First looks have been happening at weddings more and more lately, but they’re not for everyone. From my personal experience filming weddings over the last 13 years, it seems that most couples who get married at churches prefer not to have a first look. In the “traditional” sense, it’s nice and emotional to see your future husband or wife walk down the aisle for the first time. That’s is absolutely special in its own way since it’s your day! Most couples I speak to prefer first looks on wedding days, and I’m happy to share my reasons why…

1. Timing

Having a First Look creates a chain reaction with timing throughout your day. It allows you to be more productive and get a lot of things done earlier. With a first look, you’ll be able to get your portraits, bridal party pictures, and family photos done and out of the way before your ceremony even begins.

2. Enjoy Your Cocktail Hour

By finishing all of your photos before the ceremony, you’ll actually be able to enjoy your cocktail hour! Your ceremony is usually the first time your guests get to see you, but you obviously can’t interact with them. Being present at your cocktail hour allows you time to say “Hi” to everyone and grab some much-needed food. If you don’t have a first look, you’ll have to squeeze your couples portraits, bridal party, and family photos in that hour time slot instead.

3. Make Your Wedding Day Less Stressful

If you’re handling all your photos during cocktail hour, you’re limited to the 1-hour window to get it all done. If you have a first look, you can have more time to get everything done without having to rush. After your prep, you can easily plan 2-3 hours for these photos and still have a break before your ceremony where you can freshen up and relax before it’s showtime.

If you’re nervous the morning of your wedding day, it’s often because you haven’t seen your fiance yet. This feeling might last hours before your ceremony, but with a first look, you can ease those nerves earlier in the day and have more time for loving and laughing!

-Austin

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Hi, my name is Austin, and a wedding videographer based out of New York City.

Want to learn more? Feel free to check out some of my wedding films here:

https://cinemarollfilms.com/

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