It will be time for your wedding photos soon! You’ve heard people talk about doing a “first look” and wonder, What’s that about? A first look generally refers to the moment when bride and groom first see each other in their wedding attire. It can also mean the moment the groom first sees the bride in her dress. Here are 5 tips for your first look!

1. Communicate with Your Fiancé Beforehand

Of all the top first look tips, this one may seem obvious, but it’s crucial. Doing a first look means that you will see each other before the wedding ceremony. You and your fiancé need to make sure you’re both okay with that. If you are, then coordinate ahead of time when you want to do your first look.

2. Choose Who Will Be Invited

I recommend keeping your first look private so you can embrace the emotion of the moment—it can be hard to be genuine with an audience. Remember that it is ok to take time for just the two of you to be together on your big day. However, for some, it’s meaningful to have a few close family members or friends, so the best advice for first looks is to think carefully about whom you will invite. 

3. Get Emotional

Let the emotion out! A list of tips for first looks wouldn’t be complete without reminding you that a first look isn’t about posing for a photo—it’s about you and your sweetheart sharing a moment. The best way to get a beautiful picture is to forget that the rest of the world exists and focus on each other. As the photographers we really don’t expect anything from you, we just want to give you the space to be together for such a special moment. Bonus tip: don’t feel like you need a specific reaction to make this moment special! If your reaction is genuine, it’s right.

4. Do What Feels Right for YOU

Remember this is your moment, so make it yours! If you want to do something more than the first look then plan it in. Exchanging love letters to read or small gifts to open while you’re back to back is a way to add personality and emotion to the moment. If you already have kids or pets, you might consider including them to make your first look unique.

5. Communicate with Your Photographer

Talk to your photographer beforehand so they know what shots you want. It is often a good idea to include a second photographer for a first look so they can help capture both you and your fiancé’s reactions. We usually wait until you give us a signal that you are done, getting pictures and then stepping back for you to have time together.

There you have it—5 tips for your first look! I’m excited for you to create a special memory that will last forever. To reach out and talk about your wedding, please contact me here.