Time to take a moment to reflect on one of my favorite parts: the first look. When I mention this word during an introductory meeting, I see many a groom thinking 'the first whatteuh'? Well, quite literally translated: the first time you see each other, made up and in your wedding attire.
Ohhhh, an emotional highlight of your day.
Swoon.
A VERY LONG TIME AGO
Then once there was a primeval man and he drew a deer.
(Whether I'm quoting Samson and Gert full throttle here. Nyep. I'm a child of the 80s, notice).
No, all jokes aside: As you most likely know, it used to be customary for the bride to sleep in her parents' house the night before the wedding. The neighborhood gathered for a shooting (it can't get any more Flemish than that) and the bride was picked up the next morning by her groom with an out-of-this-world bouquet in hand. So the first look often took place at the front door or in the hallway of the parental home. Okay, correction, so apparently it could be even more Flemish.
Although I have a huge soft spot for traditions, the disappearance of the first look at the front door is something I'm not super sad about. First looks are by far one of my favorite photo opportunities during your wedding day because they carry a lot of genuine emotion. When a couple sees each other for the first time during such an emotionally charged moment, the world around them disappears for just a moment. Yes, even for couples who are actually quite uncomfortable in front of the camera.
So the first look is actually a super rewarding moment to score beautiful, unposed photos full of emotion very early in your day. Mental picture: you stand as a newly made-up bride beaming in your dream dress while your future husband slowly turns around to stare at you, only to stare at you more in love than ever as he pulls you against him for a kiss of epic proportions, and all of this beautifully framed by... a moth-eaten old front door. Did you also feel that bit of disappointment at the end? ;-) Well then I can really only recommend that you still take a moment to consider the different options available for your first look.
Another reason I would advise against a first look at the front door to my couples is because this is a setting that greatly limits my ability as a photographer to create varied and natural images. Given the limited space, I am forced to choose to capture the emotion of 1 person and do not have the opportunity to change. Either I stay inside and only go for the groom's reaction (hello back of the bride while she is probably smiling radiantly) or I go outside and only go for the bride's reaction (hi, back of that no doubt in love looking man). Not to mention the lack of light which makes my options very limited.
OK. HOW COULD IT BE OTHERWISE?
The possibilities are actually endless. That's why I'm going to limit myself below to the options I've seen work most often so far. Would you like to brainstorm together on a creative option that is completely unique and tailored to you? You can always reach out to me!
AN INTIMATE MOMENT ON LOCATION
Your wedding day is all about you and most importantly, about your love. It is easy to take it for granted that you will have lots of time and space for each other throughout the day. I hate to burst your bubble, but in reality, your schedule is often very well packed with connecting events and lots of people who want to share your love. Is that super fun? Ab-so-lutely! But does it give many opportunities for an intimate moment between the two of you? No, it does not.
So what I would recommend to you is to start the day off right by starting with a moment for each other. Provide a time slot in your full schedule to start the day in peace and enjoy each other shamelessly for a while. Ideally, we will go to a nice location with beautiful light and movement options nearby or already something near the location you need to go to next. I will help you with the practical planning work, happily play cab for one of you, make sure everything on site runs smoothly, .... In short: feel free to call on me to help you achieve the first look of your dreams.
You can then enjoy this special, first moment with each other in peace and beauty and get beautiful, natural images in the bargain to never forget it.
Win - Win, right?
EXTENDED FIRST LOOK ON LOCATION
Do you like that first look on location but there are people you feel it's important for them to be present at this time as well? Then you can go for a slightly more elaborate version of the first look on location. You ask your intimates to come to the location of your choice and leave it to me to set them up for an optimal first look in group.
In my setup, I make sure to capture the reactions of as many people as possible without losing focus on bride or groom. Get those tears rolling from the moms and dads!
THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
Are you won over for an intimate first look but also want to share this important moment on the other side with your loved ones? Then opt for a combination of the two.
Organize an individual first look of the bride and/or groom with his/her suite at the location of getting ready and then leave alone to the other location of your choice for the first look with the two of you.
To choose is to lose. Right?
FIRST LOOK POWER UPS
Ok, you decided to make your first look something special on location? YAAAY you guys!
Then I'll give you 2 more tips on how to make the most of this moment for yourself and for your photos.
POWER UP 1:
Do you already get clammy hands at the idea of declaring your chamois-sweet love to each other in front of a large group of people later in the day? Or are there just things you want to share with each other but therefore not with the whole world? Then use the first look as a little "ceremony moment" to share your most intimate vows with each other.
A moment with just you and your vows (and okay yes, as inconspicuous a photographer as possible). Romantic isn't it?
POWER UP 2:
Provide some extra space in your schedule for some extra cuddling and kissing (read: a small photo shoot). This relaxed moment lends itself very well to taking some extra couple photos so that you have a little more variety in your end gallery in that area as well.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST
Want a dramatic first look that could be straight out of the movies? Then go for nothing less than a first look during your ceremony.
A groom waiting at the front with knees buckling for his bride as she walks down the aisle accompanied by the "oooohs" and "aaahs" of the guests. A person would shed a tear for less.
While this is an unforgettable moment, I do have 2 important caveats about this type of first look.
DO YOU ALL WANT IT?
Do you want the intimacy of a first look with the two of you but also the drama of a first look during the ceremony?
Who says you have to choose. I know I didn't on my wedding day, haha.
Then go for starting the day with a first look with you two on location and then doing a first look with your intimates/invited guests as you arrive at your ceremony.
Note: From personal experience from my own wedding day, I can say that this does take some planning & arranging to ensure that your guests are on time and already seated at the ceremony upon your arrival.
(Did someone say wedding planner here?)
Summary:
Everything is possible! Above all, do what you feel like and what suits you best.
And is that at your front door for you anyway? Then why the hell not.
Your day. Your rules.
