Tips for a Beautiful First Look

The “first look” is a special, intimate moment before the ceremony where you and your partner see each other for the first time on your wedding day. It’s a powerful opportunity to capture raw, emotional photos that you'll treasure forever. If you’re considering having a first look, here’s how to prepare to make the most of this beautiful moment.

Why a First Look Can Be Special

1. Intimate Experience: The first look allows you and your partner to share a quiet, personal moment away from the hustle and bustle of the wedding day. It’s a chance to connect and savor the excitement together before the ceremony begins.

2. Emotional Photos: Seeing each other for the first time in a private setting can lead to genuine, heartfelt reactions that make for stunning photos. This moment often results in some of the most memorable images of the day.

3. Relaxed Timeline: Scheduling a first look can help ease the stress of the day. It allows you to get some of the key photos done beforehand, freeing up time after the ceremony for more relaxed and spontaneous shots.

How to Prepare for a Successful First Look

1. Choose the Perfect Location: Select a location that is both beautiful and private for your first look. It could be a secluded garden, a quiet corner of your venue, or any spot that has special meaning to you both. Make sure it’s a place where you can both feel comfortable and relaxed.

   
   Tip: Visit the location with your photographer before the wedding to scout out the best spots and plan the setup. Consider factors like background, lighting, and privacy.

2. Coordinate with Your Photographer: Communicate with your photographer about your vision for the first look. Discuss how you want the moment to be captured and any specific details you want included. This ensures that your photographer is prepared and knows exactly what to expect.

   
   Tip: Share any special requests or ideas with your photographer ahead of time, such as incorporating a unique backdrop or using specific props.

3. Plan the Timing: Schedule your first look for a time that allows you to fully enjoy the moment without feeling rushed. Typically, this is done a couple of hours before the ceremony. Make sure to leave enough time for your hair, makeup, and getting dressed so you’re both looking and feeling your best.

   
   Tip: Work with your wedding planner or coordinator to ensure that the timing of the first look fits seamlessly into your overall wedding schedule.

4. Keep It Personal: The first look is your moment, so make it personal. Write a heartfelt note to exchange during the first look, or incorporate a meaningful gesture or gift. This personal touch can make the moment even more special and memorable.

   
   Tip: Consider sharing a small, private gift or note with your partner as part of the first look. It’s a meaningful way to enhance the intimacy of the moment. This is also a good time to read personal vows if you don’t want to do so during the ceremony.

5. Prepare Emotionally: Take a moment to breathe and mentally prepare for the first look. It’s a significant and emotional part of your day, so allow yourself to fully embrace the experience. Your photographer will capture the genuine emotions, so focus on enjoying the moment with your partner.

   
   Tip: Have a trusted friend or family member on hand to support you before the first look, helping you stay calm and excited.

Lastly, another tip is don’t wear your veil during the first look. Save that to be seen when you’re coming down the aisle, so there is still the element of surprise for the whole bridal look coming together!

In Conclusion

The first look is a magical opportunity to create intimate, emotional memories that you’ll cherish forever. By choosing the right location, coordinating with your photographer, planning the timing, adding personal touches, and preparing emotionally, you can make this moment as special as possible. Enjoy the experience, and let your love and excitement shine through in your photos.

Happy planning, and here’s to capturing your first look beautifully!

From Wedding Day to a Growing Family!

I have said it before and I’ll say it again, I love celebrating with my clients through their huge life moments! It is such an honor to be trusted to document these fleeting moments in time for my clients, especially when it comes to wedding days, maternity sessions, engagement sessions, and more!

An example of this is the Koontz family! I have had the privilege of being their photographer since 2020, documenting them through their wedding, their first child, and now their second! It’s so beautiful to see a couple go through these phases of life and to support them through it!

Creating the Perfect Wedding Photo Timeline in 7 Easy Steps

Planning a wedding involves countless details, and one of the most crucial is the timeline of the day. A well-organized timeline ensures that everything runs smoothly and allows for beautiful, stress-free photography. As a wedding photographer, I’ve seen firsthand how a thoughtfully crafted timeline can enhance the photography experience. Here are some essential tips for creating a wedding day timeline that will help capture your day in all its glory.

Step 1: Begin by outlining the main events of your wedding day, including:

• Preparation: Time for hair, makeup, and getting dressed.

• Ceremony: Start and end times.

• Reception: Start time, dinner, speeches, and dancing.

• Special Moments: Cake cutting, first dance, and any planned surprises.

Step 2: Allocate Time for Getting Ready

Allow ample time for you and your partner to get ready. Typically, 1.5 to 2 hours is ideal for hair and makeup, and at least an hour for getting dressed. However, this will vary depending on how many bridesmaids you have, so definitely be in communication with your stylist on how long they need to get you all ready! This time also allows your photographer to capture those candid, pre-wedding moments and details like the dress, rings, and bouquets.

Step 3: Decide if you are doing a first look, or waiting for the aisle.

