First Looks, must be a West Coast thing...

Why you should consider a first look;

So, first look, for those who may not be fully familiar with the concept, is a private moment before the wedding ceremony where the couple sees each other for the first time, this moment usually takes place somewhere beautiful and special. And the photographer (& videographer) are set up like classy-paparazi, to capture every emotion and heart-felt facial expression. 

Why? Well, a few reasons, that I'm going to tell you about, from a 'cheer leader for first looks' point of view!

Since I'm so good at lists, I find now the perfect opportunity to show you my skills:

[In no particular order]

1. You'll get to enjoy the cocktail hour, at your own reception, imagine that!

2. You'll get more time for photographs in general. This means getting the photos YOU want!

3.The process will be much less rushed, less stressed. So, your images will look better because, consequently,  you'll look better.

4. Once the wedding festivities start, you'll be able to enjoy not being pulled from one spot to the next for a photo, the rest of the event can flow just as fluidly as the bubbly.

5. The first moment that you and your future husband see each other, it will be private, he'll be able to hold your hand, and twirl you around, in old fashioned 'let me see you sparkle, princess' style. He'll be able to kiss you, and tell you outloud, without being interrupted by the officiant or nervous from standing in front of the congregation of wedding guests, just how beautiful you look...ahh wouldn't it be so sweet!

6. And all those moments I mentioned above, yeah, guess, what....they make for pretty amazing, timeless and classic photographs (without the officiant in the background with a weird mouth-open, mid-talk- facial expression)

Simple right? I think so. From a photographers prospective, I vote for First Look every time. But for some reason, I can't get my clients to do it. It must be a West Coast thing. While it is nontraditional, and progressive it is in keeping with the modern notion that a wedding is less of a 'follow the etiquette you've always known' and more of 'do it your way, its your day'. If you're really in love, the idea that its bad luck to see each other before hand, won't be a factor!

If progressive and nontraditional are not so much your style, ok, here is some simple advice to keep things running smooth:

Consider your investment; most couples pay thousands of dollars for their photography, and expect to get the images they've seen in magazines, in the 20 minutes after the ceremony, before the reception. I'm here to tell you, it doesn't happen like that.

You're photographer can only do so much in 20 minutes. Its like throwing in the pitcher, 5 minutes before the game ends, without warming up, expecting him to bring the team up from 6. Its unlikely that the result will be in your favor. I personally prefer at least an hour and half with the couple, and the bridal party. If the couple chooses a first look, that time is doubled, and their albums showcase it!

Plan with your photographer first; referring back to the thousands of dollars you'll spend on photography, and considering that your photographs will be one of the only lasting memories you'll retain after the day is long over, plan the schedule with your photographer first, before the DJ, before the reception coordinator. Plan your entire photography schedule, and then make changes after speaking with the other vendors.

Most importantly, plan ahead, do your research, consider what you want to get as an end result and make the decision together!

Thanks for reading, Happy Tuesday!