Tips for Brides and Grooms | The First Look | Northwest Arkansas Wedding Photographer

Most of my couples either know that the First Look is not for them or they know for sure that they do want to do it, but once in awhile I have a bride and groom who haven't put a lot of thought into it either way and want some more information before they decide.  This blog post is for those of you who haven't decided or who may not even know a First Look from a First Kiss.

Um, what exactly is a First Look?

Let's start with the basics and find out just what exactly is a First Look.  Quite simply, a First Look is when a bride and groom have decided that they are going to meet each other before the ceremony.  Yes, before the ceremony.  I can see some of you twitching right now and thinking, "You aren't supposed to see each other before the bride walks down the aisle!!! Are you crazy??" and that's okay.  First Looks are not for everyone.  Just like every wedding is beautiful, special, and unique for each couple, so is the decision to do or not to do a First Look.  And I'm completely fine either way.  Really. I know you've all heard stories of photographers insisting that their couples do a First Look, but that's not me.  I'm here to capture your story in beautiful images no matter how it is told. 

Sooooo, why DO people decide to do a First Look?

There are so many answers to that! 

Some couples decide to do a First Look because they aren't afraid of breaking tradition and they would rather free up time after the ceremony.  By choosing to do a First Look, they can then take the family formals before the ceremony and leave only wedding party and bride and groom portraits after the ceremony.  Maybe their wedding is later in the day and they know that there will not be light left after the ceremony and they really want natural light portraits.  Or maybe they want to actually be able to mingle with their guests at cocktail hour, so they do a First Look so they can do ALL of the portraits before the ceremony.  Even if you decide to do a First Look, don't worry, we will still do portraits  after the ceremony of the two of you when you are officially Husband and Wife.  Plus, you'll both have your wedding bands on for the portraits!

I have an amazing timeline with plenty of time for portraits, so why else would I do a First Look?

Some people are so nervous before their wedding day and want nothing more than a few moments alone to calm down with the person they love.  Or they want the time when they first see each other to be followed with the freedom to embrace, whisper to each other, hug, and kiss.  You can't really do that at the altar!  

I really want to go with tradition and wait until the walk to the alter to see each other, but I still like the idea of a First Look.  What about me?

Even though none of my brides have opted to go this route, there are tons of brides out there who wanted the best of both worlds and I think it is great.  All you have to do is look through Pinterest and see some really sweet examples.  Some that stick out in my mind:  having a door physically between the couple so they can't see each other, but they are able to hold hands, exchange gifts or letters  or having the groom wear a blindfold so they can still touch and hug but the big reveal is still saved for that walk down the aisle.  If this sounds like something you are interested in, let's brainstorm ideas!

Tips for Brides and Grooms | Getting Ready | Northwest Arkansas Wedding Photographer

Welcome to the first of many posts that will focus on tips for a smooth(er) wedding day for my lovely brides.  And their grooms.  Grooms are important, too.  ;)

One of my favorite parts of a wedding is the getting ready portion of the day.  The excitement just keeps building and building, everyone is so happy, and it's always fun to see someone go from their everyday loveliness to their "I'm Marrying My Love" loveliness.  It's pretty amazing and an honor to witness.  Every now and then, though, I see stress seep into this part of the day when there is no need for it.  I hope to be able to help eliminate some of that stress so that my brides can do what they are supposed to be doing: getting ready to be joined with someone they are madly in love with and start the next chapter of their lives together. 

1. Plan Enough Time

This is a big one.  So many times a bride will underestimate how much time it is going to take for her and her bridesmaids to go through hair and make-up.  Or she forgot just how long it took to lace up  her dress at her last fitting.  These oversights can eat into a getting ready timeline quickly, leaving a bride growing more and more stressed during what should be a relaxed and happy time.

A little padding in the getting ready schedule will help save the day!

• Talk to your make-up artist and hair stylist (if they are not the same person) and add on 10 minutes or so to their estimate for each girl.  
• Do a trial run for yourself so you know exactly what to expect. 
•  Remember to time how long it takes for you to get completely in your dress and then add on a few minutes because you know your mom is going to be super nervous. 

If these extra bits of time are not needed, you just gave yourself built in time just to relax and soak up the last few moments before you become a Mrs!  

2. Don't Forget the Details!

It's during the getting ready part of the day, usually when I first get there and the bride is still in the beginning stages of hair and make-up, that I shoot the detail shots.  These are wonderful for helping tell the story of the day, especially if they are something that are near and dear to the couple's hearts, or something that was a DIY labor of love.  And they are just so fun to shoot!  :) 

Details to consider bringing into the getting ready room:

• both sets of rings
• shoes
• bridal jewelry
• a spare copy of the invitation 
• a nice hanger for the wedding dress 

3. Flowers

Flowers are gorgeous!  And often they are a big part of the theme of the day, so you may want to consider having the flowers delivered to the getting ready room instead of the church or venue.  This ensures that they will be available not only for detail shots, but also for any photos with the bride that happen before the ceremony.

5. Bridesmaids 

Who doesn't love having a few hours with their closest friends, especially before such an important day?  Some of my favorite photos are the ones with the bride and her girls in the getting ready room.  They are so happy and excited and sometimes there are tears and it is just so, so beautiful. 

Things to consider concerning bridesmaids:

• have them get their hair and make-up done first.  This means that they are looking their best in the photos as you are getting ready.
• I love when brides give their girls matching or coordinating t-shirts, tank tops, or robes to wear before they put on their dresses.  Not only is it an awesome gift, but it also takes away any stress for them about what they should wear for the beginning of the day.   And yes, it looks awesome in photos. :)
• have them get into their dresses shortly before it is time for you to get into yours.  This gives a beautiful, polished look to everyone in the photos.

 

 This also applies to your mom if she is also getting ready with the bride.


6. Cut the Clutter
In my perfect little wedding world, all my brides would get married in huge, gorgeous rooms with amazing windows to let in the best natural light I've ever seen.  There would be so much room that there would be no problem at all getting a clear, beautiful view of the bride everywhere she goes. 

In reality, my brides often get ready in small rooms.  Hotel rooms, offices, guest bedrooms, dining rooms.  Even when there is a lovely room provided by the venue, when you add in everyone that wants or needs to be there for the bride as she gets ready, it can seem much, much smaller.  And with every person in the room, the clutter grows, it just can't be helped.  So, what do you do to make sure that a rogue plastic bag from that last minute run to the store, a leftover soda can or someone's hot pink suitcase doesn't pop up in photos? 
 

• Designate an area in a corner as far from the action as possible to throw coats, store bags, and put the trashcan.  This way it is easier to avoid the clutter in the photos. 
• Consider getting matching cups for water or wine.  Then they become part of the wedding day details and the story of the day!
  
  
  
  

  
  

  I hope you enjoyed my first post in my Tips for Brides and Grooms and that you found it incredibly helpful!