What is a “First Look”

If you didn’t catch the Bakersfield Californian’s annual VOWS Wedding Magazine, here’s the article I was interviewed for describing the First Look that is becoming a new tradition for brides and grooms on their wedding day.  I’ve had the privilege of capturing this special moment for many of my 2010 couples and couldn’t wait to share the emotion behind why to choose this option for your wedding day.

Before saying, ‘I do,’ consider capturing the

‘First Look’

By Allie Castro                Photos by Jessica Frey

While superstitious brides may want to think twice, more and more couples are opting out of the traditional route and embracing the opportunity to capture their “first look” on film.

Photographer Jessica Frey describes the first look photo shoot as “an option for the bride and groom to see each other before the ceremony in more private intimate setting.”

“(We) take the two of them to more a secluded location where we set the groom facing away and have bride come up behind him so they can have the special moment of seeing each other for the first time.  Typically, I have the bride tap him on  the shoulder so that he turns facing me so that I can catch that look and capture that moment when he first sees her.”

Capturing the moment

While more traditional brides may shy away from it, Frey said that there are plenty of both emotional and logistical benefits to the shoot.

Instead of being in a packed room for the first look, the bride and groom get to share a private moment with each other where as Frey said, ” They can really relish in the day, and in how they fell and in what’s about to happen.”

She added, “After (the first shot), I typically give them five to 10 minutes by themselves, which I’ve found is the only time they really get to themselves on their wedding day.”

Taking your time

Another huge plus is that the couple gets more time to take photos both with each other, and with their families and friends.  Frey said she typically has about an hour for pictures between the ceremony and reception if the couple opts for post-ceremony pictures, as couples are typically in a rush to get to the reception.  However, the first look shoot allows the photographer an hour and a half to two hours for the shoot.

Frey added that not only do they get some great shots with the extra time, “after the ceremony we only have a few more photos to take so they can enjoy the rest of their guests and cocktail.”

Frey said that logistically, the first look shoot may also be a good idea depending upon the season.  For instance, some of her November brides may encounter issues with post-ceremony pictures because the sun sets earlier during late fall and winter.

The First Look for Megan Thompson

If you’re still unsure, take it from one of Frey’s most recent clients, Megan Thompson who, along with her husband Josh, chose the first look photo shoot.  Thompson said they originally chose this option to get great photos while still being able to get to their reception without making their guests wait.  Megan said, “For me it was a time factor because I wanted to get the party started.”

Thompson said that the first look shoot ended up having emotional rewards as well.

“You’re not distracted by everyone around you. Even throughout the whole wedding ceremony, I felt like I was distracted, but (the first look) was just me and him.  We had our moment together without all of the chaos,” Megan said.

The pre-ceremony alone time also helped to calm some of her nerves.  “It kind of took away some of my nervousness because I saw him and we got to talk a little bit.  When I did walk down the aisle, I was already comfortable, it was just excitement.”

Frey said that the first moment isn’t for everybody, but she predicts that as more and more couples see the great results of other first look photos, they’ll throw tradition to the wind and get ready for their first look.

Talk to your wedding photographer about the possibility of doing a First Look and how that may work with your plans for your special day!  Congratulaitions to all the 2011 brides planning your wedding and I hope this advice has helped you understand more about the tradition of a First Look!

www.JessicaFreyPhotography.com