First Look Before Wedding Ceremony
What is a First Look Before The Ceremony?
A first look is planned before the ceremony, where the bride and groom get to have a private moment to see each other for the first time before the wedding ceremony with your videographer and photographer. Ideally, this should happen 2 to 3 hours before the ceremony. Other sources may say, 1 to 2 hours, but I disagree because your guest will start showing up around one hour early to your ceremony. Don’t forget, you and your bridal party will need line up to go down the aisle 15 minutes before the ceremony start time. You both will have an authentic, unscripted emotional reaction in private. I always, give my couples 2 to 5 minutes alone and while me and the photographer capture the moments as they naturally happen without interruption.
How a First Look Before Your Wedding Shifts Your Timeline
Doing a first look before your wedding ceremony, means better natural light for your photos and video. The biggest perk for doing a first look before your wedding ceremony is that you can do all of your couples photo and video shots, bridal party, and if you plan to do your first look. Afterwards, you can even do some of your family photos out of the way. With that being said, you will have time to enjoy cocktail hour after the wedding ceremony.
Traditional Aisle Reveal
The traditional aisle reveal for your wedding ceremony is genuinely powerful moment. I have captured hundreds of weddings and they are just as beautiful. Instead of doing the first look before your wedding ceremony, you are preserving that emotional and concentrated peak of the day. The moment of “Aw” when the doors first open revealing you to your partner waiting at the end of the aisle. Sharing that beautiful first look with your friends and family during the processional of your wedding ceremony.
First Look Before Ceremony Alternatives
Still wanting to preserve that first impression walking down the aisle for your partner, you could always do a first look with, your dad, or bridesmaids, if they haven’t seen your dress already. The first look before the wedding ceremony with your dad can be very emotional and special moment. As for bridesmaids it is more of an excitement for them to see you the first time in your dress. If you are still looking for your wedding dress, I have a blog about picking out your perfect wedding dress.
Still Unsure If Doing First Look Before Your Ceremony Is Right For You?
This is a very common situation, being torn in between the two. If you are still unsure, let your timeline decide for you. Doing the traditional aisle reveal can cost you daylight. Another way to look at it is, ask yourself, “Do I want to enjoy cocktail hour?” Some couples have been choosing to have a private dinner alone to decompress, while everyone is at cocktail hour. If you prefer a relaxed day, and simply don’t enjoy being the center of attention, then go with the first look before the wedding ceremony.
About Henry Clark
Luxury filmmaker
With over 13 years of filmmaking experience, I’ve had the privilege of capturing over 300 weddings. Each time a couple steps in front of my lens, I’m reminded of exactly why I do this: because there’s no feeling like committing to forever with the person you love the most. And while it can’t be recreated, film is the next best thing. Through intentional framing and thoughtful editing, your film will put you back in that moment, in all of its beauty and depth.
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Your film should tell the story of your day in a way that is full and complete, yet that feels like a movie: rich with movement, music, and emotion. And through it all, you deserve an experience that’s completely seamless and stress-free. So you can be fully present on your wedding day, knowing that each treasured moment is documented forever.
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