The First Look

What is a first look? In photography terms, the first look is when you and your partner see each other for the first time on the wedding day and usually takes place after getting ready and before the ceremony. It’s a block of time within your day that is perfect for capturing intimate portraits of just the two of you. Here are a few reasons to consider doing a first look:

-More time for pictures and your reception

The main portrait sessions of a wedding day include bride and groom portraits, bridal party portraits, and family portraits. Without a first look, these portrait sessions are typically grouped together at the same time and take place after the ceremony and before cocktail hour. Shot all together post-ceremony, this could take a substantial amount of time, especially with a larger bridal party, large family shot list, or the use of multiple locations. With a first look, you tackle bride and groom portraits (and possibly bridal party portraits) earlier in the day. This leaves you with more time later in the day either for more photos, more time spent with guests and family, or for enjoying your cocktail hour to the fullest.

-A first look gives you a quiet moment alone

With so many things to do and people to see, wedding days can go by in a flash. Doing a first look will give the two of you a moment alone to soak it all in. It’s a moment of pause to reflect on the momentous occasion ahead and what it means to you.

-Possibly avoid bad weather

Weather is unpredictable. Having a first look sometimes serves as a backup plan for capturing portraits if for example the later portion of the day calls for rain.

-Get out all of your tears without the audience

A first look gives both of you a moment to be authentic and perhaps shed a few tears of joy without the watchful eyes of wedding guests.

TIMELINE EXAMPLES

Example timeline with first look

12:00: Coverage begins. Details and candids.

12:45 Bride gets dressed + First look with Dad

1:00 Bridal portraits + bride with bridesmaids portraits

1:30 Groom’s final preparations + details and candids

2:00 Groom portraits + groom with groomsmen

2:30 First look with Bride and Groom

3:15 Bridal Party Photos

3:45 Hide bride away

4:00 Ceremony details

4:30 Ceremony begins

5:00 Family Portraits

5:30 Cocktail Hour begins

6:00 Reception details

6:30 Reception begins

6:40 Grand entrance + first dance

6:45 Dinner is served

7:15 Toasts, special dances, dancing

8:00 Coverage Ends

Traditional wedding timeline

1:00: Coverage begins. Details and candids.

1:45 Bride gets dressed + First look with Dad

2:00 Bridal portraits + bride with bridesmaids portraits

2:30 Groom’s final preparations + details and candids

3:00 Groom portraits + groom with groomsmen

4:00 Ceremony details

4:30 Ceremony begins

5:00 Bride and Groom Portraits

5:30 Bridal Party Photos

5:30 Cocktail Hour begins

6:00 Family Photos