Wedding Photographer Rochester NY | Reasons to consider a first look
If you’re weighing the pros and cons for a first look versus opting out, here are a few of my top reasons to seriously consider it!
Less stress
Cocktail hour is just that, 1 hour. By the time family photos, wedding party photos are done, it might leave you 15 minutes for your own portraits! Why only let your guests enjoy those signature cocktails while you rush to get portraits done? Knock out a few of those photos with an intimate first look before the ceremony so you can enjoy that cocktail hour with your guests after you say your “I Do’s!”
Quality time
Incorporating a first look into your wedding day is a great way to create some quality time with your partner. It lets the two of you regroup together and appreciate this momentous occasion that you both spent so much time planning. Since first looks usually take place in a more secluded area, they are great for romantic moments without the whole world watching. Use this time to focus on each other more than worrying about perfect photos—trust me, the more genuine the moment, the better the photos. And I ALWAYS see more emotion and tears with first looks.
Express yourself
He will look at you the same way as he looks at you coming down the aisle–possibly with even more emotion since you won’t have an entire room of people staring you down. When it’s just the two of you, the moment is so much more intimate. You’re free to laugh, cry, embrace, jump up and down—however you feel in that moment, go for it!
Exchange gifts
A first look also gives you a designated time to exchange small gifts or read letters to each other—and see the other person’s reaction.
more time = more photos
Time to relax
Wedding days can get pretty crazy. You spend so many months planning, and then it seems to go by in the blink of an eye. It’s easy to get caught up in making sure that all of the little details are taken care of, but this is a good time to set those things aside, let your wedding party take over, and enjoy the moment as soon-to-be husband and wife. You’ll find that a little time with each other will dissolve wedding day stress and anxiety.
More Photos
If you are having a late fall or winter wedding, the sun sets before most ceremonies even start. Doing a first look before the ceremony will allow for you to have photos taken while there’s still light (and when you look your very best)!
*Don’t forget to keep your hands free for hugs and kisses for your first look. Fumbling around with your phone and purse or bouquet detracts from the romance of the moment. Ask someone near to you to hold your things to allow candids to be captured sans phone.