, or at least out of the way enough so that you can have some time alone.

The Timeline of the Day with a First Look

Because the first look is a sweet and sentimental moment, where the couple gets to see each other before their ceremony; it is also an important part of the wedding day’s timeline!

The first look usually happens between 60-90 minutes before your ceremony. That being said, you need to make sure you have a good idea of how long it will take to get ready. Then check in with your photographer, who will let you know what time they expect to be done with all of their setups so that they can meet up with you at your location at the right time.

If you are getting ready at a different location than where your ceremony will take place, plan to leave about 30 minutes before the first look. This way, if there is any traffic or other delays, you’ll still have plenty of time to get ready and make it on time!

If you’re looking for a Seattle wedding photographer, you’ve come to the right place!

I believe that getting married is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and that every detail of your wedding day should be as unique and special as you are. As a Seattle wedding photographer, I know that the first look is an important part of your imagery – it’s the moment when you can finally see your partner before the ceremony begins, so I make sure to capture it perfectly.

If you’re planning a Pacific Northwest wedding, I’d love to hear from you! For more information on my photography skills and style, check out my portfolio. If you need more handy wedding tips, feel free to discover my other articles!