Planning your wedding is exciting, nerve-wracking, and the best time of your life. This season of being a fiance is short, but one you’ll talk about about for years to come.
When deciding on the details of your wedding, one decision you will make is deciding on whether to do a first touch or first look.
Let me be the first one to tell you, there is no right or wrong decision, just the right decision for you and your spouse. Your wedding should be a reflection of you and your spouse, and every decision should be what you want and feel is right for the two of you.
I have photographed over 20 weddings and I have seen couples choose a first touch, first look and not see each other until the ceremony, and each are equally as special. I will provide my perspective as a wedding photographer and hopefully provide helpful insight as you decide on this special detail of your wedding.
First, let’s talk about a first touch.
You have seen the Pinterest pictures of holding hands around barn doors, church doors, and various locations. You can be as creative as you want for your first touch, and I recommend you thinking of locations while touring your wedding venue.
A first touch is one way to connect before saying your vows and becoming “one”. Experts say that physical touch with someone you love and admire decrease stress levels, and connecting in this small way will be a moment you will never forget.
A first touch gives you a private moment together to walk and connect without seeing each other.
Next, let’s talk about first look.
We have all seen the videos, reels and posts with first looks, and let me just say I am obsessed. As a wedding photographer, this is my favorite moment of the wedding day.
Your wedding will be chaotic yet the best day of your life. Taking the time to be together to reflect, talk, and be alone is one of my biggest recommendations. I totally understand you want to be with your loved ones, and there will be plenty of time(trust me), but taking time to be alone is equally as important. And, a first look is the PERFECT way to include time together without anyone but the two of you(and your photographer and videographer). This can be as long or as short as you want. 30-45 minutes is the sweet spot, in my opinion.
Some think that having a first look will take away from when you walk down the aisle, and let me tell you, it will not! You can see each other all the way up until the ceremony and there is nothing that will prepare you for the moment you walk down the aisle. It WILL be special.
Now, back to the first look.
One of the best parts of a first look is being able to take bridal portraits after your private moment together. When we create your photography timeline we will discuss the moments that are most important to you and schedule bridal portraits together throughout the day. A first look will give you more bridal portraits before your wedding begins, and if for some reason we fall behind the timeline(this will happen regardless so don’t stress!) we won’t have to stress about these portraits.
Remember, there is no right or wrong decision, only whats right for YOU!
If you found this blog helpful or have any thoughts, leave your comment below!
If you are planning your wedding and still looking for your dream wedding photographer, it would be an honor to be considered to serve you on your wedding day. Please look through my website and fill out my contact form to inquire about availability!
