All About First Looks: the pros and the cons

All About First Looks: the pros and the cons and should you have one or not?

11/1/2022

What is a first look or a first reveal?

Gone are the superstitions that couples cannot see each other before the ceremony - there's more to the success of a marriage than that! However, everyone has their own visions for special moments on the wedding day, which is totally okay and the day should express the two of you.

A "first look" is is when the couple sees each other on their wedding day, before the wedding. It can be special, private (or not) and creative! We've had couples read letters back-to-back, and even behind a tree before seeing each other. It is a decision to talk through together.

Pros to a first look

Cons to a first look

Emotional - just between the two of you; relieves nerves
More opportunity for the photographer to get "THE" shot
More photos with the two of you together, instead of separate
Can have one photographer (vs. two in separate places)
About the only time the two of you will spend together, alone (okay - with the photographer too)
Can get to socializing with the guests post-ceremony during the reception

No grand surprise at the aisle
No tradition - in an age where tradition is going to the wayside, the surprise is one way to hold on to tradition
Ruined makeup from tears of joy and happiness (plan some time for touch-ups)
The lighting for photography isn't always ideal before a wedding. The best lighting is about 2-hours prior to sunset, which is usually when we try to schedule ceremonies.

To do, or not

Though most of our clients opt to do a first look (it makes the logistics), we work with many clients who keep the surprise at the altar.

Consider various aspect of your wedding to help you make that decision: time of year, time allotted for photos, logistics getting to/from the ceremony site, and what is important to the two of you.

If you enjoyed this article, please join me on social! Take care - Wendee

About Custom Weddings of Colorado and Wendee V.

Our purpose is to create small intimate wedding packages and elopements for our clients, offering you ease, peace, fun, quality photography, personal style, and a focus on marriage. Wendee has worked with thousands of couples and whether or not you decide to have a first look, she can design logistics that will work well for your micro wedding day.

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Wendee Vezzetti

Mother, teacher, planner, gardener, mountain biker, entrepreneur, librarian, hiker, snowboarder, reader, chocoholic, trail runner, officiant and creative. Wendee has been planning weddings in Colorado since 1995. In 2012, she decided to "go small" and now only plans micro-weddings & elopements with 35 or fewer guests. She is also available to officiate your wedding. You won't find a more knowledgable, reliable, friendly, experienced micro-wedding planner or officiant. Contact Wendee to get started planning your intimate small Colorado wedding. 🫶🏻

Your Micro-Wedding Planner

I've been planning weddings since 1995 when I moved to Colorado from Iowa. I cut my teeth at Keystone Resort in their weddings department, then then ventured on to planning corporate meetings. But, I kept helping friends and their friends with weddings starting my first full-service company in 2002. In 2012, I decided to "go small" with elopements & micro-weddings. Please connect with me to make your dreamy, simple mountain wedding come true!

Behind the Scenes of a Micro-Wedding

Ever wonder what goes on behind-the-scenes of a micro-wedding day? Jaime L. Barba, one of our talented photographers, captured me at work ⬇️ from one of our May 2023 weddings in Boulder, Colorado. Enjoy! .... and yes, she does wedding day content creation (a great alternative if you cannot afford videography) for couples as well as photography.

Colorado Wedding Officiant

Wendee is Colorado’s trusted officiant specializing in heartfelt, personalized ceremonies. With over three decades of experience, and from the unique perspective & talents of being a high school teacher, Wendee brings warmth, professionalism, and a calming presence to your big day. Ready to create a ceremony that feels like you? Let Wendee make your wedding day truly magical!