A first look is when the bride and groom decide to create a special moment to see each other before their ceremony.
While we would never insist clients do a first look, we think it is important for clients to consider the advantages:
More time for photos. Unless there is a large gap in time between your ceremony and reception, many couples feel rushed to get photos taken and still try to race back by the end of cocktail hour. (And that’s usually when there is the best food!) Getting photos taken before your ceremony frees up you and your bridal party to just focus on celebrating after the ceremony!
It gives the bride and groom an opportunity to have a quiet moment together before the excitement of being revealed to the guests and participants at the ceremony. In that moment, couples can end the day-of jitters and say what they wish they could say to one another at the ceremony.
It allows extra time together. Especially when the ceremony is later in the day, some couples are apart more than they are together on the day of their wedding. First looks allow couples to spend more time with each other on a day they have chosen to celebrate together. What are the advantages of a 2nd photographer? There are only so many hours in a day, and minutes in a ceremony. A second photographer allows a second point of view to be captured throughout the day. With two photographers, both bride and groom can have pictures of bonding with the bridal party while they get ready, both reactions can be captured when they see each other for the first time, and we can increase the range of types of shots a couple will get (one photographer can go up on a balcony or behind a tree while another stays by the aisle for close ups on the rings.) Having two photographers also expedites the set up of shots, allowing for more pictures in less time.
A lot of couples tell us that they like less posed shots. Ironically we do a fair amount of posing to give a more natural feel to the photograph. We start the process by looking at where the best light is, then determine the composition (where you will be in the frame). During this time the couple can relax while we get the technical stuff just right. The last step is to pose you in a way that you look comfortable and intimate. Although this might feel awkward, all you need to do is visit our blog and look over our work to trust that we are going to take some great photos this way. If there are things that are important to you to incorporate or there is a certain style photo you would like, we invite you to share that with us and we will do the best we can with current conditions and timelines. Just remember, our purpose for the day is to create photos that you are going to love.
The range tends to land between 500-700 edited photos. Occasionally it can be more or less depending on several variables that determine the number you get including the most important of which is how much time you set aside for photos.
We are still amazed every time we set up the photo booth just how popular it is and how many laughs it creates. Long gone are the days where we had to awkwardly snap photos of tables eating their salad to document who was there. Guests can grab a prop (or not) and jump in with endless combinations of friends and family to create some truly memorable shots. Guests get prints on the spot. (Many couples save money by putting the purchasing inexpensive photo holders as favors.) Some couples have guests place prints in a scrap book in place of a guest book. Couples also can choose if they would like to have the album of images to be placed on Facebook the next day. The couple also gets all of the digital images to revisit for a lifetime.
We say all day because we have tried to count hours, but when it comes down to it, we don’t want the pressure on our end or your end to make sure every important details happens within a certain time frame. On average this tends to be between 8 to 10 hours. We want to be there at the beginning to take pictures of that beautiful dress, mimosa-consumption, and grooms watching youtube videos on how to tie a tie. And we also want to be there for a great night shot, grandma on the dance floor, and that surprise karaoke number late in the night. We just like to put on the parameters “within reason” because it is an exhausting day for us and we can’t possibly capture a sunrise ceremony and sparklers at midnight.
Approximately one to two months before your wedding we will provide a form for you to complete with details about your wedding day. This sheet includes a suggested list of shots, mostly family shots, that you may edit. We make every effort to get all of those shots but cannot guarantee we get them all. Your wedding is a live event and there are many things outside of our control.
The period of engagement is an exciting time in a couple’s journey together. They have made a commitment and that in itself is worth celebrating!
Whether it’s for a Save the Date card or for a frame on the wall, all couples deserve to be the subjects of a piece of art celebrating them as a couple.
This is also a good time to get to know us, the photographers, how we work and what to expect on your big day. Many couples have not had professional photos taken before and it’s a good time to experience what it will be like on your wedding day but in a relaxed time frame.
It is important that the outfit feels like you. The best photos are when you wear something that reflects your personality. Bold colors are great, but try to keep with solids and avoid patterns or prints (including large logos) as it can be distracting. Comfort is key. If you don’t feel comfortable you won’t look comfortable! Feel free to bring an outfit change if you would like a variety of formal and casual shots.