Wedding Trends: ‘First Look’ Photos

Posted on November 28, 2012 by Laura Downs

Many couples are choosing to spend a private moment together before the ceremony, also called a “first look,” instead of waiting for the anticipated walk down the aisle. The love and surprise captured in a first look can be an extremely emotional moment. Even some grooms get a little emotional when they see their blushing bride!

Capturing the moment does take some coordination with your photographer. You’ll have to decide on a meeting location, the possibility of having two photographers (one to capture each of your reactions) and how the surprise will be executed.

Maybe you want your groom to stand with his back to you and turn around, or you could even blindfold him, like this fun couple:

Decide on a sequence of shots with your photographer, for example, walking up, turning around and the reaction. Doing a “first look” also means your couple shots and portraits are done before the ceremony, so you can spend more time with guests afterwards. If you’re nervous about walking down the aisle, a private moment of encouragement with your groom might calm your nerves before the adrenaline of the day begins.

You could even exchange wedding gifts or recite a prayer or private vow together.

A “first look” might not be for you if you’re set on following tradition (or are at all superstitious); after all, some brides want their grand entrance to be during the ceremony in front of friends and family. But it could end up being one of your most memorable wedding photos, and moments of the day.

Photo one; momentjunkie.com; Photo two; momentjunkie.com; Photo three; gadboisphotography.ca; Photo four; heatherarmstrongphotography.com; Photo five; heatherarmstrongphotography.com; Photo six; michellenewellphotography.com; Photo seven; michellenewellphotography.com; Photo eight; michellenewellphotography.com; Photo nine; geneoh.com; Photo ten; simplybloomphotography.com; Photo eleven; jackiewonders.com; Photo twelve; jackiewonders.com

Filed Under: Wedding Trends | 8 Comments

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Comments

Posted by Angela on November 28th, 2012 at 1:37pm

I like this better than the first look during the ceremony! To me, this is more special and intimate!
Posted by Linda on November 28th, 2012 at 4:42pm

I also love first looks before the ceremony. I totally agree with Angela, that it does seem more special. They all brought tears to my eyes just looking at them.
Posted by Anna on November 28th, 2012 at 5:14pm

I love how intimate this is! And the grooms in these pictures look absolutely wonderful, so supportive and excited. I'd love that for my wedding.
Posted by Christina on November 29th, 2012 at 11:19am

I'm a big fan of first look photos. That said, I took the more traditional route - but that was 11 years ago. First look photos are a more recent trend.
Posted by Jerri on December 26th, 2012 at 7:26pm

I love this!!!!!! I think it is more intimate because the groom doesn't have to worry about anyone seeing him possibly cry or anything like that. It is so precious!!!! :) <3
Posted by Amy on January 13th, 2013 at 9:42pm

I am kind of old fashion...This is neat, but I still like the first look when the bride walks down the aisle....
Posted by Ronan on March 3rd, 2013 at 7:11am

This is a trend that is only really starting to surface in Ireland, but i like it.
A good chance to capture raw emotion in controlled environment!
Ronan
Posted by Jeanie on April 5th, 2013 at 9:22am

This is ever so much more intimate than sharing that first look with a crowd! Absolutely touching.