Edmonton Wedding Photographer’s 3 reasons to do a First Look!

A “First look” is when a couple meets privately before their ceremony, thus breaking with the tradition of not seeing each other until the actual I do’s. For some couples, not seeing each other before the ceremony is really important. However, As an Edmonton Wedding photographer, a First Look is a really great opportunity to get some wonderful images, have a special moment together, and streamline their wedding day schedule. As with all decisions for your wedding day, it has to fit your vision, but here are a few reasons you may consider adding this to the day!

Teja & Chris had an emotional first look at River’s Edge in Devon.

1.  Beautiful Photos

First looks are emotional and beautiful. I love the look of delighted, surprised or teary-eyed smiles that appear on the bride and groom’s faces when they do a reveal. Those are incredible moments to capture. 

One concern some couples have about doing a first look is that the walk down the aisle won’t feel as impactful. I really don’t believe it “ruins” that moment. 

Shortly after I first started photographing weddings 17 years ago, first looks became a popular option. As an Edmonton wedding photographer, one of the first times I photographed a first look, it was an emotional one between the bride and groom-to-be. So, during the ceremony, I was a bit surprised to see the groom crying once he saw his bride come down the aisle with her dad. That moment will be powerful regardless. The reverence and excitement hits you. You are about to marry your favourite person in front of your friends and family. 

So, some couples are hesitant for that reason. While I am hesitant to completely recommend one way of doing things, as some couples want to stick with tradition or are set on being surprised at the end of the aisle. That said, if they are torn, I assure them, based on my experience having photographed countless first looks and ceremonies, that both can be beautiful and touching parts of the day. 

2. Streamline your timeline

By doing a First Look, we will get a good chunk of photos done before the ceremony. That way, you can have your cocktail hour or reception immediately after or very soon after the ceremony.  Not only does this simplify your timeline, but it also ensures guests aren’t left wondering what to do in the hours between the ceremony and reception. 

Whereas a traditional wedding schedule would require us to use the time between the ceremony and reception for portraits, doing photos beforehand usually allows the newlyweds to join the cocktail hour and mingle with guests, whereas we might otherwise use this time for portraits.

Alex & Macey did a first look where they shared letters and saw each other before we headed off for photos.

Your photos are done before the ceremony!

With many of your photos done before the ceremony, you’ll have more time to relax and fully enjoy the ceremony and reception. Awesome, right?

Love the fact that Kirk & Ryan decided to do a First Look during their wedding in Edmonton.

3. A shared moment, just the two of you

Often, with the hustle of the day, couples barely get a moment to themselves. A first look intentionally carves out time to just connect before the rest of the busy timeline. It’s a chance to share your excitement and nerves before the I Do’s. 

I’ve found that some couples are anxious before the ceremony and about being the centre of attention. Seeing their partner can mellow some of that anxiety. 

In the past years, after hearing brides or grooms mention this, I usually recommend a first look. I’ve seen a couple ease each other’s nerves before the ceremony. So, I make this suggestion based on observing that tension subsides. There is immediate happiness, and the couple’s energy remains calm and joyful throughout the rest of the day.

Of course, your Edmonton wedding photographer will be there to capture that moment of connection, but I promise we’ll give you space to be yourselves.

Rachael approached Alex on a pretty path and tapped him on the shoulder during a strong snow storm in Canmore. As a wedding photographer I love capturing these moments.

It’s a chance to see each other, all dressed up, for the first time in a more intimate setting.

Sometimes, with the anticipation of walking down the aisle, you don’t get a chance to really take in the scene and appreciate the moment. The first look is more intimate in that sense. Some couples will exchange letters or sentimental gifts. Some will exchange vows that they would rather keep just between them. 

Your Edmonton Wedding Photographer can help you consider fun alternatives

such as a reveal with your bridesmaids or parents or even your dogs!

Candace and her father wiping their tears away after sharing a moment before the her ceremony in Canmore.

Avneet shared a sweet first look on her Edmonton wedding at Hastings Lake Gardens. I love the image his arms wide open for his daughter.

Jenn did a first look with her dogs and they covered her in kisses.

This was moments before Leslie walked down the aisle with her Dad at Obsidian Ridge. You’ll never regret a first look with parents or loved ones.

Or Do what Avneet & Mike did, and hold hands, but don’t see each other. They got to exchange personal vows, before the ceremony, but didn’t break tradition by seeing each other.

The First Look is not for everyone. For some couples, they’d rather not see each other until the ceremony. Each couple is unique, and each wedding should reflect that. So, for a couple who may want some of that intimacy and connection of a first look but not compromise on a “traditional first look,” I offer an alternative I have seen and think is such a cool idea. We could call it a blind first look! Holdind hands across a threshold or “meeting” behind a wall or door.