Wedding Day ‘First Look’ Alternatives
So, you love the photos from wedding photography where people see the bride for the first time! But you want to save your first look with your partner for the actual wedding ceremony. You decided that seeing each other for the first time while walking down the aisle is super important to you! But you also love the idea of a ‘surprise first look.’ As a Wedding Photographer, I’ve seen a lot of different ways to incorporate this into your wedding day.
As a wedding photographer in Campbell River BC, Victoria BC, and ultimately across Vancouver Island, I have seen plenty of ‘first looks.’ They really are beautiful to capture. But, there are many alternatives to those ‘First Look’ moments that have the benefits of those intimate First Looks. I want to share just a few of my favourites.
1. Write A Letter
A great benefit of an intimate First Look with your partner is the moments you share together before the ceremony. Typically, you get to talk about your nerves, excitement, funny moments that happened in the morning, all the champagne and fruit you’ve inevitably indulged in.
But if you don’t want to see each other until the ceremony, you can still share these thoughts and feelings in a letter to one another. It’s a unique way to share in your excitement. I mean, a text could work too but you can keep these letters for a long time.
You can write them about an hour before the ceremony – share things like your thoughts so far, how much fun you’re having, something funny that happened, a moment you freaked out, how excited you are, or honestly anything that you want! This can be very calming. Plus you can tuck these letters away behind the framing of your wedding photos and re-read them over the years.
2. Do A First Look With Your Bridesmaids
Instead of having your Bridesmaids help you into your dress, you can have a mom or one friend help you. This way, you can walk out of the room and have your bridesmaids waiting for you! The look on their faces when they see you in your dress with your hair and makeup done for the first time is priceless.
Another benefit to this is that now you can take photos with your wedding party before the ceremony instead of after. This will open up a ton of time post-ceremony. For example, as your wedding photographer, I can take images of you with your maid of honour, each individual bridesmaid, and then a variety of group shots.
This is the same for the groomsmen too! That way, when we take wedding party photos after the ceremony, we don’t have to spend much time with just the guys or just the girls, but instead, focus on the entire group!
3. ‘First Touch’ Instead Of First Look
This is a great option if you want to talk to your partner before the ceremony, but still want to save the final reveal for the wedding ceremony. As a Wedding Photographer, I’ve noticed this is becoming much more common nowadays!
The benefits are great. Chat, shake off the nerves, share stories, and build even more exciting tension before the Wedding Ceremony.
For example, we can place you on both sides of a door and have you hold hands. It does make for very sweet, emotional images and can often be humorous, plus it builds the suspense.
4. First Look But With Family (Mom or Dad?)
A first look is just as meaningful with a family member on your wedding day. It reminds me of that classic moment as a teenager heading to prom. You have your dress on, and start to walk down the stairs where your parents see you for the first time. It is such a special moment then, and almost more special on your wedding day. Seeing your parents react is a beautiful thing. Usually, there are a few tears here. I am always so thankful to be a Wedding Photographer that gets to witness and capture these moments for people. It’s near impossible to hold back tears.
This could be with your dad, or your mom, brother, sister, best friend, really anyone you care about.
If you are still confused or indecisive, let’s chat about it! Based on what is truly important to you, I can help provide some more ideas and options for planning your wedding day and getting that alternative First Look.