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WHY YOU SHOULD PLAN A FIRST LOOK ON YOUR
WEDDING DAY?

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SHOULD YOU PLAN A FIRST LOOK ON YOUR WEDDING DAY?

BY ERIC RENE PENOY

PERFECT INTIMACY FOR PEOPLE IN SEARCH FOR A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE

Your wedding day is filled with anticipation, excitement, and a whirlwind of emotions. Among the many decisions you'll make, one that has grown in popularity and significance is the “first look.” The first look is a private moment between you and your partner before the ceremony, where you share an intimate glance or even a heartfelt conversation without the pressure of an audience. For many couples, this moment is incredibly emotional and meaningful, and it can completely transform the experience of their wedding day.

As a wedding and elopement photographer, I’ve seen firsthand how a first look can set the tone for the entire day. It’s a chance to pause, soak in the reality of the moment, and share your excitement and nerves with your partner in a private, meaningful way. Whether you’re having a traditional wedding or an intimate elopement, the first look offers an opportunity for a relaxed, unhurried moment to celebrate each other before diving into the festivities.

In this article, I’ll share the reasons why you should consider planning a first look for your wedding or elopement. From enhancing the emotional connection to logistical benefits, a first look can elevate your entire experience and help you start your new chapter together in a beautiful, personal way.

Let‘s have a Simple but Deep Connection

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SHOULD YOU PLAN A FIRST LOOK?

Checklist for Planning a First Look:

  1. Set the Right Time
    Plan your first look early in the day to avoid any time constraints. Ideally, it should be done at least an hour before the ceremony, giving you time to absorb the moment.

  2. Choose a Private Location
    Find a secluded spot away from the crowds, like a garden, intimate room, or scenic outdoor location. A private setting ensures you can fully enjoy the moment without distractions.

  3. Coordinate with Your Photographer
    Work closely with your photographer to plan the first look. Discuss angles, lighting, and the best approach to capturing the genuine emotions of the moment, ensuring everything is perfect.

  4. Have a Backup Plan
    If you're planning an outdoor first look, have a backup location ready in case of bad weather. Flexibility ensures you can still have an intimate, stress-free moment.

  5. Dress Comfortably
    Wear an outfit that allows for easy movement. While a formal wedding dress or suit is essential, choose attire that makes you feel comfortable and confident for the first look.

  6. Take Your Time
    Don’t rush the moment. Give yourselves enough time to take it all in—whether it’s a quick glance or a longer private exchange. Savoring the experience makes it more memorable.

  7. Create a Moment of Surprise
    For added excitement, plan a moment of surprise. Let your partner experience your look for the first time in full, whether it’s from the back or as you turn to face them.

  8. Exchange Personal Vows
    Use the first look as an opportunity to exchange personal vows or words of love. It’s a beautiful way to connect intimately before sharing your love with the world.

  9. Capture the Moment
    Ensure your photographer is ready to capture every emotion. A first look is full of raw feelings, and you’ll want to preserve that connection in photographs that will last a lifetime.

  10. Incorporate Personal Elements
    Add personal touches to the first look, such as a handwritten note, a meaningful gift, or a gesture that reflects your relationship. These moments will make your first look even more special.

  11. Include Close Family or Friends
    If you want to share this moment with someone special, consider including close family or friends in a second "first look" after your private exchange. This allows for shared joy.

  12. Stay in the Moment
    Let go of any stress or nerves and focus solely on your partner. The first look is about the two of you, so make it as relaxing and genuine as possible.

  13. Plan a Reveal Photo
    Have a photographer ready to capture the moment of your partner's reaction. The look on their face when they see you for the first time can be one of the most memorable shots.

  14. Enjoy a Relaxed Day
    A first look helps to create a more relaxed atmosphere for the rest of your day. By having a calm, intimate moment together, you’ll feel more at ease going into the ceremony.

  15. Consider Your Nerves
    A first look can help ease pre-ceremony nerves. Seeing each other privately allows you to calm any jitters, making the rest of the day feel more natural and enjoyable.

  16. Use the Moment for Reflection
    Take a few moments after the first look to reflect on how far you’ve come as a couple. This can be a beautiful time to cherish the bond before the ceremony.

  17. Plan Your Timing for Photos
    Since the first look happens before the ceremony, you have time to do portraits or group photos afterward, giving you more time to relax during the reception and enjoy your guests.

  18. Enhance Your Ceremony
    After the first look, you can head into your ceremony with a deeper sense of connection and emotional grounding, which can enhance the experience and make the ceremony feel even more meaningful.

  19. Document Your Story
    A first look tells part of your wedding or elopement story. By capturing the raw emotion and anticipation, it allows you to preserve the entire experience from start to finish.

  20. Enjoy an Unhurried Celebration
    A first look ensures you won’t feel rushed during the ceremony and reception. You’ll have already shared an intimate moment together, allowing you to focus on the joy of the day.

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CONCLUSION

A first look can be one of the most meaningful moments of your wedding or elopement, setting the tone for the entire day. While the traditional wedding ceremony often includes the anticipation of the groom seeing the bride for the first time as she walks down the aisle, a first look offers couples a chance to share this intimate moment in a more private and personal setting. The emotional benefits are significant—by seeing each other before the ceremony, you can calm any pre-wedding nerves and allow yourselves to truly enjoy the moment without distractions or pressure.

The most obvious benefit of a first look is the private, intimate nature of the experience. In many ways, the wedding day can be overwhelming, with family, friends, and vendors all contributing to the hustle and bustle. A first look provides a much-needed moment of solitude to connect with your partner before the whirlwind begins. It’s an opportunity to reflect on your journey, express your emotions, and share in the excitement and love you have for one another.

Moreover, a first look can greatly benefit the photography timeline. By capturing this intimate moment before the ceremony, you allow your photographer to document the raw emotions of the day without the pressure of a crowded venue or a strict timeline. It also allows time for portrait sessions with your partner, family, and bridal party before the ceremony, ensuring you have more time to relax and enjoy the reception.

For couples who desire a more personal, less traditional approach to their wedding or elopement, a first look is a perfect choice. It enables a more relaxed atmosphere, reduces ceremony day stress, and provides an opportunity for deep emotional connection. The memories you create in this special moment will be forever captured in photographs, and they will become a cherished part of your wedding story.

In the end, a first look is a beautiful way to honor your relationship in a meaningful, heartfelt way. It’s an experience that helps set the tone for the rest of your day, making it more memorable, relaxed, and emotionally significant. Whether it’s a shared moment of tears, laughter, or joyful anticipation, a first look is an incredibly special part of your wedding journey.