Keep Tradition or See Your Groom for First Look Photos? Donald Yeager Photography Helps You Decide
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Last week, I stumbled upon a great article on The First Look on the StudioWed blog. It reminded me of advice that Donald Yeager Photography provided to our readers. Donald's advice is now over a year old but his insight is timeless. If you are toying between seeing your groom before your ceremony for a First Look photo session or sticking with tradition and waiting until you meet at the altar, today's refeature should...
What is a "first look?"
Donald Yeager Photography: A “first look” is the first time the bride and groom see each other on their wedding day. This moment is magical because it’s the first moment alone that the bride and groom get to see each other on their day in a completely private, sheltered moment. He can marvel over her yet unseen wedding dress while she admires him in his wedding day finery, and they can have a perfect, encapsulated moment to share their excitement and love for one another.
No disrespect to tradition, but what are the advantages to doing a first look and seeing each other vs. not seeing each other before the ceremony?
Donald Yeager Photography: The biggest reason for you to do a first look is to allow this very special moment to be captured by your photographer. Usually, it takes place somewhere quiet with just the two of you and your photographer. A typical scenario is when the groom’s back is turned while the bride walks up slowly, taps him on the shoulder, and he turns around. In that moment, there is a flood of emotions that washes over the both of you. There are hugs, kisses, tears, smiles, and laughter.
A first look is great, because it allows any nervousness or anxiousness that you may be feeling to dissipate before you walk down the aisle. I have heard from many couples that they were happy they did their first look between them and not in front of a huge group of people. I also know from personal experience that a first look in no way detracts from or steals from the magical moment of walking down the aisle.
Another big advantage to the first look is since you two have seen each other, your photographer can take all of those family formals before the ceremony instead of after. You wont have to spend an hour after the ceremony taking formals. Instead, you can now celebrate your new marriage with your friend and families at the reception.
What, as a photographer, do you enjoy about first looks?
Donald Yeager Photography: I love, love, love first looks. I wont lie - I usual tear up. I can’t help it! The looks exchanged between the couple are genuine, unpredictable, and can not be reproduced. Plus, it invokes the memories of when I first saw my wife on my wedding day and I can't help but smile.
Have a look at more weddings by Donald at DonaldYeager.com.
(This article was originally featured in December 2011.)
About the Author:
Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide
Hey - I'm Ashley! I started AshleysBrideGuide.com to give Nashville brides, or folks planning a Nashville wedding, a local resource for inspiration and resources. Hope to see you at a bridal show soon! Happy Planning.
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Posted on March 14, 2013 |
Filed under: Advice & Planning, Photography
