A first look is a more intimate way to see each other for the first time on your wedding day. Walking down the aisle and seeing each other for the first time is a rushed glimpse at best, with no opportunity to say what you are feeling in privacy. There are hundreds of eyes on you and the pressure of the moment. Compare this approach to a first look, and there is no comparison. A first look gives you both a chance to plan your thoughts and how you want to make this as special as possible. Unfortunately, most couples do not even give this a thought. After all, tradition dictates that a couple not sees each other the day of the wedding before the ceremony .
In the 32 years we have been photographing weddings the first look concept did not appear in this area until the late 80’s. It started by some savvy couples deciding to do their “formal” photographs prior to the ceremony. This allowed them to save time between the ceremony and reception, and spend more time with their guests. Eventually the idea “why not have private moment together, just the two of us together with no pressure, no audience” evolved. The first look on the wedding day started to evolve. The old superstition of not seeing each other before the ceremony started to gain in popularity into the 90’s. Today we have several couples asking us if we do first looks. Imagine that, we are asked if we would do a first look. The answer is always a resounding YES!
Why wouldn’t we? A first look to us is the best way for two people in love to express their feelings to each other in a quiet intimate way, far away from distractions. We have captured some awesome photographs of the anticipation and surprise and sheer joy on the faces of couples who choose this great way of starting their married life together. We at Portraits by David love this approach and always support it when asked. We often suggest it to our clients, but if we detect any resistance to the thought we immediately back off a bit. The seed is planted for the first look, but we leave it to the couple to think about and decide. After all, it’s not for everyone. I would like to show you some examples of some first looks we have had the pleasure to witness. Enjoy!
Leave a Reply