Why You Should Consider A 'First Look' by Jessica Little Photography

I love looking at 'first looks'. I love seeing the joy and emotion of a couple privately seeing each other before their ceremony. Jessica from Jessica Little Photography is here to talk about the reasons why couples should consider a 'first look' for their wedding day, complete with beautiful photos of some of the 'first looks' she's captured! 

Over the last few years the trend of a 'first look' has been set for the wedding stage! 

And before I go on with this post, I want to stress that I have been a bride and I full-heartedly understand the many decisions involved in planning a wedding. Ultimately, your day needs to fit you and that one person you're about to marry. I want to truthfully admit I personally fought to set up a first look on my wedding day, but my groom wanted to traditionally see me for the first time walking down the aisle. In the end, traditional won. So it is important that you are making wedding decisions based on what is right for the two of you.

Now you may have a wrinkled look on your face in question of what a first look really is. To be simple in my explanation, it is a moment on the wedding day that has been set up for the bride and groom to see each other before the ceremony. This moment takes place in a quiet location and the revealing is only meant for the two of you. 

As a photographer, I often scout a location away from the commotion of the wedding day to set up the first look for my couples. I guide and position the groom with his back turned and cue the bride to make her way to her soon-to-be husband. I am often shooting from far back, with a long lens so that the moment can remain between just the two of you. It's intimate, raw and real. And from that moment on, the day is spent together! 

But aside from the obvious heart warming moments that are often captured of the two of you, there's practicality in this decision also. Couples who choose a first look often have a lot more time for family and wedding party photos, which are usually taken before the ceremony. And by the time you get to the ceremony, your heart still flutters as you walk down the aisle. And then its immediately time to party and celebrate with your guests. There is no worry in making sure people are in the right place for photos, or worrying about your guests waiting for a time period before the reception. You get to enjoy the cocktail hour with your guests and immediately celebrate your beautiful marriage. 

A first look can be a whirlwind of emotions and a beautiful accent to your wedding day, but no matter what you end up deciding, you need to choose what is best for the two of you. 

Cheers to love and happily ever afters!

Jessica

Jessica Little Photography is a Vineyard Bride Featured Vendor. You can visit her website at www.jessicalittlephotography.com