I’m finding more and more couples are doing the ‘first-look’ thing. It makes a helluva lot of sense, especially if you get a little anxious. And let’s face it, who doesn’t on their wedding day. So, what is it exactly?
Well, it’s when, on your wedding day, you and your beloved spend a few hours together BEFORE the main gig. You get your makeup on, the hair done, you slip into your dress, your suit, or whatever, and you meet up, basically on your own, except for the photographer, lol.
Jennifer and Josh loving their first-look ... stunning images provided by Little Chief Photography
You actually get to suck-up those first few moments together without the hype and the fuss. It’s just you … sharing those precious moments AND captured by your photographer. No stress here that the photographer may miss THAT specific shot you have always wanted … you can then do the ceremony shots as well, so all bases covered.
The whole family did the ‘first-look’ and then relaxed and enjoyed their ceremony At The Heads. Photo provided by Louisa Jones Photography.
Couples say they feel more relaxed when they then walk down the aisle, glimpse their partner and share that secret smile. They can relax and really be in-the-moment … enjoying all aspects of the ceremony which is over and done with sooooo quickly! Check out Gemma’s comments below of why she and Nathan loved it.
Gemma and Nathan LOVED the privacy and intimacy of their ‘first look’. Photo provided by All My Wednesdays Venue Jack Rabbit Vineyard
“Gemma and Nathan decided to do the ‘first look’ and are so happy they did. Gemma explains, “The emotion and atmosphere was just so different from when we first saw each other at the ceremony, which was still so special! We could just be us and share the excitement of our approaching wedding in such a genuine way, not worrying about hiding our giddy-happiness. And we got so many gorgeous photos of the first look as well as more with our bridal party that we wouldn’t have had time for later.”
Gemma and Nathan enjoying those precious moments together, privately. Photo provided by All My Wednesdays Venue Jack Rabbit Vineyard
When one or both parties mention they don’t like being in the limelight and they want the ceremony to be over quickly, I always tell them that we can make the ceremony short, simple and as quick as possible, but there’s no getting away from you two being the main focus. Your guests are there to see you two get married!
We can even do several things within the ceremony to minimise how much you actually have to say. By meeting up for a first-look, you might remove that initial feeling of being ‘on your own’. You two share that knowledge, that ‘secret’, that you’ve both just been together and savoured those gorgeous moments.
Annie and Tom included their immediate family in their ‘first look. Annie's sister Margot looks totally relaxed, lol. Photo provided by Gabbie Hine Photography
“
We loved our first look because it took the pressure off the ‘groom seeing the bride’ moment in front of everyone, it was more intimate with our immediate family watching on.
We were also able to utilise pre-ceremony time to take a lot of our pictures making it more time-efficient and allowing us to enjoy the rest of the evening spending quality time with our guests.
Annie and Tom”
Another reason the ‘first look’ is becomingly increasingly popular is it allows the couple to slip straight into party-mode with their guests following the ceremony. The majority of the photos can all be done beforehand and there’s no large gap for guests to fill-in waiting for the reception to start. Two of my couples I met with recently, who had initially thought they’d have a 4pm ceremony, have decided on a 5pm start with the reception following at 6pm. They’ll do the ‘first look’, have the ceremony and then have half an hour to do a group pic and family shots before the party begins! One groom was particularly pleased, “I don’t want to wait around getting more and more nervous before I do a speech at 9pm. I’m not a great public speaker. I’m going to do it straight after the ceremony with a toast and then I can relax, kick back and enjoy the party!”
Jennifer and Josh relaxed and ready to party … images provided by Little Chief Photography
So, if you don’t enjoy the limelight, you just want to hang out with your guests before the reception or you want to indulge yourselves in a moment that won’t happen again, perhaps a ‘first look’ is your answer. This can be a game-changer for anxious brides or grooms.
Drop a comment below to tell me what you think about a ‘first look’ or if you’d like to share your experience. I know other readers will be interested.