Wedding planning advice from a Detroit Wedding Photographer | Is a first look right for you?

September 14, 2018

Wedding planning advice from a Detroit wedding photographer| Is a first look right for you?

If you’re planning a wedding you know there is no shortage of questions you’ll be asking. You’ll be considering things like decor, timelines, wedding colors and more. You’ll be leaning hard on close friends, family and vendors.

As a Metro Detroit Wedding photographer I am often asked for advice when it comes to photo locations in Detroit or surrounding areas. I am often asked about how your day will unfold. More and more I am being asked “what about a first look?”.

First, let me start by saying I feel a first look is a very personal choice. Every bride (and even some grooms) dreams about that moment when they will see their future spouse for the first time on their wedding day. Weather that dream entails seeing them in private destination, having a quite personal moment before the day takes over; or that dream is more traditional seeing them for the first time when they’re walking down the aisle. I want to shed some light on this subject and help you decide what’s best for you.

Let’s talk about what a first look is. Yes, there are some brides who still don’t know about this “new” trend. A first look, also known as a reveal is when you see your future spouse on your wedding day in your wedding attire. Brides are also creating this these moments with their bridesmaids And their parents!

First looks with dad give me all the feels. Every. Damn. Time!

Let’s get down to the nitty gritty and see if a first look is right for you!

I’ve been told by some brides that they feel a first look can look fake or staged. I’ll be frank here, a first look is staged. At it’s very core a first look is simply a pre-scheduled event where you see your lover before the wedding.

However, I beg to differ that they LOOK less emotional than if you were to see each other coming down the aisle. Often I notice my groom’s are MORE emotional when they have a one on one first look with their bride. Now I’m not saying every groom with drop down on bended knee (picture the Boys to Men video) but I am saying that in my experince people tend to be less guarded when they are alone.

So is a first look right for you?

Let me start by listing the reasons a first look is NOT for you. A first look is not right for you if you feel you don’t want one. In my opinion it’s that simple. If you’ve envisioned that moment of awe as you’re walking down the aisle when everyone including your spouse sees you for the first time, then it’s simple a first look is not for you.

I hear a lot of couples say things like my family is against it, or what will other people think. There are so many choices on your wedding day that others are included in, I personally feel this is the one thing that others should not weigh in about. This is choice that should be made between the two of you.

Now that we’ve covered why NOT to choose a first look let’s touch on why you may want to consider one.

Reason number 1:

This is one of the most important reasons in my opinion. Because you want a moment alone together.

Your wedding day will go by so fast and honestly a first look may be some of the only time you’ll actaully be alone together on the wedding day. It would allow the two of you a few blissful moments to say hello, hold each other and chat for a moment before your perfectly scheduled day takes over.

Reason 2:

It may allow for more time to explore photo locations. A lot of my couples seek me out for my Detroit photo locations. These couples love the city and they want all the amazing locations our city has to offer. To them hitting these locations is just as important as the wedding day itself.

If you have hopes of capturing more than one location on your wedding day but don’t want your guests waiting 2-3 hours while we run off to take photos, then I suggest you consider a first look.

Detroit has some pretty amazing locations for wedding photos. As your wedding photographer I’ll work closely with you to choose locations that encompass your vision.

We’ll map out the large and small details before the wedding day. Things like I want photos on a city rooftop and photos in a chic bar. Reason number 3:

You want to be present at your cocktail hour. More and more I am hearing from my couples they want to be at their cocktail hour. They want to party with their guests, they want to enjoy the wonderful food and drink they picked out.

When you think about it this day isn’t just about you. I mean it is but it’s not, you’ve invited your closest friends and family to your party. Wouldn’t it be great to be present and be able to hang out with them as much as possible? I say, yes!

Reason number 4:

Last but not least I hear a lot of brides ask about their hair and make-up. How will it hold up all day leading up to the ceremony and what about after? If you want to look your best with a completely fresh face, then a first look might be good for you! Think about it, you’ll be running around hours before your ceremony, possibly shedding a tear or two while you say your I do’s. I’m sure your make-up will hold up and you’ll look amazing but if this is a concern for you, you may want to consider a first look