Texoma Bride Guide | Issue 007 | Summer/Fall 2020

PHOTOGRAPHY
THE FIRST LOOK EXPLAINED
A fi rst look photo session can be an amazing part of your wedding day! The goal is
to capture the raw emotion of the couple seeing each other for the fi rst time,
away from family and friends. If you're not sure about this break from tradition,
let us explain why it would be a romantic addition to your wedding day celebra tion
that not only adds to the experience but reduces stress as well!
Some of the biggest reservations around
the first look are about capturing the
reaction. We often hear, “I want my
partner to cry when they see me walking
down the aisle” or “Having a first look
might lessen their reaction at the
ceremony.”
Most couples don’t realize that when
you come down the aisle and see your
partner for the first time, there isn’t
really a moment for each of you to talk,
touch, or embrace. You have to wait
until after the ceremony is over, and the
reaction just isn’t the same.
Now, imagine the scene: a private placemaybe
outdoors or in a nice room- no
people, no on-lookers, no distractions,
just the two of you (and your
photographer). You approach your
partner from behind, gently tap them
on the shoulder and watch their face as
they turn around and finally get a first
look at you. Not only do you get to get
a good look at each other, but you can
embrace, cry, laugh, kiss, whatever
comes to you in the moment and really
enjoy your private time together.
A practical consideration of adding a first
look shoot is that you’ll receive 30-40%
more portraits of the two of you and
those are the im ages you will decorate
your first home with. It also allows you
to extend your wedding celebration.
Normally the wedding day would start
when you come down the aisle, then the
ceremony would end, you would rush
through portraits so you’re not late for
the introductions and then it’s recep tion
time. With a first look. your wedding day
is extended by several hours!
The walk down the aisle, and the first
time you see your partner is still an
amazingly powerful moment, and
something you’ll remember forever, but
if you’ve had a first look, and you’ll both
be much more relaxed. Instead, the
pressure will be off and you’ll both be
able to enjoy the ceremony. The nerves
will be gone and when nerves are gone,
true emotions are free to be expressed!
photos by Michaels Photography
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