Should You Have a First Look?

First look photos for pittsburgh wedding.

HAVING A FIRST LOOK, PITTSBURGH WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

FIRST LOOK PHOTOS

PLANNING YOUR PORTRAIT TIMES

I take planning your photography for the day very seriously. Details and timing are crucial in the planning process. I send a questionnaire out to you about a month or so prior to your wedding day. In the questionnaire for the timeline of the day, I ask if you would like to plan a first look. Planning for a first look has a number of perks, one of which is double the portrait time and oftentimes you will end up with two locations depending on your venue or venues. When I plan for a first look, keeping ceremony and other factors in mind, I like to schedule some portrait time around it. More portrait time together = more photos of the two of you together. Who doesn’t like that?!

WHAT IF WE DON’T HAVE THE SAME REACTION?

I can say first hand – because I photograph it – that my brides and grooms ALWAYS have a reaction when they see each other at the opposite end of the aisle right before the ceremony. I’ve still had grooms crying (ohhhhh this is my favorite) when he sees his bride again and still have had brides cry as she walks down the aisle. It is still a critical moment in the day whether you have seen each other or not already.

ADVANTAGES OF A FIRST LOOK

Aside from the additional portrait time, a first look gives you an intimate moment together. You can touch, interact, and most importantly TALK!!! It’s a moment that the two of you share together (well kinda … I’m there too). I’ve also had some couples tell me that it does alleviate some of the nerves of the day and it gives them the opportunity to ‘ugly cry’ prior to the ceremony (their words NOT mine). I, personally, am a huge fan of ugly crying.

KEEPING WITH TRADITION

If you would rather wait to see one another at that moment at the opposite ends of the aisle, go for it, but take your time! When you enter, pause and focus on each other for a moment.

first look, first look photos, Pittsburgh wedding photograhers

Are you recently engaged and planning your Pittsburgh wedding?! I’d LOVE to hear from you! Please feel free to contact me below or email me directly at AmandaBriscoPhotography@gmail.com.