First Look vs. First Touch: Unveiling the Perfect Pre-Ceremony Moment for You
Everyone says your wedding day will fly by in a blur… and they’re right! Your wedding day is a whirlwind of events and emotions, from pre-ceremony jitters to the joyous walk down the aisle and the excitement and fun of dancing the night away.
With everyone you know and love surrounding you and celebrating with you, many couples find themselves flitting from event to event and person to person. Precious memories with family and friends will last forever, but what about creating a special, intimate moment just for the two of you before all the excitement begins?
Now, some people reading this might be thinking, “…but couples aren’t supposed to see each other before the wedding!”
Whether you want to see each other before the ceremony or not is a personal decision for the couple to make together. Whatever feels right for you is right for your wedding. But, how do you choose?
Let’s dive in together and I’ll tell you all about the pros and cons of the First Look vs. the First Touch.
The First Look: A Glimpse of Forever
Imagine this: you're about to walk down the aisle, but before you do, you get a private reveal of your partner looking their absolute best. Tears welling up, smiles wide enough to reach your ears – that's the magic of a first look.
Pros:
Calms those nerves: Seeing each other beforehand can help ease wedding day jitters and allow you to share a calming moment.
Stunning photos: First looks provide beautiful, candid photos capturing pure emotion.
More time together: You can steal precious moments for photos and heartfelt conversations before the ceremony.
Cons:
Less aisle anticipation: The traditional "reveal" during the ceremony might feel less dramatic.
Scheduling challenges: Fitting in the first look and photos can add time to your pre-ceremony schedule. However, your photographer should be able to advise you on which parts of your day may be able to be photographed later to make room in your schedule for the First Look. A thorough understanding of the couple’s priorities for the day is key!
How it works:
When I am building a wedding timeline with a couple who wants a First Look, scouting the pre-ceremony locations available is crucial. Together, we discover the best spots to create stunning photos in an intimate spot.
One partner will be led to the First Look location and set in their position while the other partner is brought up behind. Your photographer will take the time to make sure you both look your best and instruct you on exactly what to do.
Traditionally, the First Look involves one partner approaching the other, tapping them on their shoulders, and letting the photographer capture their approach and the moment their partner turns to see them for the first time.
Pro-Tip: Make sure to ask if your photographer will give you and your partner a few moments alone after they have gotten the photos they want. True intimacy should mean some time away from the cameras together as well!
The First Touch: A Connection Without Seeing
For couples who cherish the traditional walk down the aisle, but still crave a pre-ceremony moment, the first touch offers a beautiful compromise and an opportunity to speak with your partner, re-assuring each other and sharing a moment of love.
Pros:
Heightened anticipation: You get the butterflies of anticipation without sacrificing the aisle reveal.
Emotional connection: Holding hands and sharing whispers creates a powerful emotional connection.
Flexibility: The logistics are simpler – you can often do a first touch around a corner or through a door.
Cons:
Less visual element: The intimacy is based on touch and not sight, potentially limiting impactful photos.
Not for everyone: If you envision a dramatic reveal, the first touch might not be the answer.
How it works:
When I am building a wedding timeline a First Touch, I take time to look for unique spots that offer privacy, look beautiful, and are easy to arrange the couple so that they can be seen by the camera, but not each other.
Just like in the First Look, one partner will be led to the First Touch location and set in their position while the other partner is brought up to their location. Your photographer will take the time to make sure you both look your best and instruct you on exactly what to do.
Traditionally, the First Touch involves one partner being set in place on one side of a door, around the corner of a wall, or back-to-back. The photographer will carefully lead the other partner, instructing them to watch the floor if needed, to avoid seeing a glimpse of their partner as they approach. Once both partners are in place, the photographer should let you know exactly what to do. Often, we encourage couples to hold hands so that they can feel that intimate connection and reassurance their partner brings.
Pro-Tip: Just like with the First Look, make sure to ask if your photographer will give you and your partner a few moments alone. When I leave my couples alone during their First Touch, I make sure to assure them that I will be back to get one of them and lead them away to safety, unseen, while their partner waits to leave and prepare for the ceremony.
So, Which One is Right for You?
Ultimately, the choice is yours! Deciding on a First Look vs a First Touch shouldn’t feel like a high-pressure decision. No matter which option you choose, remember that it's about creating a special moment that reflects your unique love story.
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