A wedding photographer’s guide to the magic of the wedding first look and why it is such an important part of your wedding day.

I totally get it.

The allure of tradition, the excitement of walking down the aisle towards your lover waiting at the altar, the anticipation of that first glimpse.

It is pure euphoria.
Truly.

And that part of it deserves to be looked at as most important. But, I will say that oftentimes, the concept of a wedding first look gets swept under the rug.

So, let’s chat about them and why the first look is a big part of your wedding day.

Understanding Why the Wedding First Look is SO Important

I want you to hear me out for a second.
Most of the time, couples plan an entire 8-hour wedding service, and amidst all the hustle and bustle, you really don’t get any time with just the two of you.

A wedding first look can offer the perfect opportunity to share an intimate moment with your partner.

Imagine the rush of emotions as you see each other for the first time, without the prying eyes of your guests. It’s a chance to soak in the love and excitement, share sweet compliments, and appreciate just how amazing your babe looks…

I mean, it is your wedding day for crying out loud!

Sure, the allure of waiting until the ceremony might seem romantic, but think about it. Once the ceremony begins, it’s a whirlwind of events, and you might not get the chance to really connect and cherish this special moment together.

It’s like diving straight into the ceremony without catching a breath, and before you know it, the day has flown by.

Sharing the ULTIMATE Wedding First Look Photo Hack

By opting for a first look, you’ll be able to tick off those all-important bridal party photos much earlier in the day.

After the ceremony, everyone will be eager to celebrate, mingle, and enjoy cocktail hour, making it challenging to gather your entire bridal tribe for those picture-perfect moments.

Post-ceremony is usually reserved for family photos, which means your bridesmaids and groomsmen might have to wait longer before they can join the party. So, by doing a wedding first look and taking bridal party photos beforehand, you’ll be ensuring everyone can enjoy the festivities without delay.

Like I said ULTIMATE FIRST LOOK PHOTO HACK.

Here’s What You Can Expect:

Now, you might be wondering about the process of those cherished bridal party photos. Well, let me give you a quick rundown to help you plan ahead.

Typically, I start with a classic group photo. This one has the couple at the center, flanked by the bridesmaids on one side and the groomsmen on the other. It’s that picture where everyone is smiling and looking directly at the camera.

But wait, there’s more!

We then move on to the fun shots. The ones where the couple shares a kiss, while the entire squad cheers them on. We’ll capture moments of the group walking together, engaging in conversations, and sharing laughter.

The couple usually leads the pack, with everyone else following behind.

Of course, there are endless poses and ideas for group photos. But after the group shot, I love taking single portraits of the bride and groom, if time permits. It’s a chance to capture their individual beauty and personality, making for some genuinely heartwarming keepsakes.

And hey, let’s not forget about those heartwarming photos of the bride with her bridesmaids and the groom with his groomsmen. Each person’s individuality and bond with the couple deserve to be immortalized through the camera lens.

Whether you choose the traditional route or opt for a first look, the choice is yours to make.

I mean, take it from a photographer’s perspective. A wedding first look offers that magical, intimate moment, and a chance to capture those beautiful emotions. It allows us to freeze those genuine reactions, unfiltered and raw, and to document your love story in a truly authentic and truly special way.

So, as you plan your dream wedding, take a moment to consider the allure of the first look.

It might add an extra magical layer to your already magical day.

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