Hiiii there! Planning your dream wedding comes with a whirlwind of decisions, especially when it comes to immortalizing those once-in-a-lifetime moments. As you dive into the world of wedding photography, the traditional vs. modern debate often centers around one crucial choice: the first look.

Imagine this: the morning sun paints the rolling hills of Virginia with its golden hues, your heart races with anticipation, and your fiancé awaits just around the corner, ready to see you in all your bridal glory. The first look is a magical moment that can add an extra layer of emotion to your big day. But like everything in life, it comes with its pros and cons.

Let’s delve into the heart of the matter: should you or shouldn’t you opt for a first look?

Pros:

1. Emotional Intimacy: The first look is an intimate moment shared between just you and your fiancé. It’s a chance to relish each other’s reactions without the eyes of guests, creating a private, emotional connection that’s simply matchless.
2. Timeless Memories: The raw emotions captured during the first look often result in very unique, candid photographs. These photos freeze the genuine reactions, laughs, tears, and those special looks between the two of you—a treasure trove of memories to cherish forever.
3. Enjoy Cocktail Hour: One of the most common reasons we see couples decide on a first look is because they want to enjoy the cocktail hour with their guests. Doing a first look before the ceremony leads to creating time in your schedule before the ceremony to get multiple portrait moments done ahead of time! Instead of spending the whole cocktail hour taking bridal party, bride and groom portraits, and family formals.
4. Alleviate Wedding Jitters: Nerves are part of the big day. You’re nervous because you want to feel/look your best or you’re nervous because you’re realizing all of the planning you’ve been doing the last year is finally coming to fruition. Regardless what it is, it’s normal to be nervous about something. A first look can calm those jitters, allowing you and your fiancé to share a quiet moment together before the whirlwind of the ceremony begins. Take a big breathe, sit in the quiet and soak in the last moments you and your fiancé together as an engaged couple.

Cons:

1. Traditional Ceremony Reveal: Skipping the traditional aisle reveal means sacrificing the surprise element for the sake of a private moment. Some couples cherish the dramatic reveal as they walk down the aisle, and a first look could change this experience.
2. Earlier Schedule: With a first look, your wedding schedule may need some rearranging. It might mean an earlier start to your day or a modified timeline that leaves time to photograph these moments before your ceremony begins. This could add a bit of stress if not planned meticulously. For us at Chantel Cruz Photography, this is something we thrive in! Organizing a customized timeline with the planner and couple is vital to ensuring a smooth wedding day. This is why we take multiple steps before the wedding day to make sure we get everything the couple wants like: a wedding day questionnaire, and a final planning call 2-4 weeks before the wedding (regardless of a first look or not!)
3. Breaking Tradition: For some, the first look might seem to stray from the traditional wedding format. While many embrace modern approaches, others hold the sanctity of tradition close to heart.

Now, after reading all of that I want to clarify, we are in no way suggesting a traditional ceremony reveal is the bad way to go or vice versa. At the end of the day the decision rests in you and your fiancés hands. What would make you both feel the most comfortable? What is more important to you: a traditional reveal or private moment? Consider the rhythm of your relationship, your vision for the day, and the moments you want to treasure eternally.

Remember, whether you opt for the dreamy first look or the traditional aisle reveal, it’s your photographer’s job to expertly capture every moment of your wedding day, weaving a visual tale of love, joy, and timeless beauty for you both to enjoy for a lifetime. So, embrace your unique love story, weigh those pros and cons, and make the choice that resonates most deeply with your heart. Because at the end of the day, it’s your love that shines through every photograph, making it truly unique.

If you are looking for an experienced wedding photographer that will love on and serve you and your fiancé, reach out to us! We are Chantel Cruz Photography. We’re a team based in Virginia and we serve Northern VA, Washington D.C. and Maryland. As a Virginia wedding photographer who cherishes the tailored and tranquil moments, my craft is deeply rooted in faith and connections. At the heart of everything we do lies a commitment to capturing the essence of love in its purest form. Thank you for taking the time to read this post, we hope it was helpful for you! If you have any specific questions, feel free to comment below or email us directly- info@chantelcruz.com

Happy wedding planning!! 🩵

God bless, Chantel