Should I Do a First Look?

When meeting with potential couples, debating a First Look is one of the most asked questions I get.

My answer is always “Yes” when this question comes up. But ultimately, at the end of the day it is you and your fiance’s decision.

Here are 3 reasons of why doing a First Look on your wedding day is beneficial for your time, energy and money:

You are able to get rid of your pre ceremony jitters.

Everyone knows that leading up to a wedding day, the stress levels are high. You’re worrying about all the last minute details & the nerves begin to build as the morning goes on. When incorporating a first look into your timeline, you are able to see the love of your life before the ceremony & allow yourselves to both be present in that moment. Whether than be; a simple quiet moment between the two of you, private vows that you may not want to share with all of your guests, a gift exchange or even just a boost of encouragement before becoming husband and wife.

As a New York Wedding Photographer, I build my timelines with my couples the moment we first meet. That way, right off the bat I know if they are debating a first look or not. I have felt a huge sense of relief when a first look is planned in the weddings I photograph.

You are able to be more present in your wedding day.

This one is a biggie. I always bring this up within my consultation calls when meeting with potential couples. I always ask if you care more about photos or spending time with your guests you invited. Which yes, gets everyone thinking because – of course you care about photos… if you didn’t you wouldn’t be on this consultation call with me. The reason why I ask though, is because if you say you care a lot about spending time with the people you invited, then I would recommend doing a first look so that way you can.

Scheduling in a first look allows you to have the ability to get all of the photos in prior to the ceremony so that you can enjoy the rest of the night with your friends and family. Wedding days FLY BY and also depending on the time of year you are getting married, so does the daylight. So always keep the sunset time in mind when you are building your timeline.

For me, I always write the time of sunset right within their contract. That way they see it upon opening and viewing the timeline we built together. This way, we can plan for three separate times of photo opportunities; first look, after the ceremony and during sunset. Keep in mind that if you are getting married in the winter or spring months, sunset is going to be much earlier than it would be for summer or early fall.

You can maximize the time you have together on your wedding day.

Your wedding day is about you and your fiance. Why would you want to be hidden away from them for most of the day? Scheduling a first look will allow you to make the most out of your day & allow you to spend every big moment with them.

Just imagine having all of your photo moments complete by the time the dance floor opens… Talk about dancing the night away. Plus, for me – this is when I become your personal paparazzi and follow you both around capturing every moment that unfolds.

Do you love these tips & want to hear more about how I can make your wedding day stress-free?

Tune in to BFord You Say “I Do” on Spotify or contact me to be your wedding photographer – www.brittanyfordphotography.com/contact.