INSPIRED BY | OUR FAVORITE FIRST LOOK MOMENTS

Last week we talked about first looks, but now we want to brag a little on our absolutely GORGEOUS couple’s first look moments as well our photographer friends’ amazing work. Just in case you missed the other post, a first look is:

“...a newer wedding practice (think the last five years). It’s all about documenting the couple’s first wedding moments before the craziness of their wedding day set in. Typically, the groom is positioned with his back away from the bride while she walks toward him. She’ll tap him on the shoulder or undo his blindfold, and he’ll turn to see her. That’s when the happy tears begin (ours and the couples). They get to see each other for the first time and have an intimate moment to talk and focus on each other.”

Now that we’re all on the same page. Let’s dig in!

Photo | Twos Company Photography

Photo | Sarah Slover Photography

Photo | Christina Childress

Photo | Chelsea Kaye Photography

Photo | Christina Childress

Photo | Payge Stevens Photography

Photo | Outland Weddings

Photo | Reigh Walker Photography

Photo | Jillian Zamora Photography

Photo | Outland Weddings

Photo | Amy Karp Photography

Photo | Mountaintop Films

Photo | Payge Stevens Photography

Did you do a First Look?

TIPS | FIRST LOOK

Questions about First Looks is one of the most frequent questions we get from new couples. Should we do a first look? Or would it ruin the magic? The answer is ultimately up to you. There are pluses and minuses on both sides and alternatives to consider if you're on the fence. Let's jump into First Looks!

What is a First Look?

A first look is a newer wedding practice (think the last five years). It's all about documenting the couple's first wedding moments before the craziness of their wedding day sets in. Typically, the groom is positioned with his back away from the bride while she walks toward him. She'll tap him on the shoulder or undo his blindfold, and he'll turn to see her. That's when the happy tears begin (ours and the couples). They get to see each other for the first time and have an intimate moment to talk and focus on each other.

Photo | Cara Elizabeth Photo

Pros + Cons

Photo | Lindsay Davenport Photography

Pros

Pictures before the ceremony will mean more time eating and schmoozing during your cocktail and reception time.

A quiet moment pre-wedding to be together.

Capturing a beautiful and intimate moment between just the couple.

Photo | Adria Lea

Cons

You may miss the sweet walking down the aisle shock and awe.

Chancing bad luck.

A first look may make your timeline wonky (you getting up earlier = no fun).

Alternatives

Waiting Until You Come Down The Aisle

Photo | Sarah Slover

Pre-Wedding Letter

Photo | Wilderlove Co.

Pre-Wedding Letter

Photo | Reigh Walker Photography

First Touch

Photo | Ashley Rhian Photography

How do you feel about First Looks?

REAL COUPLES | KIM + KENNETH

We're switching things up today on the blog and featuring a "Bride + Groom" portrait session for #marriedfacemonday! Kim + Kenneth came to us while planning their magical New Years Eve wedding last year and we've been obsessed with them ever since.

With their ceremony scheduled for well past sundown, Kim + Kenneth opted to have their First Look and newlywed photos taken a few weeks before the big day. This untraditional idea allowed for some seriously beautiful photos at Rockledge Park in Grapevine, Texas. We loved watching our couples break with tradition and do what makes them happy! And this gallery makes us happy!

PHOTOGRAPHY | CHRISTY ARCHIBALD
FLORALS | CELEBRATE DALLAS
LOCATION | ROCKLEDGE PARK

Top 5 | REASONS TO HAVE A FIRST LOOK

When it comes to having a first look, everyone has an opinion. I mean they either love it or they hate it. There is no middle ground on this subject. For those who don't know, a first look is a moment between the couple and their photographer when the bride and groom see each other for the first time in private before the ceremony. This breaks the traditional rule of not seeing the bride before the wedding. 

Personally we're pro-first-look at Celebrate Colorfully, which is why I suggested today's Top 5! Take a peek and see if a first look is a good fit for you.  

Photo |  Andria Lindquist

1. Time - When you have a first look you're allowed 3-4 extra hours in the day to take all the photos you could ever want. This could be all your family photos so no one's waiting around during cocktail hour. Or joint bridal party photos around the venue property. Or even hours of intimate photos of you and your love.

Photo | April and Paul

2. Emotions - It can be overwhelming for a groom to see his bride for the first time with hundreds of eyes on him. The pressure to preform accordingly can be a heavy weight. First looks allow the bride and groom to get mushy, cry, kiss, and support each other in private. You can be genuinely yourselves together. There's still time to re-touch your mascara and lipstick before the walk down the aisle. 

Photo | A Sea of Love

3. Nerves - People get butterflies. A first look calms the nerves and is said to help make couples more relaxed and happier throughout the rest of the day. We highly suggest this for anyone who might get nervous in front of crowds or just needs a little reassurance. 

Photo | Levi Tijerina

4. Sunset Time - Maybe you have a 9pm ceremony start time or, perhaps, the sunset is early on your wedding day. If you want those daylight photos together, you're going to need to have a first look. I've even heard of doing a first look days or months before to get the perfect pictures. 

Photo | Phil Chester

5. Required - While researching more on this topic and hunting around for the perfect reveal photos, I discovered many photographers out there won't book a client unless they agree to a first look. It allows the photographers all the benefits mentioned above. They can tell the story of the whole day rather than the the 5 hours that normally make up a ceremony and reception. 

Will you have a first look on your wedding day?