A big debate within the wedding industry: to do or not to do. Well, let me tell you, it’s all your choice! This is a personal choice between just the couple. With that, I will share my opinion on the matter. As much as I love a traditional walk down-the-aisle first look, there are just too many pros to a first look that makes it take the cake for me.
A first look will give you: a guaranteed private time, a time to show off the outfits to each other (it’s hard to do that when you’re in the middle of your ceremony), a place to release the nerves and be truly present in the emotions that are unfolding, and more flexibility for your timeline and portraits.
A Note on Winter Weddings
One very specific note (if this doesn’t apply to you, feel free to skip it), if you are planning a winter wedding, please consider a first look. Without a first look, this means that the ceremony needs to be early enough to allow us enough time to capture family formals, bridal party portraits, and couple portraits all before sunsets. This usually means we’ll need about two hours of shooting time before 5:00 PM. Now, that seems fine and dandy until you realize your ceremony time would be around 3:00 PM and dinner would be served around 5:00 PM. Which again, seems fine, until you realize that the open dance floor would be starting around 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM. If you’re wanting a lively dance floor, you’ll likely need to push this to later in the night. Guests are typically not ready to bust a move at 7:00 PM, it’s just too early in the evening to go a little crazy. I’m not saying a first look is required, I just want to lay out the logistics so that you can make an informed decision.
Father of the Bride First Look
Calling all the brides who hold a special place in their hearts for their fathers – this one's for you. I must confess, even as a photographer, this moment never fails to stir a few tears in my own eyes. For many fathers, this is when reality sets in, and the sentiment hits home: "My little girl is getting married!" These are the kind of treasured memories that I consider an absolute privilege to capture. If you're among the brides who want this heartfelt moment with your father, I wholeheartedly advocate for incorporating it into your wedding timeline. This usually happens just before the anticipated bride and groom's first look.
The Bride's Perspective
I want to ensure this guide remains candid and authentic, so let's talk about a topic that often stays unspoken. As a photographer, I'm not exempt from grappling with this aspect too. The groom's experience during the first look is something that carries its own unique set of challenges. Not only are there external expectations from family and friends, but perhaps even more significantly, there's an anticipation to meet the bride's expectations.
It's undeniably tough, especially given the context of our times. The prevalence of social media has ushered in a surge of posts depicting grooms' reactions upon seeing their brides for the first time. In this regard, let this serve as a subtle reminder to extend your partner some understanding. This goes beyond the spotlight. Not all men wear their emotions on their sleeves, as is often showcased in brief TikTok clips.
It's important to acknowledge that everyone has their individual way of expressing joy. For some, it might manifest as a warm embrace, or even through heartfelt handwritten notes. This is one of the aspects that further elevates the significance of first looks. They offer a space with significantly less pressure, allowing grooms to authentically channel their emotions in a manner that resonates with them personally, rather than adhering to external expectations.
 | Hi, I’m Cassidy Drury, a Kansas City-based luxury wedding photographer with a passion for capturing timeless love stories in an elegant, artful way. I focus on creating heirloom-quality images that you’ll treasure for generations, ensuring no detail is overlooked. Whether it’s your wedding day or a special moment leading up to it, I’m dedicated to providing a seamless, thoughtful experience from start to finish. If you’re ready to invest in beautiful, meaningful photography, let’s connect and start planning how to bring your vision to life! |
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