If you’ve been around the internet, you’ve surely caught a glimpse of a “new” trend of couples having a First Look session.  Traditionally couples do not see each other the day of the wedding, the first look is reserved for when the Bride is walking down the aisle and her Groom turns (or is already facing her) to see her for the very first time. Now couples are planning their first look to take place BEFORE the ceremony, and let me tell you, I just love them!

There are so many wonderful reasons for a couple to plan to have a first look before the ceremony, but with all things, you must always go with what is important to you. If keeping tradition is what you desire, then by all means, keep it traditional! But if you decide that the two of you would like to have a few moments together, alone, and just soaking up all the emotions and love that you have for each other before your day begins, then consider the first look before the ceremony!

How does one go about a first look?

About an hour or so before your ceremony the Groom will take his place at the “secret location”, ummm… secret from your guests that is! He’ll wait with his back turned or blind folded while his Bride makes  her way to him. From there she will either tap his shoulder or whisper his name/hello and he will turn to see his beautiful and stunning bride for the first time!

What Happens Next?

We’ll give you two lovies a few minutes to just take each other in. I love watching (and photographing) this time because the two of you really are alone and together for the first (and probably only time) that day. It’s such a beautiful time and the emotions, laugh, smiles, crying, it’s all 100% REAL! These are the best photographs!  After we give you a few minutes, we’ll move into some portraits of just the two of you.

Can we also do our wedding party formals after our first look?

HECK YA! I always tell my couples, “It’s YOUR day, you can do what you want!” But really, you can do what you want! If you plan enough time, you can certainly schedule to  have your wedding party formals and even your family formals all done before the ceremony.

Alright, I’m convinced! How should I plan it?

As I said, allow some time before your ceremony for a first look and then also if you choose to have additional formals done at this time. A good rule of thumb is to be completely done with your photos at least 30-45 minutes before your ceremony starts.  This will allow  you enough time to check your hair, make-up, do one final check list to make sure every one has what they need and also to just relax and have some time to yourself and your besties. First look can take about 10 minutes from getting to the “Secret Location” to when we start your formals. Formals of just the two of you can vary between 30 minutes to an hour. Wedding party formals are usually about another 30 minutes and family formals are usually about 30 minutes. In the world of photography, time stands still, but the number of people and keeping every one focused is usually the biggest factor in how long it will take! On average, allow at least 1.5 hours for pre-ceremony formals and first look.

What are some other ideas for a “First Look”?

The most popular has been the bride walking up to her groom and tapping his shoulder. Another alternative (though not technically a “look) would be each of you on the opposite side of a wall or door and you can only hold hands but you still have that connection, butterflies and this moment to just be with each other.

So what do you think? Is a first look pre-ceremony right for the two of you? If so, then I think we’ll be a perfect match!