first look

There is something to be said for tradition. Something old, something new ...you know the rest, but there are times when I like to break the rules." GASP Kelly, what are we talking about here?" Well, blog world, what I am talking about is a 'first look'. This is when a couple decides to see each other before the ceremony and get all the photos done in advance. "But Kelly, it's simply not done." Well, actually, yes it is, and with more and more couples these days. The time line of a wedding day can be very tight and limiting, but when you do a first look you basically can set your own itinerary and go to any location(s) you like.

  "We decided to change things up on our wedding day and take our wedding party photos before the ceremony so that we could get married and get to the party portion of the evening more quickly! As part of this change in format, it meant we were able to have a "first look" to capture a very special moment. It was very personal and romantic and we now have those pictures to forever show the look on our faces as we saw one another for the first time. We had butterflies in our stomach as we neared one another and felt all the magic of the moment. We are so happy with the way the day flowed and most importantly to have this time forever caught on camera."

Lori




MORE TIME FOR YOU- one of the nice things about getting your photos done before hand, is there is simply more time to enjoy the day together, just connect and have fun with it. After the ceremony you are apart of your cocktail hour and can actually enjoy your pre-party.
YOU ARE FRESH- there is nothing more difficult for a bride and groom than trying to pretend they are not tired after going full steam all day long. After getting up early, hair and make-up, getting ready, pictures with your girls, lunch, more pictures, ceremony, family and wedding party shots( I'm exhausted just writing this) you are pretty much done! It's nice because with a first look your energy is high and your make-up is fresh, and this is nice for your most important shots of the day, the couple shots.
EMOTIONAL CONNECTION- with the traditional reveal, walking down the aisle and seeing one another then, you see each other and then you can't really connect or chat. It's right into the business end of the wedding day ceremony. With the first look couples can see each other and really connect and take time to drink each other in. I generally shoot you seeing each other, then give you some privacy. You can do your first look privately with just me or shared with family and friends.
GUESTS WAIT LESS- we've all been to those weddings where the ceremony is at 1pm and the reception is at 5:30pm and you are in from out of town but not staying at a hotel.......sooooo what do you do now?? I had a bride tell me her and her boyfriend went to a wedding like this and they went into their car and slept. I bet they felt fresh for the reception. If you get your photos done before the ceremony, you can book a later ceremony time and basically walk into your reception with your guests, stress free.

'But Kelly, that all sounds really smart and logical, but I still want to see my groom/bride for the first time at the ceremony!' And I say that's awesome, I say it has to work for you. The 'first look' is not for everyone, but not everyone knows it is available. I just want to give my couples more options and help them plan their special day :)

“My husband & I decided to take the majority of our wedding photos prior to the ceremony as we have been guests at many weddings and were never a fan of the 2-4 hour delay between ceremony & reception.  My absolute favourite part about doing this was The First Look.  We saw each other for the first time on our wedding day just the two of us (and Kelly!).  It was intimate, emotional and just for us two.  On a day where you’re committing yourselves to each other it’s nice to have a moment just for the two of you and better yet capture it on film.  I wouldn’t have done it any other way.”

 Stephanie