5 Pros & Cons of A First Look | Orlando Wedding Photographer
We know that wedding planning can be a ton of fun, but also at times a little daunting, but hopefully, we can help answer
some of your questions. As Orlando wedding photographers, one of our most commonly asked questions is should we do a first look?
For those of you who don’t know what a first look is, it’s essentially seeing each other before the ceremony happens.
It allows you to get the majority of your portraits done before the ceremony and may even give you the opportunity
to enjoy some or all of your cocktail hour.
Ghastly, I know, to break with the superstitious ideas that seeing your fiancé before the wedding is bad luck. Despite the ever-changing
trends of the wedding industry. This myth has stuck around for decades, but a crack has started to develop in its concept.
Now I know I’m a little biased as a wedding photographer, but I’m always over the moon when a couple tells me they want to do a first look!
However, it’s your day and your choice. So here are a few pros and cons of doing a first look.
Pro: Wedding Day Jitters
From personal experience, this is the main reason we did a first look at our wedding. I was so nervous about walking down the
aisle and standing in front of a bunch of people that I just needed to see Jacob to calm me down! A first look is such a great way to
get rid of the nerves. Your fiancé is your best friend, and what better way to take a deep breath before your walk down the
aisle than to share that moment with your future spouse.
Con: Your Traditional Ideals
Many people have dreamt of their wedding since they were kids. One of the first things they conjure up is how our fiancé will
react when they see them for the first time, walking down the aisle. This idea can be hard to part with if you are a true traditionalist.
Pro: All the Awesome Photos
Ok, so full disclosure, I’m a little biased about this one! But, when I get 1 hour of portrait time with you instead of
20 minutes it makes for one super happy photographer. You are also typically getting two different types of lighting and might
even be able to explore a few extra spots at your venue. It also allows you to get a little comfier in front of the camera if you have
a little extra time to do it.
Con: Marching Down the Aisle May Feel Different
Little game of true and false; True, you will feel different after you see each other first and then walk the aisle. False, that it’s a
bad difference. The moment is still climactic, and the symbolism is the same. You are walking towards your new life & your
partner who will stick with you till death do you part!
Side note, we did a first look for our wedding. And my favorite image is still when Jacob sees me
walking down the aisle for the first time <3
Pro: Less Stress During Cocktail Hour
Sometimes the cocktail hour can feel a little stressful. We have a lot of portraits to do in a small amount of time…family, bridal
party photos, and portraits of the two of you. Typically, this means we have about 15-20 minutes with family, 15 minutes with the
bridal part,y and the remainder left with the couple. Along with portraits of the couple, doing a first look will generally also allow
me time for the bridal party. This makes for a more relaxed cocktail hour; all we have left is family portraits and a few
amazing pictures of you and your spouse!
Con: Finding The Perfect Location
We know brides and grooms already have pages of checklists to go through, and adding a perfect first look location may be the
last thing you want to worry about! But if you have an experienced photographer, they can give you suggestions on locations
so you don’t even have to think about it!
Pro: Fresh Hair + Makeup
You’ve spent a lot of time and energy picking out all the perfect things to wear on your wedding day, and you have your hair and
makeup professionally done. Why not do the photos of you and your fiancé when it’s the freshest?!? Make sure you add in a
little extra time for some quick touch-ups before the ceremony in case we have any tears shed.
Con: Your Family May Disagree
Family will nine times out of ten have an opinion about how you run your wedding day, and they may have a hard time getting
around the idea of a first look. You may have to do some explaining, but no worries, read off this blog post to them and hopefully,
they’ll get the idea ;)!
Pro: Private Moment
You may have heard that the number one fear amongst humans is public speaking. Well, your wedding day is declaring your love
in front of all the people that matter most to you, and it can be a little nerve-wracking. A first look is such an intimate moment
that only your wedding photographer has to capture. It not only will calm the nerves, but it’s a few moments on your wedding
day that it is just the two of you, and it will turn into a special part of your day that you and your loved one will cherish forever.
Con: Earlier Wake Up Call
With more time added to fit in a first look, you may have to start getting ready a little earlier. If your wedding is in the
early afternoon, say 3-4:30, you may be looking at a 7 am wake-up call if you’re the bride. To be honest, this doesn’t matter a whole
lot if you anticipate sleeping a full 8 hours the night before your wedding. In my personal experience, I only slept a total of
what felt like 5 minutes the night before because I was too excited 😀
Ultimately, the choice of doing a first look is completely up to you! So don’t let anyone sway you one way or the other.
If you have any specific questions, please reach out. And if you have any blog topic suggestions, comment below. We’d love to know!
Photography: Ashley Jane Photography.