What is a First Look

Having a "first look" at your wedding is more than just a trend; it's a cherished moment that's becoming increasingly popular among couples tying the knot. In essence, a first look is when the bride and groom see each other for the first time on their wedding day, before the ceremony begins. It's a private and intimate moment captured by the photographer, often filled with emotion and anticipation. I’m Caz Isaiah, a NYC wedding photographer, and I’ll be helping you decide if you should do a first look or not.

Why Consider a First Look?

The decision to have a first look is deeply personal, but there are many reasons why couples opt for this special moment. Firstly, it allows you to share an intimate moment together before the whirlwind of the day begins. It's a chance to calm your nerves, exchange words of love, and revel in the excitement of the day ahead. Additionally, a first look can also help streamline your wedding timeline, allowing you to capture beautiful photos in natural light before the ceremony.

How to Plan Your First Look

Planning a first look is relatively straightforward, but there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, choose a location that's meaningful to you as a couple. Whether it's the gardens of your venue, a secluded spot in the city, or a scenic overlook, the setting should reflect your style and personality. Secondly, coordinate with your photographer to ensure they capture the moment seamlessly. Communicate your vision, any specific shots you want, and any surprises you have in store. If you don’t have any ideas on where would be the best place for your first look, ask your photographer.

Common Questions About First Looks

Will a first look spoil the moment of walking down the aisle?

A: Not at all! Many couples find that having a first look actually enhances the moment when they walk down the aisle. Seeing each other beforehand doesn't diminish the emotion of the ceremony; it adds to it, allowing you to fully focus on the significance of the moment.

Q: What if we're superstitious about seeing each other before the ceremony?

A: It's entirely okay to stick with tradition if that's important to you. However, keep in mind that the tradition of not seeing each other before the ceremony dates back to arranged marriages when couples might not have even met before their wedding day. Nowadays, a first look can add depth and intimacy to your wedding experience without detracting from the magic of the ceremony.

Q: Will a first look save time on the wedding day?

A: Yes, in many cases! By taking photos before the ceremony, you can free up time after the ceremony to enjoy cocktail hour with your guests. Plus, you'll have the added bonus of capturing those beautiful golden hour shots before the sun sets.

Exploring the Pros and Cons of Doing a First Look at Your Wedding

Understanding the Benefits of a First Look

A first look at a wedding can be a magical moment, filled with emotion and anticipation. For many couples, the chance to see each other before the ceremony begins is a highlight of their wedding day. One of the main advantages of a first look is that it allows couples to share an intimate moment together before the chaos of the day begins. It's a chance to calm nerves, exchange words of love, and savor the excitement of the day ahead.

Pros of Doing a First Look:

Capturing Genuine Reactions: A first look provides the opportunity to capture genuine reactions between the bride and groom without distractions or interruptions. These raw emotions often result in some of the most memorable photos of the day.

More Time for Photos: By taking photos before the ceremony, couples can free up time after the ceremony to enjoy cocktail hour with their guests. This means less time spent posing for photos and more time spent celebrating with loved ones.

Calming Nerves: Many couples find that seeing each other before the ceremony helps calm their nerves and reduces anxiety. It's a chance to connect with each other and reaffirm your love before saying "I do."

Considering the Drawbacks of a First Look

While a first look can be a beautiful moment, it's not without its drawbacks. Some couples prefer to stick with tradition and see each other for the first time as they walk down the aisle. Additionally, scheduling a first look adds another item to an already busy wedding day itinerary, which can be stressful for some couples.

Cons of Doing a First Look:

Breaking Tradition: For couples who value tradition, a first look may feel like a departure from the norm. Seeing each other for the first time as you walk down the aisle can be a powerful and emotional moment steeped in tradition.

Added Stress: Planning a first look requires careful coordination with your photographer and wedding planner to ensure everything runs smoothly. For some couples, the added stress of scheduling another event on an already busy day can be overwhelming.

Less Time Apart: One of the traditions of a wedding day is the anticipation of seeing each other for the first time at the ceremony. A first look eliminates this anticipation and may feel less special for some couples.

Conclusion

Your wedding day is filled with countless special moments, but the first look is undoubtedly one of the most memorable. Whether you choose to stick with tradition or embrace this modern twist, the first look sets the tone for the rest of your day and creates cherished memories that will last a lifetime. So, take a deep breath, hold hands with your beloved, and get ready to experience the magic of the first look.

As a New York wedding photographer, I love capturing first looks myself. It really is a once in a lifetime moment that you’ll want to be frozen in time.