Should we do a first look?

Pros and Cons

If you are doing a traditional wedding, I see the day going two ways: A staged first look before the ceremony or the first meeting would be down the aisle.

1.) Staged first look before the ceremony: I prefer this as a photographer! Why, you might ask?

Pros: More time for photos!! If we stage the first look between the bride and groom right after getting ready and a few hours before the ceremony, then we have time to go to a location (even with the bridal party!) and take some epic photos of the bride and groom along and fun shots with the bridal party. I like to do all of the family group portraits just before the ceremony and before guests arrive. This makes sense to me because it isn’t a lot to ask of family members to arrive one hour earlier than the call time. And then that way they are there and ready for the ceremony. The best part of all for this option? You get to enjoy the entirety of your cocktail hour!! (My favorite part)

Cons: I’m going to be that guy and say there aren’t any cons on this one!

2.) Bride and Groom meet for the first time down the aisle: Now, I know there are a lot of romantics out there, and I get it!! If you feel like staging a first look just won’t cut it emotionally then this is your option.

Pros: your fairytale moment might be this one instead of staging it. If so - let’s go for it!

Cons: Keep in mind that making photos will take a bit more finesse. To get all of the images you want without sacrificing your entire cocktail hour we will have to split up the list: Bride’s family together and bridesmaids together/Groom’s family together and groomsmen together before the ceremony. During cocktail hour we will have to accomplish getting bride and groom portraits AND all of the families together and the full bridal party together. It is just a bit more planning with the timeline and telling family where to be, but it is still a doable option!

So remember, this your YOUR day and I am here to help the day go smoothly. Let’s figure out what your goals are, and let me figure out how to achieve them. All it takes is a smile, and a bit of joy and everything comes together beautifully in photos!