wedding journal

Over the years first looks have become very popular but why?

So what is a first look?

The first look is when the soon-to-be married couple see each other for the first time on their wedding day before the ceremony.

When I got married 5 years ago, I wish I had known more about the first look. We weren’t able to capture all of the photos we wanted and 5 years later, I am still bummed out. I believe if we had done a first look, we would have been able to get all of our must-have photos!

Ok, so you know what the first look is. Let’s talk about why you should do it!

1. Private moment with your significant other.

You’ll realize at the end of your wedding day, that you’ve barely had any time with your spouse. Yes, you’ll be with them during the ceremony, photos and reception but there is so much going on during that time that you won’t have had a moment to yourselves. The first look creates that moment.

2. You can get the majority of your photos taken before the ceremony.

I believe that this is one of the biggest perks to having the first look. As I mentioned before, I believe if my husband and I had done a first look for our wedding, we would have all the images we wanted.

Cocktail hours usually aren’t long enough for family, wedding party and the new married couple to all have the photos done. You may not be able to mingle with your guests during cocktail hour.

Ask any photographer, we hate to feel like we don’t have enough time for your must-have photos!

3. Calms the nerves.

I don’t think it matters who, you’re going to have some nerves on your wedding day, I know I did! Seeing your soon-to-be husband or wife beforehand can make the nerves disappear. All of my couples have felt less nervous after!

Sounds great, right?!

You’re probably wondering what the downside to the first look is, and although there are things to consider, I still think the first look is a must! But let’s talk a little about what to consider.

1. You’ll need to get ready earlier.

Ideally, you’ll want the first look to take place 1.5-2 hours before the ceremony. This means you’ll need to get ready earlier. Depending on your ceremony start time, this tricky.

During your wedding consultation, let’s chat about this to see how we can fit the first look in your timeline (if that’s what you want!)

2. Possible challenges with lighting.

The best time for lighting is about an hour after sunrise and before sunset. Most people aren’t getting married at 7/8PM at night so most first looks are happening around 1/2PM. The lighting isn’t the best, but that shouldn’t stop you!

With views of the Piscataqua River, Portsmouth is a dream destination for a wedding. There are so many unique shops tucked away and amazing restaurants with the best views.

Rooms right next to each other, Moira & Austin got ready for their beautiful Portsmouth wedding.

Before the wedding – engagement photos!

When I first met Moira & Austin in person for their engagement photos, it was clear that they were made for each other. Their chemistry was organic and nothing was forced.

They were up for anything during their engagement photos…even my weird prompts. When a couple is up for my weird requests, we were meant to work together!

Also, it was FREEZING and Moira rocked it. She didn’t complain once about how cold it was – she killed it!

6 months later…Wedding Day!

When I first saw Moira & Austin on their wedding day, they were getting ready in separate rooms. Both were SO excited to marry each other and you could tell. There were tears and nervousness (as to be expected!) but most of all pure excitement. They were an hour away from seeing each other on their wedding day.

The entire day was perfect. The weather, the couple, the vows (got me choked up), the guests, the party…absolute perfection.

Moira & Austin were meant to be. It was evident from the moment I met them. They bring out the best in each other and it is clear when you see them interact with one another.

Moira & Austin, the energy you bring is infectious and I feel so lucky to have been able to be part of your day.

Shoutout to the vendors that made their day possible!

Ceremony: Moffatt Ladd House & Gardens

Reception: Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside Hotel

Florist: Jardiniere Flowers

DJ: Jimi Carter – All Pro Events DJ

Cake & Desserts: Jacques Pastries

Stationary: Portsmouth Invitation Company

-Danielle

Have you thought about doing a Surprise proposal? If so, this post is for you!

There is something so magical about playing a part in a moment that will change your life forever.

Conor first reached out to me in the spring about wanting to propose to his girlfriend while on vacation down the Cape, their first time ever being there.

Since neither of them had ever been to the Cape, he wasn’t sure where the best location was, all he knew was that he had booked dinner for 7:30PM at the Chatham Bars Inn.

I was excited to help find the perfect spot so that it didn’t make it too obvious that he was going to propose that day.

We worked together for months planning at the most perfect proposal and it was just that…perfect.

The Proposal

My initial plan was to be on the beach already “photographing someone” aka my sister but when that fell through, I quickly changed plans.

If you’ve been to the Cape or any beach during the summer, you know that it isn’t out of the ordinary for someone to be sitting on their beach towel reading in the evening. So that’s what I did! I gave Conor the color of my beach towel (bright green), had my book out and camera hidden so I would be ready to capture the proposal!

Madison had no idea that I was there! It was perfect.

After the proposal and now standing feet from them with my camera, she realized that the whole thing had been caught on camera.

We spent the next hour capturing their engagement – running through the sand, laughing and ended with champagne pop…so much fun!

Conor & Madison, thank you so much for trusting me with capturing your surprise proposal. I had so much fun with you both!

If you are thinking about doing a surprise propsal, let’s chat!