First Looks: The Pros and Cons

Wedding photos always have a touch of magic in them. They capture some of the most special moments of the newlyweds’s lives. But few wedding pictures truly capture the magic and emotion of the “First Look” shots.

There are many different versions of first looks. Most are with the groom, but sometimes they are with the father, grandfather, child, and even bridesmaids! They are one of my favorite parts of a wedding to shoot because they make for incredible photographs.

What is a First Look?

Although this is becoming a really popular session, many people don’t actually know what it is. A First Look is a staged moment before the ceremony where the bride and groom see each other for the first time. Usually these pictures exclude friends and family, and happen either privately or at least a few feet away from everyone else (always hidden from guests). These pictures are all about the bride and groom seeing each other for the first time on their wedding day and sharing in an intimate moment with their last few minutes before becoming man and wife. They capture the love, and passion between the couple.

Picture this: The groom is looking at the photographer as the bride begins to walk towards him. She’ll tap him on the shoulder, and he turns to see her. His faces captures the overwhelming moment he sees his gorgeous bride for the first time, and her face shows her excitement and love for him.
These are truly passionate photos, and they are moments you will not want to forget.

Once these intimate pictures are finished, the photographer takes the traditional bride and groom portraits, then the group pictures of the bridal party and family. Some couples choose to have more portraits taken right after the ceremony as well.

Although I completely understand why some couples dislike the idea of seeing each other before the ceremony, most couples who have done it say that they are glad they did, and that taking their pictures first did not take away from the magic of the bride’s appearance at the beginning of the ceremony. It allows for two dramatic reveals: one to your groom and one to your guests!

In the end, you get to choose how you want your wedding pictures taken. However, if you want truly magical pictures of you and your spouse seeing each other for the first time (with both of you in the same shot), I definitely recommend doing a First Look.

How do you feel about First Looks? Do you love them, or do you prefer seeing each other at the ceremony? Leave your comments below!