Earlier this month, Susie & Becky Photography shared their detailed timeline with wonderful thoughts and areas to consider for creating your wedding day schedule. Many of our clients choose to do a “First Look” and to see each other in a private moment before the ceremony. In general I find that there are many pros to this, but there are still some couples who decide to be more traditional and not see each other until the bride walks down the aisle. I believe that there is no right or wrong choice, it’s a personal decision and either way you will have a wonderful wedding day. When it comes time to decide if a First Look is right for you, here are some pros and cons from Susie & Becky Photography to help you make your decision.
Photo Emily Clack
Should You Do A First Look?
A first look fits perfectly into some couple’s vision for their day, and for others, it’s not even a consideration. Both options are fine and your decision won’t affect the quality of your images. When Susie married her husband, she knew a first look would make her day flow smoothly. For Becky and her husband, they wanted the first look to be that moment Becky began walking down the aisle. Neither of us would change the decision we made and we fully support whichever is best for you!
Susie Hadeed Photography
Pros to a first look:
- The first time you see each other on your wedding day is private and shared just between you two.
- You both will look your freshest! This is particularly important to think about if you’re getting married on a typically humid date or if you’re wearing your hair down.
- First looks are really great options for couple that have stressful family relationships. When you see one another early and are by each other’s side through the day, there is less opportunity to be frustrated by others.
- First looks can help ensure that there is enough time for the most important photos (the ones of you two!)
- You can schedule all wedding party photos before the ceremony. Afterwards the only remaining formal images are family photos.
Cons to a first look:
- You may have always imagined seeing your spouse for the very first time on your wedding day while walking down the aisle and that feels romantic to you.
- First looks tend to extend the timeline and use up your hours for photography.
- Keep in mind that we don’t do family photos before the ceremony (we can fit in wedding party photos, however!!)
- Mid-day light often limits your options for location.
Photo Susie Hadeed Photography
Again, these are just some things to consider. This is a very personal decision and we’ll work closely with you to make sure you get great images either way.
Thanks again Susie & Becky Photography for their great insight and expertise when it comes to photo schedules and deciding whether or not to do a First Look.
