What Is A First Look & How To Make It Unique
When it comes to luxury wedding photography, couples get the chance to be quite creative with their options. Your bridal photographs will authentically tell your love story, so you need to make your photography decisions wisely. One of the most amazing ways to commemorate your big day uniquely is by deciding to go for a first look. Nowadays, many newlyweds decide to include it in their celebration because it adds a special touch to the entire event.
However, many are unsure whether this is something they need for their wedding because they do not entirely understand what it includes. So, if you have found yourself at a crossroads, I have explained the concept of a first look thoroughly, along with some great ideas of how you can make it unique. You will see that this can be a great addition that will complete your big day!
What Is a First Look?
A first look is that special moment when you see each other for the first time, either on your wedding day or after you are all dressed up. While some couples choose to wait until the ceremony to see each other, many spend the morning together and then get ready separately. So, you can really make the bridal first look however you like!
A classic first look typically involves the groom standing with his back turned as the bride approaches. She can either call out to him or gently tap him on the shoulder to prompt him to turn around. They then have about 5-10 minutes to soak in the moment before heading off for romantic photos. Honestly, I really love these options - they are timeless and always lead to gorgeous pictures.
However, to make it happen properly, you will want to coordinate with your photographer. As someone who captures weddings regularly, I am here to guide couples through their first look. I have stumbled upon some fun ways to add a personal touch to your intimate moment while searching for ideas. Namely, there are tons of ways to approach it, but I will share the most unique ones to get you started!
5 Gorgeous First Look Ideas to Make It Unique
The traditional methods for a first look are fantastic, but couples are different, and not all of them want to follow tradition. Some newlyweds would go to great lengths to make their moment as authentic as possible. So, if you are one of those people who are looking for ways to make their big day stand out, here are a few first look ideas with which you can do so.
1. Hug From Behind
There is just something so comforting about a big, heartfelt hug! It makes the world feel right. So, if you and your partner are all about a good squeeze, this could be the perfect moment for you. Imagine this - for your bridal first look, the one walking in comes up from behind and wraps their arms around the other in the warmest embrace. It is such a special feeling - to be able to sense your partner’s touch without seeing them just yet. The excitement and anticipation in this moment will bring out so much intimacy in your photos. If you want your photos to be truly memorable and special, picking this first look idea might be just the thing you need!
2. The Simple Yet Amusing Tap
If you prefer to keep things simple, that is totally fine! Just walk up confidently, and when you are ready for them to notice you, give a gentle tap on the shoulder. Your partner will be excited to turn around and see you for the first time! However, you can spice things up a little bit! If you and your partner enjoy a bit of fun, you can add some humor. Tap one shoulder and then quickly move to the other side for a little surprise. That is sure to bring out some laughter, which will look gorgeous in your intimate photos.
3. Share The Moment with Your Loved Ones
Many couples like to keep their first look private, usually just the two of them and their photographer. But if you feel like sharing that special moment with others, go for it! If you have young kids, for example, it might be meaningful to include them at that moment. I have seen couples invite a sibling, their parents, or even just their dads to join in on the fun. And do not forget about pets - they can make the moment even more special! The best part is there are not any strict rules for your first look. If there are certain people you want by your side, that is perfectly fine!
4. Include a Prank
Your bridal first look does not have to be this big, romantic moment if that is not really your style. Why not have a little fun with it? One unique idea is to show up for your first look half-dressed or in something totally unexpected for a wedding. You can make this moment yours by adding a prank or inside joke that will make it truly special. A thing that makes you both laugh will surely add uniqueness to the first look and lead to amazing photos.
5. Add Props in Your Big Moment
You know those moments in makeover shows where they do the big reveal? I love how they use some kind of screen or prop to hide the transformation before pulling it away to show the stunning result.
You do not have to use any big props or elements, but there are plenty of fun alternatives! Imagine walking up behind a huge bunch of balloons or stepping out from behind a screen at just the right moment. Another cool idea is to blindfold your partner and then have them take it off when you give the cue. These playful reveal ideas can lead to some amazing photos filled with genuine reactions!
I really enjoy first looks, but the choice of whether you and your partner want to do one is totally up to you. It is important to make this decision together since your wedding day should be all about what feels right for both of you. Rest assured, you will have a lot of fun making these moments special, meaning having a first look will be worth it!
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