First Look, What is it and is it for Us? | Eau Claire WI Wedding Photographer

If you’re recently engaged, soon-to-be-engaged or already planning your BIG DAY you may have heard the terms ‘First Look’ either online, by searching for photographers or in bridal magazines and you may already know what it means – for those of you who don’t it is simply where the bride and groom see each other BEFORE they walk down the aisle.  The bride and groom dress separately as “normal” and then when both are dressed and ready they meet at a pre-arranged location (more below) and the bride walks up behind the groom, he spins around and BAM… the beautiful magic happens.  Do you know what the best part of a First Look is?  That it’s just the bride, groom and I (and my assistant too.)  It’s private, it’s beautiful and each and every couple I’ve photographed have undoubtedly been thrilled with the end result of seeing each other before the ceremony rather than waiting until walking down the aisle.

So, you might ask, “why would a First Look benefit us as a couple on our wedding day?”  Here are a few reasons why:

1. It’s a intimate, lovely moment.  You will not get much time the rest of your wedding day to just have alone time.  I HIGHLY recommend it for just this reason because when you look back you’ll realize you really only had a small snippet of time together alone.
2. It saves time.  Want to get to your party after the ceremony?  All the weight and pressure of the day is off your shoulders and it’s time to socialize and party with family and friends…. let me tell you sometimes it’s hard to get folks to focus on a whole two hours straight of photos (from traditional family portraits to the couples portraits and the bridal party).  Cut a BIG chunk of time out of that portion of the day and see each other before, your timeline will run more smoothly.
3. You’ll have an amazing background.  When choosing a First Look location I always discuss location as a priority.  Maybe it’s a favorite place that you two meet for lunch on Wednesdays?  Maybe it’s the park where you had a picnic?  Maybe it’s family land?  Maybe it’s right down the road from your childhood home?  We choose a spot with amazing light that is private and we create images for 30-45 minutes alone and then BAM it’s time to get married!
4. They are the images you’ll love to hang on your walls.  99% of the time the images from your couples portraits on your wedding day are the photographs you hang on your walls, they are an integral part of your wedding album and most likely one of the images you choose as a canvas wrap to hang in your entryway, over your mantel or in your bedroom.

Are you still not convinced?  Contact me for more information, I can arrange for you to speak with a former couple of mine who has experienced it for themselves or I can tell you about my wedding day and we chose to have a First Look!  Take a look at some images below – I think they just might change your mind on how lovely and intimate a First Look can truly be.

Katie & Lukas’ First Look in Montana

Bailey & Jenna’s First Look at Lake Wissota Golf & Events

Amber & Glenn’s Backyard Eau Claire First Look

Want to book Christy as your wedding photographer?  Send me an e-mail to see if I’m available on your day!