ON FIRST LOOKS, WEDDING TIMELINES, AND DOING YOU // For Couples #3
So, you're struggling with your wedding timeline?
Welcome to the club.
If there's a one thing that I get asked by each and every couple, it's "HOW do I make a wedding timeline?" Even more than that, I get so many couples absolutely AGONIZING over whether or not to do a First Look for their wedding day, due to a number of factors and worries I'll address below.
Worry no more people, I'm here to help conquer these First Look and timeline blues with the next instalment in my FOR COUPLES Blog Series!
When trying to dream up your ideal wedding timeline, it may feel a little like you want to claw your eyes out, but this blog post will hopefully give you some insight into the direction you'll choose. :)
LET'S START HERE: WHAT IS A
"FIRST LOOK"?
Being a photographer who loves untraditional, unique, adventurous weddings, first looks are close to my heart.
If you haven't heard of this or don't fully understand the details, it's pretty simple! :) Instead of seeing each other for the first time at the ceremony, you arrange to see each other before the vows and take a moment to yourselves before the whirlwind of the wedding day ahead.
First, we put one of you facing away from the other at a location of your choice.
sometimes it's as intimate as taking place in your own home-
other times it's with a sweeping landscape in the background!
After taking a pause to soak in the anticipation that's KILLING you, you finally get to face each other, see how amazing your Other Half looks, and embrace :)
TYPES OF FIRST LOOKS
There are a couple different ways you can incorporate a first look into your wedding day! Have a look at this comparison below to see two ways it can fit in while still having a timeline that suits your tastes.
TYPE 1 puts ALL your photos on the wedding day before the ceremony and reception, leaving absolutely no break in between.
TYPE 2 is my favourite because it's a great balance of a modern and traditional timeline. You still have some photos after the ceremony, but the break isn't as long.
BENEFITS OF A FIRST LOOK
Doing a first look is such an amazing chance to...
- help erase your pre-ceremony nerves
- have a moment alone together before being around a huge crowd the rest of the day
- explore a SUPER cool location for some photos that may be impractical to visit with a traditional wedding timeline
YOUR CONCERNS / F.A.Q's
I know what's on your mind. Here are some reasons why you may be nervous about doing a first look (and why you can toss those worries aside)!!
- You may be worried about or already dealing with opinions regarding doing your wedding this way. You need to do you and that means the way your wedding day flows too. The people who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. :)
-You're worried that your better half won't have as good as a reaction as you walk down the aisle. can guarantee you their reaction to you will be one full of love! Even if they have already seen how incredible you look, nothing compares to the feeling they'll have when you walk towards them just seconds before your vows.
YOU GOTTA DO YOU!!
In the end, this special day is to celebrate the love you and your spouse share. Throw away your ideas of what "should be" and don't be afraid to make your dreams happen. First looks aren't for everyone, but if it's something you've been considering I hope this blog post gave you some insight into the beautiful world of this unique and modern wedding tradition!
Until next time! xx Maddie