THE FIRST LOOK - PROS AND CONS
As a wedding photographer based in Shepparton (and travelling all over Victoria), I can tell you the day goes as quick as they say it does. So much planning goes into your wedding and it’s nice to have the day play out the way you want it to.
If you have a first look in mind, you get the chance to have that private moment where you see each as bride and groom for the first time. Sometimes bridal parties and parents are invited to join in after the first minute or two - just like Tom & Sophie’s day at the Euroa Butter Factory below.
Consider doing a first look if – you answer ‘yes’ to most of these.
Your wedding is not during daylight savings (i.e., winter) and we’re pushed for time or natural light, post-ceremony for photos.
You’re both super relaxed people.
You’re getting ready together or on the same property.
You don’t care about some guests possibly seeing you before the ceremony.
You don’t want to be away from your guests after the ceremony.
You’re rather shy and want to let out any big emotions while it’s just the two of you.
Possibly don’t worry about doing a first look if – you answer ‘yes’ to most of these.
Your wedding is during daylight savings (i.e., summer) and there’s plenty of time post-ceremony for photos.
You’re going to be apart from each other the night before the wedding & the morning of.
You’re traditional at heart.
You’re worried about some guests possibly seeing you before the ceremony if you’re out and about around the venue.
Yes, we want to incorporate a first look into our day. Give us more info!
Most of the time, the first look is done at the same venue where your wedding will be. For example, is your ceremony is at 5pm, we would do the first look photos from 3:30 – 4:30 pm. Therefore, the girls usually don’t want to be seen by the guests, so they will go and ‘hide’ and freshen up somewhere before the ceremony begins. The boys will then greet the guests as they start arriving.
Also, the bridal party photos are usually always done during this first look time too. If the couple wants to, sometimes the bridal party witness the actual first look moment, either behind me out of the shot, or from a distance, sometimes the couple prefers to do it in private, and we can collect the bridal party a bit later during this time.
Remember there are no rules with this; the above is just ‘normally’ what is done with a first look. You can both get ready together; you can both greet the guests together at the start of the ceremony, you can both walk down the aisle together. Plan what you feel is right for you both as a couple!
