What in the world is a First Look??  I hear a lot of curious brides ask.  Then I get to introduce them to an awesome option for their wedding day!  A First Look is when a bride and groom choose to see each other before the ceremony.  We set up a custom moment so we can still capture the groom’s reaction to his lovely lady.  Not only do they get to see each other, but all those nervous bride butterflies fly away after a few moments spent with her groom.  They get to hug and kiss(optional) and have “alone time,” with me and my camera before they say their vows.  I get to capture the bride and groom, THEN we add the wedding party to the mix!  Before you know it, you are back in your dressing room prior to guests arriving.  We proceed with a beautiful ceremony, then do the remaining family pictures.  After that short period of time, the bride and groom are off to celebrate with their guests!

Dustin and Hannah’s First Look

Don’t worry, I’m not biased about the First Look, I just want you to know all of your options so we can create the perfect wedding day schedule centered around you, your future hubby, and your celebration.

Some couples wish to wait for the traditional entrance of the bride walking down the isle, for the groom to have his first glimpse of the bride.  It’s a beautiful moment and such a special feeling.

Halley & AJ had planned a cocktail hour and entertainment for their guests while we took care of family, wedding party, and bride and groom photos after the ceremony.

Ryan and Taylor had a July wedding and chose to have their first look earlier in the day so no one was uncomfortable in the heat and got all sweaty.  Really, it’s whatever works best for your day.

 Adam and Kasie’s reception was right across the street from their ceremony site so they did not want a lag in the celebration.  We did their First Look, wedding party shots, and some family shots all before the ceremony.  This way Adam and Kasie could go straight to their celebration!

Jamie Lee & Tommy had a great idea of doing a First Look like it would happen in their ceremony.  Family was seated in the front rows and their wedding party was lined up alongside them.  This way everyone got to experience Jamie Lee and Tommy’s emotional First Look.  We proceeded with family pictures, wedding party pictures, then bride and groom photos.

Brooke and Gantt’s wedding is the perfect example of your day’s timing and a First Look.  The sun set at about 5:15pm on the day of their December wedding.  Their ceremony started at 5.  Before all of that, we had all of their wedding party, Bride and Groom, and family photos complete.  The majority of their images were in natural daylight. Victory!!

After the sun set and we arrived at the reception, we were able to snag this night shot while their guests were still arriving to the venue.

Here are some situations when it may be helpful to consider a First Look

–You don’t really give a hoot about superstition.

–Your venue does not have an attractive area for photos, you can drive somewhere close without worrying about leaving guests and family behind.

–Your wedding is in the winter when it gets dark by 5:30pm and your ceremony doesn’t start until later in the evening.  All of your images could still be done outside in daylight.

–Your ceremony and reception are held in the same venue and you’d rather your guests not wait to celebrate.

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In the end, you’ll have lovely photo memories to cherish for years to come.  Either way works wonderfully.  I hope this helps inform you of another great option for your wedding day.  As always, if you have any questions please feel free to email me.

Greenville, SC Wedding Photographer