If you choose to have a first look (a private moment before the ceremony), allocate about 30 minutes for this. It’s a fantastic way to capture emotional, intimate photos and can also help ease pre-ceremony jitters. If you choose to do a first look, you can also go ahead and take full bridal party photos and couples photos so you have more time to join cocktail hour. If you choose to wait for the aisle, you will need cocktail hour to take those photos! So plan accordingly depending on which option you choose.

A good rule of thumb is to allocate about 30-45 minutes for couple portraits and an additional 30 minutes for bridal party and family photos. Coordinate with your photographer to determine the best times for these shots, considering lighting and venue constraints.

PRO TIP- Also make sure that you come up with a shot list of which family members will be in which photos. This is especially important if there are some family members who don’t quite get along. This speeds up the process and avoids any unnecessary drama.

Step 4: Build in Breaks and Downtime

You’re going to be tired- odds are you were too excited to sleep the night before and it is an early morning getting you and all your girls ready to go. Plus, weddings can be overwhelming, so include short breaks in your timeline for you and your bridal party to relax and refresh. This can also be a good time for your photographer to capture candid moments and details.

Step 5: Factor in Sunset Times

For outdoor portraits, timing can be crucial. Check the sunset time for your wedding day and plan your couple portraits accordingly. The golden hour, the period shortly before sunset, provides soft, flattering light perfect for stunning photos. Keep in mind, you will probably have to leave your dinner or dancing, depending on what time of year you’re getting married.

Step 6: Communicate with Your Vendors

Share your timeline with all key vendors, including your photographer, videographer, and planner. Coordination ensures everyone is on the same page and can work together seamlessly on the day. If you have a planner, they should do this for you!

Step 7: Be Flexible

Even the best-planned timelines may need adjustments on the day. Build some flexibility into your schedule to accommodate any unforeseen changes or delays. Trust your photographer to handle any adjustments professionally.

Creating a detailed wedding day timeline is a crucial step in ensuring that your day is captured beautifully and runs smoothly. By planning ahead and allowing time for each important moment, you’ll set the stage for stunning photos and a memorable wedding day experience.

Choosing Your Florals For Your Wedding Day

There is so much decision making when it comes to your wedding! Just when you thought you made one big decision and got it out of the way, another one presents itself. Today we’re going to focus on just one big decision- what color florals you want to choose for your wedding!

There are many different floral routes you can go. I like to tell my couples to envision what they want their photographs to look like, and base their decisions off of that. Do you see yourself with bright floral pops, or traditional white florals?

I also like to tell my clients to take into consideration their venue. The venue can help determine the vibe of flowers you choose. Are you getting married in an outdoorsy venue like a barn or a field, or are you getting married in an art museum? These factors can all come into play when choosing your florals.

Another factor is your wedding dress. So you want your dress to be a showstopper against white florals, or do you want the colors to pop against your dress? Same with your bridesmaid dresses!

Now that I’ve said all of that, I want to include some examples of past clients so that you can get a visual of what your wedding vibe can look like! I would also like to say that there are no wrong choices! Florals are florals and are just there to add a little something to your wedding, no matter what color!

Classic White Florals

Pops Of Color

Preparing for Rain on Your Wedding Day | Tips as a Wedding Photographer

Unfortunately, your vendors can’t control everything, and one of those things they can’t control is the weather. If your wedding day has an outside portion, it’s a good idea to acknowledge that rain may happen, and make a plan for if it does. This saves a lot of scrambling day of, and saves you from having to settle for a rain backup you don’t like. However, at the end of the day, you are getting married to the love of your life. Even something like rain doesn’t change that, so keep a positive mind!

Let’s talk about how beautiful and romantic an atmosphere that rain can make for your wedding day and in your photos. Rain can create such beauty in the little moments. Or it can set a sexy mood on your photos! Rain doesn’t ruin your photos, it just changes them! Keep that in mind as well.

Practical tips for couples to prepare:

1. Check the forecast early! Keep an eye on it but remember it could change!

2. Communicate with your vendors, especially your wedding planner if you have one. Make sure everyone has contingency plans.

3. Choosing your venue- when selecting the perfect venue, keep this in mind so you can try and select one with indoor and outdoor options, or a pretty covered area. Otherwise, consider renting a tent!

4. Invest in cute umbrellas! We love the look of clear umbrellas in photos! We can document a cute kissing moment, or anything else!

5. Finally, communicate with your photographer! We might have to find new photo locations for indoors or less in the rain if needed to make sure we get those perfect shots for you!

Again, I know it’s easier said than done to keep a positive mindset, but the only thing that rain can ruin is your attitude! The purpose of the day is to get hitched, and rain can’t stop that! It will all be a part of your wedding story. Plus, a wet knot is harder to untie :)

Enjoy the romance and cozy atmosphere the rain creates for you and your guests. Focus on the joys of the day, even in rain or shine!