First Look Photography

As we head into our slower winter season, I will be inviting a few local wedding specialists to guest blog for me. They will offer their viewpoints on how to make your wedding as beautiful and stress-free as possible.

My first guest blogger is Matt Mason of Matt Mason Photography. He's been shooting weddings for several years now and was the first person to tell me about "first look" photography. I am a HUGE fan of this, mostly because it frees up the bride and groom to enjoy their cocktail hour and reception. Below is Matt's take on the benefits of a first look with my comments in italics.

Beautiful, timeless, romantic, fun, exciting, precious, emotional, anticipation, tradition, memorable. These are all words to describe weddings. However, some people attach other words: Stressful, nerve wracking, busy, pressure, appearances, expectations, superstitions.
One of the more stressful parts of the happy couple’s day centers around not seeing each other before the ceremony. Tradition dictates that the groom waits too see his bride until the moment when the beautiful bride in all her glory walks down the aisle. This is a splendid moment full of emotion. There is no doubt, as a photographer, that this is a very exciting moment to capture.

But this article is about the “First Look.” This is a trend in weddings that I am seeing more and more and quite honestly I am trying to be the trend setter in the Midwest for many reasons.

Let me explain what the First Look is all about. This is a special moment when the groom is able to see the bride for the first time before the ceremony. I usually like to position the groom looking away out over a field, or at the end of pier, or even by a beautiful old oak tree. I like to “tell the story” by capturing photos of the bride approaching the groom and then to see both of their expressions as they see each other for the first time simultaneously. It is a wonderful and precious moment. For Courtney and Elmer's wedding on September 4, Matt even put a microphone on Elmer so that the moment was captured on video and they will always remember their first words to each other on their wedding day.

As I describe this special event to brides and grooms this isn’t a replacement to the walking down the aisle photo but actually in addition to that moment. So in essence you are adding to the day by getting a second special look instead of replacing it.


Benefits to a well planned first look:
Add another memorable moment to your day
Takes pressure off a busy day
Enjoy a few minutes to yourselves in a day where everyone is vying for your attention It really is more intimate and special when it's just the two of you.
Your photographer is able capture dozens or even hundreds more beautiful photos with the extra time now available Imagine the difference in photos if you're not all rushed to get through them so you can join your guests at the cocktail hour.
You will be able to enjoy more of your cocktail hour/reception If you have your ceremony on site and want to attend the cocktail hour, you almost HAVE to do a first look.
Spend more time with your family and guests by getting all the most important photos done before the ceremony

Negatives of doing a first look:
Superstition
Change from tradition
Disappoint parents with expectations

Decades ago when our parents got married, their ceremonies were early in the day so not seeing each other until the ceremony wasn't a big deal. With prime time in our gazebo being 4-6pm, that means you will basically be "hiding" from each other for the bulk of your wedding day. Do any of the negatives listed above justify sticking with this tradition even though it will take away from your overall enjoyment of your reception? Ask yourself that before you dismiss the idea of a first look.

How many times have you heard brides say that the evening went by "so fast?" First Look Photography allows couples to make the most of those few hours with all their friends and family surrounding them. I would strongly encourage all brides-to-be to seriously consider adding a first look photo to their wedding day timeline.