Did you catch last week’s blog post on the benefits of doing a first look? If you’ve decided a first look is for you, then I’ve got some tips to help it flow flawlessly!
Romantic storytelling for modern lovers
5 tips to nail your first look
Tips from a Byron Bay wedding photographer
May 29, 2021
+1. A location scout is key!
Imagine this… You’re all dolled up and ready for your first look, so you jump in the hotel lift to head down to the lobby. The bell dings, the doors open, and standing inside is your love, picking their nose and scratching their butt… Talk about an anti-climax!
A location scout is key when planning your first look - a little logistical forethought goes a long way, and guarantees you won’t bump into each other before you’re ready.
I help all my couples plan the logistics and location of their first look. It doesn’t have to be fancy - the corner of a building or a set of stairs works beautifully! The important thing is that we’re all clued in on the location and timing, and I’ll be there to help facilitate!
2. Take your time and build the suspense…
There’s no need to rush these things! Your first look will be a cherished memory from your wedding day. While the suspense may be making your stomach twirl, it’s these emotions that make your day oh-so-special. Feel them all!
If you’re coming down a set of stairs towards your love, take it slow and talk to them on your way down. If you’re coming together around the corner of a building, why not reach for their hand first, to connect physically before you actually see each other?
Your wedding day flies by so quickly, so take the time be really be present in these moments.
3. Write each other a little love note
I’m a hopeless romantic. And I love it when couples are vulnerable and emotional on their wedding day. After all, what’s a wedding without a few happy tears!
To help charge the emotions, a lovely idea is to write each other a love note that you each read right before you see each other at your first look. Not only is it a lovely keepsake, it’s a great way to say all the words that might escape you in the rush of the day. (Plus it makes for beautiful moving photos to look back on!)
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4. Have some champagne on hand to celebrate!
And after we’ve shed a few tears, it’s time to do what we’re really here for… Celebrate! Why not bring along a bottle of champagne to share with your love and your bridal party. It makes for a great, fun photo, and helps calms those pre-ceremony nerves!
5. Allow time to recover before your ceremony
Chances are, by now you’ve shed a few tears. So it’s a good idea to leave a little time between the end of your first look and the start of your ceremony, to give you the chance to freshen up. You want to look your best for the big moment!
If your ceremony is at 3pm, I’d recommend wrapping up your first look and pre-ceremony portraits by 2.45pm at the latest.
Of course, I’m here to help you figure out all these timings! It’s a little daunting at first, but we’ve got this.
Jess
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A LITTLE ABOUT ME
My name's Jess, and I'd love to tell your story...
With 8 years of experience as a wedding photographer, and more than 200 weddings captured, it’s my pleasure to share some of the things I’ve learned along the way, to help your day run smoothly. If you have any questions, get in touch!
