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!

Wedding detail shots are so important, but why?

You’ve spent so much time planning your wedding.

The date, venue, vendors…and all the little details. You may realize at the end of the night, you didn’t get a chance to look at all those datils come together (centerpieces, gift table etc.)

I love spending time getting the detail shots. I love seeing what you picked out and your vision come to life.

Every detail is part of your story, everything down to the invitations you picked out.

Maybe the flowers in your bouquet were your grandmothers favorite, the color scheme are both your favorite colors, or your table cards represent places you’ve traveled. Maybe your jewelry has been passed down through generations and your rings represent your journey together.

It’s so important to me to capture your wedding detail shots, so you can have them as part of your final gallery!

Make sure when working with your wedding photographer that they have put time in the timeline to get the detail shots.

It’s important that there is time during the wedding day for your photographer to get those shots, especially of the reception space before guests come in and take their seat!

What are some of your favorite details you picked for your wedding day? Did you focus more on the flowers, centerpieces, signs? Tell me what you loved the most about your details!

Venue: Stony Creek Brewery

Emma and Russell had their beautiful spring wedding at Lyman Estate last May with their friends & family. I met with them at Lyman to get ready for the first look.

The first look was as perfect as I imagined. Emma & Russell were both so excited to see each other, their friends were waiting around the corner and came out to cheer them on.

Emma & Russell opted for an unofficial wedding party which was one of my favorite parts of their day. Their friends got ready with them, were in the portraits and supported throughout the day. Emma & Russell had their siblings part of their wedding ceremony. Emma’s brother and Russell’s sister officiated, Emma’s other sister and Russell’s other sister walked down the aisle and the rest of their family stood with them under the Chuppah. It was the most beautiful way of joining two families (although they were already very much joined.)

The day was surrounded by so much love, respect and joy for this beautiful couple. I am so happy I was able to document their day.

If you haven’t been to Lyman Estate, you are truly missing out. It is an one of the most beautiful estates I’ve been to that sits on stunning gardens, with well-manicured flower beds, draping trees and the most romantic greenhouse.

So what do you think? Will the Lyman Estate be the perfect venue for your wedding?

Check out my packages so you can have the perfect Lyman Estate wedding! Lyman Estate is one of my favorite venues to date, you truly can’t go wrong!