The verdict is out! First Look wedding pictures

Gorgeous first look shots  PHOTO CREDIT// Joshua Dwain Photography

Quick summary of a first look wedding photo shoot:


Photo session + Just before the wedding ceremony + Bride and groom only + In their wedding outfits

Honestly, the first time I heard about this, one word came to mind. Why Why why why why?  Okay so that’s technically five words but you get the point. So if you read the article you know that this trend of having a first look photo session is actually very practical, at least in theory. Its supposed to save time somehow because you get the shots of the couple taken before the ceremony and that way you spend less time on photos after the ceremony. But one way or the other you’re still spending time on those photos though, right? Its just a matter of before or after. Theres a part of me that understands this trend, because the photo shoots done after the ceremony can be ever so tiring; the entire family is there, plus the bridal party, and everyone wants a photo with the couple, so it’s hard to get natural looking shots of the couple with such a large audience. Also, first look photos are taken soon after the couple have gotten dressed, so they are both looking their best, hair is on point and makeup is freshly applied. This ensures that the photos capture them at their best.

But lets look at the flip side. The walk down the aisle is important!!!! I’ll rephrase: The look on his face when he sees you walking down the aisle for the first time is important!!! He gets to appreciate all the time and effort it has taken to get the perfect dress, perfect fit and perfect accessories to match. Most first looks are set up in such a way that the groom has to face the other direction and the bride creeps up on him from behind so he doesn’t get to see her approach him. You only get one chance to make a first impression so WHY ruin that anticipation buildup by letting the groom see you right before the ceremony in the dress?? I.Dont.Get.It

A few things to keep in mind for those that have decided to have a first look:
• Remember to wear your wedding band for the shoot and then remember to take it off before you walk down the aisle. This is a classic mistake that is usually never noticed until the photos come back.



• If the dress is going to be bustled for the first look, remember to unbustle it before walking down the aisle. It is apparently very easy to forget to this and several brides have walked down the aisle with their dress bustled and never got to show their gorgeous train.


• For outdoor first looks come prepared with a first aid kit {lint roller, needles, pins, stain remover pen, thread} just in case of dress emergency before the walk down the aisle

Well weigh in my darlings and tell me what you think.. First look yay or nay?

xoxo