I wanted to write this blog because I know a lot of people are still not quite sure what it is and what the benefits of having a first look are. Or maybe you’ve just never really thought about it before. I’m writing this from my experience as a bride and not the perspective of the photographer. I myself had a first look before my wedding and I absolutely know without a doubt that was the best decision Matt and I made regarding our photography, besides who the photographer would be of course. You can see our wedding here.

Because we decided to see each other before the ceremony we had 2 hours of complete stress free time to have photos of just the two of us. The pictures of us together were the most important thing we wanted as a takeaway from the wedding. We looked fresh and amazing because we had just finished getting ready. We didn’t feel pressured or rushed to return to the wedding reception because we did it before the ceremony even took place. The first time we saw each other was intimate and romantic. For me it was great because I didn’t have the added pressure of everyone else in the room staring at me as I got to see my handsome groom for the first time. We could hug and kiss and admire how the other looked without time constraints. I still remember the moment Matt turned around and saw me. He was beyond surprised (I was too, thanks to my amazing out-of-this-world hair and make-up). He couldn’t believe how beautiful his bride was and I know that he was so happy we got to share the first time we saw each other completely alone. It was so fun to share those couple of hours together alone before the ceremony. The only real time we had with each other on the big day. The last benefit for us was that since we had already seen each other we were able to get all of the family formals and group shots out of the way beforehand. This allowed us to share a sip of champagne immediately following the ceremony and get right back to the reception for the big celebration. I can say with complete confidence that having a first look did not take away from how special our ceremony was. In fact the part of our wedding I remember the most was standing at the back of the aisle and just taking everything in. I was so shy and nervous, everyone had turned to look and all I remember was walking towards Matt with excitement and anticipation.

From the perspective of the photographer, I know it is super important to have natural light when taking all of the portraits and formal photos of the day. So it was an added benefit to us to have the first look otherwise we would have needed to have an earlier ceremony so that there was still a few hours of daylight afterwards for photos.

And with that I will leave you with one super sweet first look from this past summer:

Throughout the year I have been watching live workshops at Creative Live. Last week was a workshop on WordPress for Photographers. When I tuned in for the rewatch after I left my day job, I heard them say that there would be a photo stroll through Pike Place Market at 6:30pm. My heart raced – I live in Seattle, I could go do that, I could meet some people that have been such a huge part of my learning experience this year – but no, could I. No. Deep in my heart I knew I had to take the plunge, I had to just get down there and do something I wouldn’t normally do. Even if I didn’t take one picture that I liked, I would be glad that I put myself out there. Just meetin’ up with some local photogs strollin’ through Pike Place Market.

I did it. I got in my car and drove the less than 2 mile drive to the Market, found parking and met up with the group. It was awesome.