While looking at different photography blogs and Pinterest, I’ve noticed a trend for wedding photography. It’s called the “first look”, where the bride and groom catch a glimpse of each other before the ceremony.
What do you think of first looks?
There are both positives and negatives of having a “first look.”
Let’s talk positives first.
1. The moment can be personal. You and your soon-to-be spouse can have this emotional moment as just a couple without everyone else being involved.
2. It can save time. If you guys see each other first, then you can take all of the photos of the wedding party before the ceremony. This saves time in between the ceremony and reception.
3. You can get more photos of each other’s reactions. Unlike during the ceremony, the photographer can really capture your reactions. It’s hard to get the bride and groom’s reactions during the ceremony. And you can take more photos together during this time, and you won’t feel as rushed.
Now onto the negatives.
1. Some people will think this is bad luck for a marriage. Since it’s tradition that the bride and groom don’t see each other before the bride walks down the aisle, people might think this will doom your marriage. It’s all about your personal beliefs.
2. It isn’t always seen as traditional. For some couples, that’s enough to turn them away.
3. The groom may be more likely to cry. The groom may not want a million photos of himself crying. It depends on the guy.
So Lovelies, what do you think of first looks?
guest
I’m a photographer. For disclosure.
(personal promotion: http://www.katherinefan.com)
If a guy’s gonna cry, he’d usually rather cry in private than in front of a million people. The same goes for the girl as well – you can get make-up touch-ups before you go into the ceremony, and kind of get a preview of what to expect (so you can grab an extra hankie or something). It also helps with those pre-wedding jitters. Weddings are incredibly stressful, with deadlines and hair/makeup appointments and not seeing each other beforehand, etc. You can start to wonder whether or not it’s all worth it. And I’ve never heard any bride say they regretted doing a first-look, although they often regret NOT doing them afterward.
guest
I like the idea of “first look.” The ones I’ve seen, the photographers captured very sweet moments. Sneaky photographers and their assistants can catch some really intimate photos of the ceremony depending on the venue. Some places make for easier hiding to take such pics, especially when coupled with the proper equipment. Either way of thinking is cool with me.
@chix0rgirl@xanga - You’re right. I was sad we didn’t do a first look, especially after seeing other people’s pics.
guest
my husband and I did a first look before our wedding in November, and I am so glad we did. We got some great pictures, alone time together right before the ceremony, and time to unwind together because we were both super on edge (we hate public speaking of all kinds). Each couple is different but I would highly recommend a first look
guest
I think it’s cheesy in my opinion. It’s bad luck too in my book. My fiancé and I are not doing first look pictures, I want that first look to be me coming down the aisle, I’ve waited for that my whole life, that’s what is going to be special for us both.
guest
I like the idea of a first look. That’s something my fiance and I would probably want to do.
guest
My boyfriend tends to be pretty stoic, so I’m not sure a first look photo would capture a visible emotional reaction, lol. I’d prefer to wait until the ceremony for him to see me anyway.
orchid / 194 posts
It’s kind of cool. I don’t think I would do it though. I don’t actually believe that it’s bad luck to see each other before the wedding, but I like to keep with tradition.
sunflower / 286 posts
i don’t like the idea of first look. it would ruin my moment on the wedding day. i’d rather have the guy be awed on that special day
guest
the idea of a first look is adorable, I love how much more personal it is! however, in my case it would not be the groom crying but ME hahaha I’m super emotional I just know I’m going to cry
guest
Well, up until a few months ago, I wasn’t even into the whole wedding thing. But now that I’m pretty sure I’ll one day marry my boyfriend, I haven’t really thought about how it’ll go down. I don’t really want to have a huge white dress, and we won’t be getting married in a house of worship of any kind since neither of us have a religion. And we’d probably only have like 20 people tops at our wedding. I don’t see it being a big enough production for “first look” photos to get a real reaction. I’d be willing to give it a try, though, since I’m a photographer and I can see how it’d be a special thing to have in an album or something. It certainly wouldn’t hurt to try.
I guess my answer is: I’d probably do it, just to see what happens. Which is pretty much why I do everything I do.
xX Ame ~*~ Hana Xx
guest
Oh, man. I was so nervous before the ceremony, I wouldn’t have been able to handle it. Our “first look” was when I walked into the chapel. He didn’t cry, just had a big grin all over his face.
guest
I’m not a big traditionalist, but not seeing the groom until the moment you walk down the aisle is a big one for me. I want the anticipation and the wait for that moment!
However, I do like the idea of the little gifts/cards that you give to each other as you’re getting ready. I think that is really a special moment too, that isn’t “bad luck” haha
guest
It’s cool. Don’t know if i’d want to, I’m pretty superstitious, but I’d probably leave it up to the wife to decide.
sunflower / 291 posts
I’d rather have the pictures taken before my nose goes all red from crying!
rose / 980 posts
I think people can do whatever they want! Of course, it’s also the last chance to escape!!! Run, girl, run! Marriage kills women and prolongs the life of men! (Kidding, just kidding… sorta.)