You know a lot of couples prefer to not spend much time away from the guests between ceremony and reception as they want to have a quality time with friends and family. First Look is a great solution for have pre-ceremony photo session right after getting ready moments and save the time in between of important for newly weds events. As an Auckland wedding photographer I captured a lot of traditional weddings when bride and groom prefer to see each other at the ceremony site when bride walking down the aisle and groom waiting to meet her. I understand this special tradition and meaning behind it.
But if you not mind to see each other before the ceremony First Look can be a great option for make your timeline special and flawless. You still get those special emotions as groom will be waiting for you turning back to you {he usually wait for quit a long time, so all emotions became really intense and ready to explored with happy laugh or tears at moment when bride gently touch groom's shoulder or close his eyes, or maybe even give a little kiss - whatever feels more natural to your couple}.
Its amazing moments to captured, so much mystery, intrigue, waiting moments, expectations and then happy positive emotions with smiles and tears in the eyes. Im as photographer and romantic person in love in this tradition {so popular in USA, Canada and Europe}.
Right after the first look we can do a family shots (if they are around}, bridal party and bride and groom intimate session and then with no pressure move to ceremony and reception.
Some couples also considering to do first look and intimate session between ceremony and reception as they want to do pictures in different location and change atmosphere. Its still save the time between ceremony and reception.
Usually bride and groom session can take between one and two hours {depends on location), so sometimes guests waiting for couple been back to reception after few hours {including family formals and bridal party shoot}; with first look option with time go down to 30 min - 1 hours {depends on amount of extra images required by couple}.
So as we mentioned first look worth to consider if you want to:
1. save the time between ceremony and reception;
2. not make guests wait for a long time;
3. get interesting experience with non-traditional wedding timeline;
4. make the best out of such emotional moments along with bride and groom {and their close family, without all ceremony guests}
5. get all intimate photos done before the ceremony and move it out of the way.
Consider:
1. First look not suit traditional couples who prefer to see each other on the ceremony site.
2. Sometimes time before the ceremony not best for pictures as light not so soft as at late afternoon {but if its scheduled at morning you can still get beautiful photographs; and also good photographer can take pictures even at noon bright sunny weather}.
3. you can always entertain the guest with games on the grass, cocktail hour, snacks and positive things. Most of the time they are enjoying each others compony and happily laughing {if you have a second photographer on site he can capture these happy moments what you are missing being on location bride & groom photo session}.
4. obviously first look will be an intimate moment so all guests can't see bride's and groom's first reaction when they seen each other after getting ready.
So its your call what traditions closer to your couple and what can perfectly fit in your wedding day timeline. Its great to know all options and consider some other ways of wedding planning!
For photographers I would suggest to have a second shooter / assistant who can capture the moments from different angles and with different focal length for give a gallery variety. {thank you Matt and Fengjin for assistance on Langham Hotel wedding!}
Also note: you can make a similar idea first look with bride's dad. Its unforgettable memories!
Less words more images! Have a look at firsts look from our recent wedding in Langham Hotel with Basma and Mohamad. Such amazing and emotional moments! Love is all around :)
Enjoy it and contact me with any questions!
