What to know about first looks
First Look | Couple photos taken before the wedding ceremony
More and more of our couples are opting for a First Look and getting photos taken before the ceremony can have many benefits, (hello open cocktail hour!)
Pros:
- The first time you see each other is private and shared just between you two (and us with our quiet, ninja-like cameras)
- You both will look your freshest!
- The nerves of seeing each other for the first time will be gone and then you can simply look forward to and enjoy your ceremony
- Helps to 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, so afterwards all the formal images left to take are family photos and then you’ll be able to head to your reception quickly instead of having your guests wait for a longer period of time.
- This is a great trial run of walking around and moving in your dress before you have to do it in front of everyone at your ceremony!
Cons:
- Seeing each other before the ceremony goes against tradition
- Mid-day light can be less desirable for pictures.
No first look | Couple Photos after the wedding ceremony
You do not see each other before the ceremony and the first time you see each other is when you walk down the aisle.
Pros:
- You get to keep up with tradition
- If you are wanting to have a cocktail hour for guests between the ceremony and reception, taking the bulk of your images after the ceremony will allow your guests to mingle and enjoy drinks while you’re getting your pictures taken.
Cons:
- If the ceremony begins late, or family photos run longer than expected, then it’s always the bride and groom photo time that gets cut short.
- The photo time after the ceremony will take longer so guests will have approximately an hour and a half to two hour break from when the ceremony ends to when the reception begins (this can be a pro or con depending if you want to entertain your guests during this time or not!)