Deciding to capture first look wedding photos.

There are so many exciting decisions to make when planning your wedding: flower arrangements, seating charts, music selection, and more! One of the most important things to consider on your special day is whether or not to do a first look. First look wedding photos are always some of my favorite moments from a wedding! Not only is this the perfect opportunity to share time together before you say “I do”, having a first look also helps your wedding day run smoothly!

What is a first look?

A first look is a sweet moment before the ceremony when the bride and groom see each other for the first time on their wedding day. Many couples are choosing to include a first look, and for lots of good reasons! Here are some of my favorite benefits to having a first look!

1. Share sweet moments alone.

Your wedding day is such a whirlwind, and you’re constantly surrounded in celebration by family and friends! It’s so nice to have a dedicated time for just the two of you! A first look gives you plenty of time alone to not only see each other for the first time, but to soak in the magic of your wedding day and relish in your love for each other!

2. Save plenty of time for wedding portraits.

As your wedding approaches, you might be daydreaming over gorgeous wedding portrait ideas on Pinterest and Instagram. Scheduling a first look will help make those dream photos a reality! With a first look, you’ll have plenty of time to capture every pose, whether sweet or silly!

3. Don’t miss your cocktail hour.

Traditionally, the wedding party takes the majority of their photos directly after the ceremony. Many New Jersey wedding venues such as Bear Brook Valley, The Ryland Inn and Park Chateau allow you to have both your ceremony and reception onsite. If you are busy taking all of your photos following your ceremony, you are most likely going to miss your cocktail hour! Not only will you not get a chance to enjoy the food and drinks you chose, you’ll miss the chance to mingle with your friends and family ahead of your reception! With a first look, most of your photos will take place before your ceremony, leaving you with plenty of time to enjoy your cocktail hour!

4. Capture every moment.

Some brides and grooms may fear that having a first look lessens the impact of seeing each other at the end of the aisle during the ceremony. That could not be further from the truth! The first look and your walk down the aisle are both filled with so much emotion, joy, and love! Every couple I’ve spoken to has mentioned that these moments are completely different and they are so grateful to have photos of both!

5. Record more memories with your wedding party and family.

Scheduling a first look allows you to capture the majority of your wedding day photos before your ceremony begins – including wedding party photos and family portraits! This extra time means less rushing, and less of a chance of forgetting to get all the photos that are important to you!

6. Calm your nerves.

Of course you’re thrilled to be marrying the love of your life, but stepping into the spotlight on your wedding day can come with a lot of nerves! Can you imagine anything better than spending sweet, quiet moments with your love before walking down the aisle? Having a chance to laugh and embrace is sure to relax you and help you get comfortable in front of the camera!

7. Memorialize all the special details.

Investing in additional time with your photographer means they will be able to capture even more important moments! If you plan for a first look, you can add time for getting ready photos! Your photographer will also be able to capture detail photos of all the little touches you worked so hard to put together.

8. Enjoy your wedding!

Having a first look before your ceremony leaves you with more time to enjoy the wedding you worked so hard to plan! Instead of spending your cocktail hour or the beginning of your reception posing for portraits with your loved ones, you’ll be able to schedule first look wedding photos ahead of time! That means more time celebrating as Mr. and Mrs.!

As you plan your perfect day, consider including a first look! Not only will your wedding day schedule run much more smoothly, your first look wedding photos will become treasured memories for years to come!

Planning your engagement photoshoot? Check out my 5 Tips for Your Engagement Session!

—

Myra Roman is a New Jersey wedding photographer and destination wedding photographer who loves capturing beautiful moments and turning them into lasting memories. Myra is now interviewing couples for weddings in 2019 and 2020! View her website for more information or follow her on Instagram!