First looks are such a great part of your wedding day! It is a nice little time where you and your future spouse can enjoy each other's company and have some time alone before the wedding gets underway. First looks are also great if you want to minimize the time inbetween your ceremony and reception. By doing a first look you can go ahead and do all of your couple portraits before the ceremony! Below are 5 tips to help you plan your first look.
1. Location
Location is a big thing for your first look. You will want to pick a place that looks great and has good light. Talk to your photographer beforehand and let them know if you have a specific location in mind for the first look and ask them what they think. If you have no idea where you want the first look to happen then leave it in your photographers hands. They will find a place that will be perfect!
2. Privacy
This will be the first time you will see your future spouse on your wedding day and in your wedding attire. You will want this moment to be private and without distractions. As much as your parents or wedding party may want to come along, you will be happier if they didn't. Let them know that you want to spend these precious first moments just between the two of you. Without distractions and people nearby, you will be able to focus on each other and celebrate the joy and love.
3. Do What Feels Natural
This is the biggest thing I tell all my couples! If you want to run up and hug your future spouse, do it! If you want to sneak up and tap them on the shoulder, do it! Do what feel best for you! Your photographer will give you some directions as to where to stand and what way to face so they can capture your reactions but feel free to be in the moment and do what comes natural. If you are totally lost and feel awkward then your photographer can give you some ideas and you can pick the scenario you think fits you both best.
4. Forget Your Photographer is There
I know this is easier said than done! We will be there with our cameras firing away so you will have the moment captured but try to not pay too much attention to us. Enjoy this moment together and we will be nearby making sure it will be captured for you to re-live over and over! :)
5. Have Fun
I know most of my Monday Wedding Madness posts ends with "have fun" but it is the #1 tip I can give you with everything. I want you to have fun! This your wedding day and I want to make it as fun as possible! Your first look will be one of the only times you and your spouse will truely be alone on your wedding day. I want you to savor the moment and have fun with each other. Laugh, kiss, cry, hug, enjoy the emotions and bask in the moment!
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Monday Wedding Madness is a blog series that occurs every Monday and answers the questions you have about wedding photography. Have a question you would like to have answered or something that you wish you would have known before your wedding or are you a wedding professional who would like to contribute? Send your questions to jasmine@jasminenorris.com.
