SHOULD YOU DO A FIRST LOOK OR A FIRST TOUCH?

Today we’re talking all about your options of a first look or a first touch. First of all, what the heck are they?

A first look is where a couple see’s each other before the ceremony.  It’s usually a bit of a staged reveal; typically one partner is waiting with their back turned for the other.  The other can come and tap them on the shoulder or call out their name to turn around.  First looks are usually very intimate, only the couple and the photographers and videographers are typically present.

Now let’s talk about some pro’s and cons of …

A First Look

Pro: This is great for couples who may be very nervous about walking down the aisle.  It takes a lot of the pressure off of seeing your partner for the first time while a crowd is all eyes on you.

Con: It’s non traditional and unconventional.  For the classic Bride or Groom this may not be the right fit.

Pro: You get more time to take the couples photos. You can now do them before the ceremony and not feel rushed to get them done after the ceremony. Leaving more time for bridal party and family photos.  Depending on how you set up your schedule, you may even be able to get the bridal party photos done before the ceremony too! This means getting to your cocktail hour or reception much earlier!

Con: Depending on your venue, some early guests may get a sneak peak.  And those guests may try to come and talk to you before the ceremony; slowing things down or drawing a bigger crowd.

Pro: You get some alone time as a couple.  When you do a first look, myself and my Husband as your photographers like to get your portraits done quickly so you guys can have 5 or 10 minutes alone before the ceremony.  Because honestly, this is probably the only alone time you will get until after your grand exit.

Pro: We can usually get better and more reaction shots of the two of you seeing each other for the first time.  Having control over the location and environment allows us to be 110% ready to capture that reaction without any interruptions or guests accidentally getting in the way.

Okay, so we’ve covered a first look, what is this first touch you speak of? A first touch is similar to a first look but the couple never actually see’s each other. 

How we usually set this up is each partner on opposite sides of an open door, or back to back.  The couple then gets a few minutes to hold hands and talk! Couples use this time to pray, exchange letters, say private vows or just talk about how excited they are! Here’s the pros and cons of…

A First Touch

Pro: A first touch can also help with nerves with out breaking the tradition of not seeing each other before the ceremony.

Con: It can take some serious orchestrating to pull off and a good location is key. There is always the risk that someone will accidentally peek, but we do our very best to prevent this.

Pro: It makes for some amazing before ceremony photos!

Con: Depending on your venue, and the location of the first touch, you may run the same risk as a first look of early guests running into you.

So, what do you think? Does a first look or first touch fit your style and your dream day?