What is a First Look?

A first look is a very intimate moment that you share together prior to the ceremony. Whether you are having a traditional wedding or eloping, it's a chance for another emotional opportunity, to share a special moment together.

**CUE WATERWORKS**

Let's dive right into the pros and cons.

7 Reasons why you SHOULD have a first look

Calm those wedding nerves
Quite often, couples might think that having a first look takes away from the big reveal walking down the aisle, but it really doesn’t. I’ve seen partners still get emotional when they see their other half walking down the aisle.
Having a first look prior to the ceremony can really take some of the pressure off. The pressure to cry. The pressure to react any sort of way really. It allows you to be together with just each other (and my creeper third wheel self!) and really take in the moment. The wedding dress. The suit. The details!
Alone time
This takes 30 minutes or less. The rest of the day you will be pulled in every different direction by friends and family so take this time to soak it all in together.
Really admire all the effort into every little detail you planned the last few months. Breath each other in. CRY. Talk to each other.
Write letters and read them one at a time. Have some family traditions? Share them! Wrote a song for them? Play it on your guitar. Anything can happen here!!
Look your absolute best
Okay, so yes you are going to look BOMB.COM all day, but it’s those particular hot days, or maybe it’s raining, or a bit muggy…who knows mother nature’s plan really (‘specially living in Michigan #amiright) so what better way to see each other when completely FRESH!
Feeling Less Rushed!
For those later ceremony times (Think 4/5pm) you have time to knock all the wedding pictures out of the way. Family formals, bridal party and even your wedding portraits together. Share a private moment together and feel less rushed throughout the day
Spend more time with guests
With all your photos done prior to the ceremony, there is no wait time for your guests or if there is a cocktail hour… YOU GET TO SPEND IT WITH YOUR GUESTS!!!! ALL CAPS FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK!!
MORE time with friends and family. MORE time to mingle. MORE time to ENJOY your cocktail hour snacks.
I can go work on other things like details shots and if you have a second in your package, they could be taking candid photos of the cocktail hour while you mingle!! This also means less time mingling at the reception going table to table.
Early Sunset
This will be the ONLY time I will try to push a first look. My style and me, personally…I LOVE natural lighting. I’m not a flash loving kind of girl. Different wedding photographers like and prefer flash.
If you happen to have an early sunset for your day (think the December-February dates) I might suggest a first look just so we can have some portraits done in a natural setup.
For example, an 8 hour day in December, with one photographer, and a ceremony start time at 5PM doesn’t give us any time to go outside for your portraits together. It will be dark.
“Other” Types of First Looks
Okay, you’re still not sold and that’s totally fine! Might I suggest doing some other "types" of first looks?
Parents: With one or both of your parents? With some planning, we can arrange to have your parent(s) see you for the first time. You can exchange gifts too!
Half Look: This is where we set up a spot for you to not **SEE** each other, but maybe hold hands around a corner, read letters to each other back to back, or blindfold one of you. Like Ryon here, who said, “I can’t see you but you FEEL nice!!” haha

5 Reasons Why You Should NOT Have a First Look?

If you’re having a summer wedding
Michigan Summer weddings tend to have 8:30-9pm sunset times. If you happen to have a 3 or 4pm ceremony time, you might not want to do photos prior to the ceremony.
It’s all about that good lighting for photographers and doing photos out in 12-2pm harsh sunlight is less than ideal.
If this is the case, we would need some shade if you can handle the afternoon heat! Allow more time towards the end of the day and shoot for that sunset lighting for portraits instead!
If you’re having a Catholic Mass at 2PM
Even during the winter, you won’t want to be taking photos before 2pm. Photos at high noon are unflattering for anyone. #nothanks This also means getting ready earlier with hair and makeup.
If you're reception start time is like 5 or 6 you will have plenty of time after the ceremony to do photos with your friends, family and wedding party.
You’re SET on a more traditional way
Somethings are just non-negotiable for your partner! This is probably one of the moments that they actually have dreamed about when it comes to their wedding day.
You want to include all your guests seeing this emotional moment
If you totally do NOT mind having all eyes on you and this is the BIG moment you have dreamed of your entire life and you want to include friends and family in on this sweet moment, then save everything for the aisle!
You don’t mind missing cocktail hour for portrait time
All your photos will be done after the ceremony while your guests are often at a cocktail hour. While your guests are enjoying all the snacks and getting started at the bar, we are working on your portraits.
Wedding Portraits can take can take 1-1.5 hours.

So what do you prefer?

Let me know in the comments

Have you done a first look or currently debating one? Drop your thoughts in the comments below

Catchfly Photography is a traditional wedding and adventurous elopement photographer based in Highland, MI. Julie Believes in the little details and in between moments. Nature completely inspires Julie and she incorporates nature into almost every photo she takes. Julie travels to photograph traditional weddings and intimate elopements in Michigan’s Upper + Lower Peninsula and Colorado.

The First Look Debate: For Your Wedding Day!