The ongoing debate..have a first look or wait to see each other when the bride walks down the aisle? Most industry professionals would agree with me and say, that if executed properly (another reason for a good coordinator) that a "First Look" is emotional, stress releasing, efficient, a memorable event, and a super use of time. See the videos, and read the verbiage below..and you decide.
Anatomy of an Uninterrupted First Look from Voila Cinematic on Vimeo.
Thank you to Voila for this..
Patti and Erick Wedding Day Preview by Jose Ortiz from Jose Ortiz Films on Vimeo.
...at about 1 minute in, you will see their first look..just amazing!
My clients and vendors opinions...
Michael Schuhmann - photographer
For me it's all about TIME & LIGHT. I can only suggest what is going to produce the best results. The b&g take it form there, it's their wedding. If things will be rushed after the ceremony or we wont have any natural light left I will suggest we do something prior. The groom will still be blown away when she walks down the isle, beside Jewish wedding are all like that. There are no retakes...
Cindy Burton Costa Schuhmann - bride
Let me expound on Michael's commentary. We did the first look. After all, he knows best...Well, it was the best decision! I still got to walk down the stairs to an awe-filled groom (TWICE!) he and Bella and I had a very special moment, then we did all of our photos before hand and it was relaxed, beautiful and memorable. Then we only had to do a few family shots after the ceremony. And when I walked down the aisle, it was still emotional, profound and beautiful for us. Only we were able to enjoy it even more because the photos were already done and noone felt rushed or as if something was missing. And my husband got the light he wanted. Our images are gorgeous! (Thank you Ryan and Scalini!!)
Mj Wilson - photographer
Couples never seem to leave enough time to take quality photos, especially of the two of them. We love "First Looks" because it gives the couple time alone, together, before the ceremony. The Groom will still see her walk down the aisle for the "first" time. When couples give us two hours before the ceremony to shoot, they get many more images than they will, trying to cram everything into the hour before the reception starts, when everything is on a deadline. Like Michael said above, at Jewish Weddings the B&G always see each other beforehand. That kind of time always produces great images. This couple had a very emotional "First Look" that also involved their family and friends.
Traci - bride
We did a private first look before the ceremony and I loved it. That first moment when you see each other is amazing and being alone gives you the opportunity to really emote without a room full of people watching you. Just to spend a few moments together before all of the family and all of the guests. All the nerves subsided to make the moments leading up to the ceremony much less stressful. I would absolutely do it again. Plus, the photographs from it are priceless.
Melanie - bride
We also did a private first look, and my husband and I both agree that those moments alone cemented the feeling for the entire rest of the day. We were both emotional, and were able to be so freely without feeling pressured to keep it together or move on because we were holding up the ceremony. It gave us an opportunity to get our nerves under control and relax a little bit before we were standing up in front of our family and friends as well. Many of my favorite photos from the entire day came from that experience, and I wouldn't have had it any other way!
Kelley - bride
I was one of the couples who thought tradition was the way to go...after some guidance and careful thought, I'm really glad we opted to do the private first look. The day rushed by but we knew we got those very special moments together captured in photos. Not to mention it calmed a few nerves and we were both glad to have a few minutes of peace together before the craziness started and time flew by.
Shannon Livingston - photographer
HUGE promoter of the first look!!! I photographed a wedding in Alaska last summer and BEGGED my very traditional bride to do the first look and all of their photos before the ceremony as well. 4 hours before the ceremony no less. It was a little selfish on my part I must say. We had the best time and got some of my all time favorite images. There were no real time restraints and it gave me the ability to be creative instead of trying to cram family photos, bridal party and the couples images in the 30-45 minutes we usually have after the ceremony. The bride and groom were able then to enjoy their cocktail hour, family and friends. At the end of the night she thanked me for pushing the idea as it made their day so much more meaningful and stress free. A sample of their images are in the SPOTLIGHT gallery on my website if you'd like to take a peek. www.shannonlivingston.com
Cathy - bride
We did decide on a first look and still agree it was the best decision for us. We appreciated our private moment, without guests. It allowed us a chance to focus on our day, our love and our marriage without interruptions. It calmed our nerves and the photos were great! He was still amazed when I walked down the lawn...
Erin - bride
We decided to do the first look when we realized it would take away a lot of stress and we could spend our wedding with our friends and family instead of running around getting quick photos. I highly recommend it because you will be more relaxed and the photos will show it.
the serious, the silly, and the SMARTS from a seasoned wedding & event planner.
