Wondering if you should have a first look at your Seattle wedding vs seeing each other for the first time at the altar? So many of my couples have a hard time making this decision. It’s usually because they want that big Hollywood moment of seeing each other for the first time down the aisle. And they think that having a first look might take away from the magic of that moment.
I have two big reasons why I encourage my couples to have a first look on their wedding day. Intimacy, and time, let me explain!
Intimacy
If it’s your first time in front of the camera, or even if you’ve had an engagement session and this is your second time in front of the camera, wedding day nerves are real. Your first look, the moment you lay eyes on each other for the first time on your wedding day, knowing that your relationship is now moving into a deeper, sacred commitment will be one of the most intimate moments that you’ll treasure for the rest of your lives together.
I know that many couples think that by having a first look, the magic of seeing each other for the first time at their wedding ceremony will be completely lost. But, it’s actually quite the opposite! Because you have seen each other already during your first look, all of those initial feelings of nerves, overwhelm, and anxiousness are gone.
Skipping a first look and waiting to meet each other at the altar only amps up your nerves even more. Think about it. By skipping a first look, you’ll be seeing each other for the first time with all of your guest’s eyes pointed directly at you. They’ll be witnessing the moment as you try to experience it. Oh, and don’t forget that you’ll also have a camera pointed at you simultaneously! Having a first look also opens the door for you and your partner to have a more relaxed ceremony. That way, when you do meet at the altar you can focus and be fully present in the moment. Without all the added nerves of the day. This allows you to focus on each other and take in each precious second of your ceremony.
I would love to capture the authentic emotion behind the first look at your Seattle Wedding!
Click here to contact me, or to find out even more about the experience I offer, click here!
When I work with my couples on their first look, my approach is privacy and authenticity. I let the moment unfold for them without giving them guidance or directions on posing. Capturing photos with authentic emotion, at your Seattle wedding, is a huge cornerstone of my brand. The privacy of a first look will allow the floodgates of all those emotions to be released in a way that is genuine to your relationship! You can cry, laugh, hug, kiss, or embrace. Some couples use this time to pray together. Some to exchange gifts. And others make private vows to one another before their ceremony. Those few privates moment alone with your fiance, before you head to your ceremony and see all of your guests create a treasured memory that you will be recalling throughout your lifetime together!
Aside from the privacy of being able to freely express emotions to each other in that moment. You’ll find that seeing each other for the last time as “engaged” before being dubbed newlyweds is a type of profound joy and excitement that you’ve never experienced before in your relationship! There’s truly nothing like it. And yes, you’ll want photos that reflect that special feeling you shared on your wedding day!
Time
I cannot stress this one enough! Your wedding day will fly by in the blink of an eye. Aside from the sense of excitement that will be driving you all day, wedding day timelines are tight! But, having a first look will free up some of your time after the ceremony.
As far as your photos, after your ceremony, we typically have 15 minutes (give or take) to capture them! That includes your wedding portraits, bridal parties in different groupings, and formal photos with each of your beloved family members. Think about all the people in your life that you love most that will be included in your formal photos. Now think about trying to cram all of that plus your wedding portraits into a 15-minute time frame! I’m not saying that it’s not possible, it is. But it’s very rushed, and timed right down to the second. Can you imagine trying to shove Grandma off after your photo together? Even though she wants to give you a great big old Grandma hug and offer you her wisdom? Or worse yet, not having the time to squeeze in a photo with Grandma at all! Yikes!
I would love to capture the authentic emotion behind the first look at your Seattle Wedding!
Click here to contact me, or to find out even more about the experience I offer, click here!
Having a first look means that the only photos left to take after your ceremony are bridal party groupings and formal photos with close friends and family! You won’t have the added stress of trying to squeeze in your wedding portraits as well. Instead, that free time will allow you to break with tradition and head off to the fabulous cocktail hour that you planned!
You won’t have to worry about taking your group photos and then heading off to take your wedding portraits while your bridal party hits cocktail hour or reception without you. You can go straight to your cocktail hour or reception and enjoy the rest of your night as newlyweds! This frees up plenty of time to enjoy yourselves. You’ll be able to have fun with your guests. All while knowing that we got every single shot that was important to you, and discussed during the planning process!
And if you’re thinking that you’d like to have a first look on your wedding day but your timeline is tight enough as it is, then we can take care of this by prioritizing your first look earlier in the day. We can plan to have it before your guests even arrive! Imagine how relaxed you’ll be after already having seen your spouse and capturing every treasured memory in the process.
I want my couples to enjoy their day. That means being fully present in each moment as it unfolds. Spending time with your guests. AND having time for beautiful photos!
