SHOULD WE HAVE A FIRST LOOK?
Traditionally in the UK, the first look occurs on your wedding day as you walk down the aisle right before the ceremony begins and infront of all your friends and family. However, in many countries (including Canada where I am from) it is very common to have a first look with your partner to be before the ceremony begins. I adore capturing a first look and feel that there are many benefits to having this moment with your partner before the ceremony begins.
Since each wedding day tells a story, capturing the moment when the couple first sees each other is a very important part of the day. Even though it is entirely possible to capture the emotions behind the first look while a couple is walking down the aisle, I find it is much easier and more natural to portray these emotions in an intimate setting away from all your guests. Some couples prefer their first look to occur naturally, and think that a first look may feel staged. But a first look can feel more natural than you would think! It can be as simple as meeting each other for a special, candid moment away before the stress of the ceremony begins.
Although including a first look in your timeline may require you to get ready earlier, it will also allow you to have an intimate moment with your significant other before the ceremony. Couples tend to relish this special time shared before the ceremony, where they are alone and completely free to be themselves. Besides providing a perfect photo opportunity for couple portraits, a first look session allows for a breath of fresh air amongst the busy day and gives the couple a moment to slow down and remember how they got to where they are today, which can be very calming and useful. Since this is usually a time filled with many emotions, it is sometimes helpful to experience a quiet moment together in a private space and recentre. Many couples leave their first look session feeling more ready and less nervous for the day
