5 Reasons to Incorporate a First Look on Your Wedding Day

Five Reasons for a First Look

From optimizing your timeline to providing a quiet moment together, here are five reasons why a first look can enhance your wedding day.

Your wedding day is a whirlwind of emotion, celebration, and, yes, a bit of chaos! One way to slow down and ease the day’s hectic pace is through a first look. Here’s why incorporating this intimate moment into your Detroit wedding day can be incredibly beneficial:

1. Alleviates Timeline Constraints

Scheduling portraits can be a logistical challenge, especially with late afternoon or evening ceremonies. A first look offers a relaxed window for photography, ensuring that you aren’t squeezed for time when capturing these essential memories! Moreover, it allows for a seamless transition from ceremony to reception, keeping the day flowing effortlessly. No one wants to be rushed right after their ceremony to immediately be cramped for time… a first look can eliminate most of that stress! 

2. Maximizes Limited Daylight

Especially critical in the winter months in Michigan, when daylight is a precious commodity, a first look ensures that your photos benefit from the best natural light. The golden hours of the morning or early afternoon provide a beautiful, soft glow that enhances your photos, making this time of day ideal for capturing the warmth and love of your relationship!

3. Quality Time Together

Weddings are bustling, chaotic events where moments alone can be SCARCE. A first look is a rare opportunity for just the two of YOU to connect, reflect, and share in the anticipation of the day ahead! This quiet, undisturbed time becomes a cherished memory, a peaceful interlude in a day filled with celebration and activity. Why wouldn’t you want to carve out time on one of the most important days of your life to spend with the person you love?

4. A Private, Intimate Moment

This is your chance to step away from the spotlight and enjoy each other’s company without an audience. It’s a time to express your feelings, exchange personal vows, or simply hold each other to ease the nerves of the day! Couples often find this moment to be among the most meaningful of their entire wedding day. Of course, I’m still there capturing your first look, but I am as hands off as possible during this time so you can really enjoy having an intimate moment with your partner. Oftentimes, they don’t even realize I’m still there! This is usually the ONLY quiet time you get with each other the entire day, so I always recommend you share your first look without your bridal party and families with you. 

5. Keeps the Excitement Alive

A first look doesn’t take away from the ceremony; it adds a layer of intimacy and emotion that only enhances the day. The walk down the aisle remains a significant, heartfelt moment, but the first look adds depth to this experience, allowing you to express and share emotions that might otherwise be held back in a more public setting with tons of people watching. When you think about it, what happens when you walk down the aisle? You get to the end and you can’t hug, kiss, talk, anything – because your ceremony needs to commence! When you have a first look, you can make the moment your own, however you’d like to spend that time together.

Bonus: More Time for Photos!

By opting for a first look, you significantly increase the time available for photos. This means you can capture a wider variety of shots and settings WITHOUT feeling rushed. It also allows you to join your guests sooner, enjoying every moment of your cocktail hour and reception!

At the end of the day…

With all of that being said, I will NEVER force you to have a first look if you’re one of my couples! The most important thing is your comfort level and what you want to do. After all, it is your wedding day! I will do my best to educate you on the pros and cons of a first look so that you can make an informed decision. I will support you no matter what! 

Want to chat more about first looks or have any questions about the BEST way to plan your day? Contact me here!