Why You Should Consider a First Look on Your Wedding Day | Portland Wedding Photographer Tips

You may have wound up on this page because you’re having a hard time deciding if you want to do a first look or not. Well don't stress, we'll figure this out together! There are many reasons why people suggest TO or to NOT do a first look on your wedding day, but at the end of the day.. It is YOUR suggestion. This is your wedding. This day is about you, and no one else. Let's weigh out your options together!

Let's start by pointing out the obvious. A first look is exactly that, a magical moment where you get to see your fiancé for the first time on your wedding day. Sure, it's a bit non traditional but there are a lot of great reasons why people suggest doing one of these.

First being that you get to kiss *most* of your nerves goodbye. The second you see your partner for the first time, most those icky/nervous/butterfly/upset tummy feelings will vanish when you see your fiancé, boo thang, love of your life standing there.

Second being that you will have so much more time for photos. Can I get you bomb photos in 30 minutes? Yes. I can get you bomb photos in 30 seconds, but I want to make sure I’ve educated you on everything I possibly can before you make a decision! Typically when you do a first look, you do it a couple hours before the ceremony. Directly after you have your first look is a great time to knock out family photos (whoever is there), bridal party photos, and even do some sweet photos of you and your boo. If you decide against a first look and want to keep it traditional, we will most likely do what bridal party photos we can before the ceremony, and most of the group & family shots during cocktail hour.

Third. The unpopular topic that is often overlooked. LIGHTING. It's no secret that we can't control the lighting during your ceremony. If you opt for a first look, 99% of the time we can bring you somewhere great that has beautiful greenery, gorgeous light, and will make for the best possible photos. Can we do this after the ceremony? Absofreakinglutely. And I will. I stress this more so during winter weddings, when our timeline is much shorter and you want outdoor portraits.

Fourth. FAMILY/FRIENDS/VENDORS. Yes, we’re going to go there. Please don’t make any decisions for your wedding day based on what your family or friends OR vendors want you to do. Wedding planning can get overwhelming, but please don’t let someone pressure you to go either way on a first look. This is solely your decision to make and a big part of your day that you will remember forever. Sometimes people want their family to be a part of the first look, which can be so special! But please don’t feel pressured to do what anyone else wants you to on this day. This is about you and your boo.

Fifth. Tradition. This is so important to many brides. After all, you’ve dreamed of this day since you were a little girl. If this is something that is important to you, don’t budge on it! Traditional first looks are so beautiful, and I want to make sure you get the wedding you’ve dreamed of.

Another option is to do a “first touch” or private reading with each other. I’ve had couples read lovely prayers, hold hands while standing back to back, and do sweet things like that with one another before the ceremony.

I also know this may go without saying, but I’ll say it again just incase you are overwhelmed with information. First looks aren’t just for you and your boo. You can do a first look with your parents, bridesmaids, or anyone else!

I was going to make a list here of “pros” and “cons” to having a first look, but I don’t really think there any cons to do doing a first look OR keeping it more traditional. It’s truly personal preference. If you want to make sure that we get the most out of your wedding day time, don’t hesitate to email or call me! I am here for you through this entire process.

Stephany and Justin - Loloma Lodge Wedding - McKenzie Bridge, Oregon

Where do I even start with Stephany and Justin?! These two lovebirds live in Michigan so we only got to chat via email and phone before the wedding. As soon as I talked to Stephany, I knew we would get along great.

This is one of the most beautiful venues I’ve had the pleasure of shooting at! When you’re cruising through the photos, you’ll quickly see why I love shooting weddings here. Loloma Lodge has luscious greens, rustic cabins, and beautiful details everywhere you look.

Stephany and Justin’s entire day was so laid back, and everything seemed to go perfectly according to plan. The weather was great the entire afternoon for photos and the ceremony, then it started pouring down rain. I can’t really think of a better to welcome them to Oregon. ;-) The rain showed up just long enough for us to enjoy dinner undercover, but the weather decided to behave and it stopped raining as soon as were done eating.

I can’t even really find the words to describe how special this day was. I feel so thankful that Steph and Justin chose me to spend this intimate day with them. We had delicious tacos, lots of laughter, a smores bar, and tons of dancing. Not gonna lie, when we escaped for bride/groom photos I contemplated kidnapping them so they’d be mine forever! These two are something else. The radiate incredible energy and they make you want to be a part of their life. There’s TOO many good memories from this wedding, but my favorite has to be when Steph and I escaped the wedding to go stand on the heated floors in her cabin. Pretty sure we were meant to be best friends!

I almost teared up when it was time for me to head out because I’ve never bonded with so many humans so quickly. I felt at home here but that’s just how Steph and Justin make everyone feel. They make you feel welcome, and special. I hope you two have the mot magical married life and I’ll cry if you ever forget about me. Lol.

Michigan… North Carolina.. Connecticut.. Norway.. Until next time you beautiful people! And in case you didn’t get the memo, all 45 of ya’ll are welcome to come back and see me anytime :-)