Breaking Traditions

By Nicole Colwell

They have imagined this day since they were children; how they would look and feel, how every little detail would come together on the most memorable day of their lives. The day they have waited for will be over before they know it. The bride and groom rely on meaningful photographs to transport them back to each special moment from their wedding day to re-experience their happiness in the many years to come.

One of the most memorable moments from their day is when they see each other for the first time. We all know the tradition of the bride and groom meeting for the first time the day of as the bride walks down the aisle. Most couples adhere to this age-old tradition. However, some couples are opting for a more modern approach of doing a first-look. This new trend is a hot topic between couples and photographers—as most couples are concerned that a first look will diminish that magic moment of the bride walking down the aisle.

In my experience, a first look will produce higher quality wedding day photos. So, how do you convince your traditional couple that a first look may be better for them? Communicate and educate your bride and groom. Each wedding and couple is unique, so please take the time to get to know your clients in order to produce images that reflect their end goals and vision. Your client is relying on your experience and knowledge to help them decide if a first look is right for them. After documenting hundreds of weddings, I have gathered my top 5 reasons in support of a first look.

“This new trend is a hot topic between couples and photographers—as most couples are concerned that a first look will diminish that magic moment of the bride walking down the aisle.”

1. Better Quality Photos

The more time we have with our couples, the more opportunities we’ll have to create beautiful images. A first look allows us to spend more time on bride and groom portraits instead of rushing through them after the ceremony due to running behind schedule or losing light. I advise 45 minutes to a full hour (at a minimum) for the first look/bride and groom portraits. This allows for a low-key, leisurely time to document the couple when they look their best. Couples can also take advantage of sunset photos, receiving a beautiful variety of portraits that they will love.

2. It’s a Special and Intimate Time

The number one reason couples are against a first look is the fear of losing that special moment during the walk down the aisle. In contrast, my grooms often prefer a first look because the pressure is off. Instead of everyone staring at him to see if he cries, the only eyes on him are his bride’s. This often results in a more emotional and sincere moment between the two.

3. Having a Late Wedding

We always recommend a first look for evening weddings or any wedding after fall daylight savings time. Couples need to understand that if they choose not to do a first look, their portraits may happen after sunset. I am a hybrid photographer, so most of my bride and groom portraits are shot on film—even my digital work matches my film style—so they receive the same aesthetic seen in my portfolio.

4. It Provides a Rain Plan

Couples typically have a rain plan for their ceremony, but rarely for their portraits. A first look gives us flexibility. In Virginia, summer brings afternoon thunderstorms. We recommend a first look for summer weddings because earlier in the day is typically more stable. This helps us photograph in the best light and keeps the couple from stressing over the weather.

“Since the couple has seen each other, you can get the bridal party and family documented before the ceremony.”

5. Spend More Time With Their Guests

A first look allows the couple to get the majority of their portraits done ahead of time. Because they’ve already seen each other, the bridal party and family portraits can also be done before the ceremony. Even if family formals are saved for after the ceremony, the overall transition to the reception is smoother, leaving time for the couple to join cocktail hour and enjoy more time with their guests.

Sample 10-Hour Summer Wedding Day Timeline (With First Look):

• 12:00–1:00 | The Details
• 1:00–1:30 | Bridal Party Getting Ready
• 1:30–2:30 | First Look / Bride & Groom Portraits
• 2:30–3:30 | Bridal Party Portraits
• 3:30–4:15 | Family
• 4:15–5:00 | Ceremony & Reception Details
• 5:00–5:30 | Ceremony
• 5:30–6:30 | Cocktail Hour
• 6:30 | Reception Begins
• 8:00–8:15 | Sunset Photos (Depending on time of year)
• 10:00 | Reception Ends

Many photographers have strong opinions about first looks and may even refuse to shoot weddings without them. I’m not one of them. Though I favor the first look, I never pressure my couples. My role is to communicate and educate based on my experience, while ultimately respecting their wishes. It’s their wedding day. Whether they follow tradition or break it, my job is to document it beautifully.

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About the Author
Nicole Colwell is a hybrid wedding photographer who has been photographing weddings since 2013. She has captured weddings across the world and resides in Virginia with her second photographer/husband David and their daughter Natalie.
📸 nicolecolwellphotography.com
📷 @nicolecolwellphotography