Should I Have a First Look or Not on My Wedding Day?
Deciding to have a first look before the ceremony is a bit controversial for some engaged couples. “Tradition” tells us to wait until the altar to see the one we love on our wedding day, but trends have been shifting towards the “first look” for some time now. What exactly is a first look anyway? A first look is a revealing of the bride to someone else. It can be the bride surprising her bridesmaids, a loving reveal to a father or parent, but the most common first look is the bride and groom seeing each other privately before the wedding ceremony. At Emerson Fields, we have seen every take on the first look, first touch, reveal, or an intimate moment just for the bride and groom, so we thought we’d share a few and a real couple’s thoughts on the matter.
An Emerson Fields Couple Shares Their First Look Story
Megan and Jordan had a winter wedding at Emerson Fields. Steph Masat Photography captured every moment of their December wedding beautifully, just as it happened. Steph, the photographer, is Jordan’s older sister so the entire experience felt familial and warm. Steph knew that the couple wasn’t planning on a first look before the ceremony but as a photographer, she also knew to keep an eye on the weather and the lighting. Winter weddings get cut a bit shorter with the early sunsets so timelines are crucial. On this day, the weather was heavily overcast and the after-ceremony portraits were going to be in jeopardy, so the couple and photographer revisited the first look conversation.
Ultimately, on the wedding day, Megan and Jordan decided to include a first look on the dock so they could enjoy a private and sweet moment together before the ceremony. They exchanged letters and had several minutes to reflect and just be present in the moment together. Steph interviewed them after their wedding to see how they felt about this big change in the timeline of their wedding day and we’d love to share some of the photographer’s and newlyweds’ thoughts with you.
“I would say that the biggest thing that my couples say when they are talking about doing a first look or not, is that they don’t want to take away from the excitement of seeing each other for the first time walking down the aisle. Some couples are afraid that if they see each other before, it will take away from the moment they see each other walking down the aisle. Since Jordan and Megan had originally planned not to see each other, I decided to ask them how it felt to have a first look, and if they felt it took away from their moment walking down the aisle.”
Steph ultimately always follows her client’s lead but she also works alongside them to help them feel confident in their choices. We feel the same way at Emerson Fields! No matter what our couples at Emerson Fields choose, they still enjoy special moments with the one they love.
“The bottom line for all of my couples is DO WHAT FEELS RIGHT FOR YOU! No wedding story is the same, and yours is absolutely unique. I will do absolutely everything I can to make sure your day unfolds exactly how you want it.”
“I think you can see by my facial expression, that it didn’t take away from the emotional moment of seeing her walk down the aisle at all! (insert laugh) We are so happy we did a first look, we both feel like it added a sweet moment to our day out on the dock that we wouldn’t have otherwise had. It allowed us to do all of our bridal party photos before the wedding and we have both mentioned on a number of occasions that getting that out of the way was one of our favorite times of the day. By the end of the ceremony and family photos, we were both getting tired of photos, and if we hadn’t had a first look, we would have had to do all of our bridal party photos after the family photos. WE ARE SO GLAD WE DIDN’T HAVE TO DO THAT!”
A first look was right for Megan and Jordan and opened up the possibility of doing wedding party photos in the outdoor pavilion while they had some beautiful sunlight.
We love how Steph summed up her experience with these words…
“There are things like first looks that absolutely help in letting things run smoothly and efficiently, especially if your wedding is in the winter when light runs out fast, but you will NEVER be pressured by me to do something you don’t want to do. My job is to help you feel comfortable and confident in your choices for your wedding day! That means I’ll give you all the options and you will ultimately decide! I’m here for you, in your corner and can’t wait to celebrate with you!”
“I’m here for you, in your corner...”
Here’s what you need to know about including, or not including, a First Look.
Emerson Fields is in your corner.
We want this day to be completely about the two of you and what you want.
A few things to consider…
Take note of the timing of the sunset, how overcast or cloudy the day is forecasted to be, and what season you are getting married in. Photos after the ceremony outside may be difficult if the weather changes.
Talk it over just the two of you and come up with a plan that is what the both of you want.
Take that plan to your photographer and ultimately include all the details in the timeline with your wedding coordinator so that everyone is on the same page when it comes to your wishes.
Hire and trust in your professional vendors and be flexible if the weather throws you a curveball.
Locations at Emerson Fields for a First Look:
Lakeside Dock
Covered Patio
Front Portico
Venue Foyer
Bridal Suite
Groom’s Suite
Stage
Pavilion with Sliding Doors
Meadow
Wooded Clearing
Bridal Suite Outdoor Stairs & Balcony
Pros to having a First Look before the ceremony
This gives you more time together, instead of apart, on the wedding day
Private opportunity to have an intimate moment alone with the one you love
Chance to take a breath, relax, and calm nerves
Time to have peace before a busy day full of interactions with guests and family members
Freedom to show your emotions privately instead of in front of a large group
Opportunity to share personal vows or letters
More time for bride and groom portraits
More time for the bride and groom to attend the reception or cocktail hour
Golden Hour photos can be prioritized after the ceremony
Photographs of a First Look are the first chance to have a photo together on the day
Wedding party photos and family photos aren’t rushed after the ceremony
Pros to having a traditional aisle First Look during the ceremony
Reaction in the moment is authentic and raw
Sense of surprise
Team of photographers can capture both of your reactions
Traditional, familial feel to the wedding day
Starting pictures later allows more time to get ready in the morning
Good option if you want to limit photos in general and focus on your relationship and family/friends
SO…should we do a first look?
As a former wedding photographer myself, I have seen First Looks that were so meaningful and really brought a sense of calm and relaxation to the rest of the wedding day. I’ve also seen the most sincere and emotional first look when a bride walks down the aisle to her groom. EITHER WAY - you can’t go wrong. Don’t worry about tradition. There’s nothing magical that happens if he doesn’t see you until the ceremony. You won’t be any more married by deciding one way or the other. It all culminates with what the two of you feel is right for you and it helps to ground yourself with the truth that the wedding day is all about the beginning of your married life, for better or worse. That promised union of a lifelong partnership should always be the main focus.
At Emerson Fields, we work with couples to create a wedding weekend that reflects you as a couple! Let your personal style shine through with an Emerson Fields wedding weekend.
Looking for more inspiration on first looks? Check out one of these blogs!
Modern Floral-Filled Outdoor Summer Wedding | Morghan + Jeremy
Grandma Chic and Classic Hometown Wedding | McKenna + Brandon
Lakeside October Wedding in Dusty Blue | Rylee + Josh
10/13/2021 - Gabrielle Isom
