Weddings are a magical tapestry of emotions, where love, joy, and anticipation blend seamlessly. One of the early decisions couples face is whether to share a "first look" before the ceremony. This modern twist on traditional wedding timelines can evoke strong feelings on both sides of the aisle. In this blog, we'll delve into the pros and cons of embracing this intimate moment, Studio Lumen style.

The Pros:

• More Intimate moment: While not important for every couple, the first look offers an opportunity for an intimate moment shared solely between the couple. This allows couples to share their first reactions away from all their guests. As the couple see each other for the first time on their wedding day, the emotions that unfold can be beautifully captured, unconstrained by an audience.  This is a great advantage for those that are somewhat shy in front of an audience (which as it turns out, is who we’re great at photographing! :-D)
• A chance to settle down: With the first look, couples can savour a few precious moments to express their feelings without the distractions of a bustling ceremony. It's a chance to soak in the realization that this is the day they've been dreaming of – a moment of serenity before the whirlwind begins, to touch base and settle each others nerves for instance - together.  Some couples see this as one of the main advantages of a first look
• Enhanced Photography: For couples who prioritize stunning wedding photography, the first look offers golden opportunities. With the first look you can build your timeline around capturing all the moments as well as humanly possible without having to worry about what your guests are doing.
• Better timelines for your guests: When planning your wedding timeline, including time to capture all your portraits, as a couple, with your best friends, with your families, and of your cocktail hour, is a big consideration for most people.  With a first look, you can have all these things, and your guests will not have to be filling in time between your ceremony and your cocktail hour. That’s about 2-3 h of time which you won’t have to worry about whether they are enjoying themselves or not. Depending on the location, this can be a large consideration (e.g., in Banff there is lots to do! In a large reception venue in a suburb, not as much).

The Cons:

• Tradition and Suspense: For couples who value tradition, the first look can detract from the magical suspense that comes with seeing each other for the first time at the altar. The aisle reveal becomes a timeless moment of its own, wrapped in the unknown.
• Shared Anticipation: The aisle reveal isn't just a moment for the couple, but also for their guests. The collective anticipation builds as everyone waits for the bride's entrance, fostering an atmosphere of shared excitement that the first look may not replicate.

The decision to have a first look or not is a deeply personal one. Consider your own preferences as a couple, the significance of tradition, and your vision for how you want your day to unfold.

At Studio Lumen, we understand the art of weaving emotions and visuals together to tell your beautiful wedding story. Whether you choose a first look or a traditional aisle reveal, we're committed to capturing the essence of your love story. Our lens captures unscripted moments and curated details alike, ensuring that your wedding photos resonate with authenticity.  Our plans are always completely customized to ensure that what’s important to you is what you end up with!