First-Look Timeline
Wondering if a first-look is right for you? Here is some information
What is a first look?
A "First Look" is a private moment when you and your soon-to-be spouse see each other before the ceremony.
Why have a "first look"?
- You get to have a private moment with each other without all of your guests looking at you. You get to tell each other, "I love you" for the last time as fiancees and get ready to say, "I love you" as husband and wife. Yay!
- It makes the wedding day a little bit less stressful- adding in extra time for the "First Look" allows more time for portraits with just the two of you!
- Also, that extra time allows you to get to your cocktail hour/reception and visit with your guests sooner. No one, especially guests, like to wait an hour + for the bride and groom to arrive.
We did a First look
They say it's bad luck to see each other before the ceremony, so why would I plan it? Well, we did a "First Look" and we wouldn't have changed it for the world! The morning of the wedding, you get so wrapped up in getting ready, people wanting to see you, that calling or even texting the person your whole day is focused on - your bride or groom - is out of the question.
When the "First Look" came, we were excited to not only see each other, but also to have a few moments without everyone around. And those memories and pictures are some that we cherish the most.
Sample First-look timeline
Sample wedding timeline for an 8-hour wedding day
1pm-1:45pm
Detail shots
Every bride loves having those beautiful shots of her bridal details. It's an important part of the story and I love shooting all the details-dress, shoes, jewelry, etc. While I'm shooting the details, I am also capturing shots of the bride and her girls getting ready. I normally allow at least 45 minutes for this part of the day.
1:45pm-2:15pm
Getting Ready-BRIDE
It's time for the bride to get into her dress! This is a big moment! Diana usually asks the mother-of-the-bride and all of the bridesmaids be dressed by the time the bride is ready to get into her dress. This ensures that everyone will look nice in those images. After the bride is in her gown, she can put on her shoes, jewelry, etc.
1pm-2:15pm
Getting Ready-GROOM
As Diana is photographing the bridal details, Daniel will be hanging out with the groom and groomsmen. He will capture any groom details-cuff links, shoes, ties, etc. While he is photographing details he will also capture groom portraits.
2:15-2:30pm
First Look
This is our favorite part of the wedding day! We will find the perfect location for our couple's First Look prior to the getting ready portion of the day! I will make sure the location is private and as secluded as possible.
2:30pm-3:00pm
Portraits
After the First Look, we will begin taking romantic portraits of you guys! I will find the locations for these shots as well! As we shot these portraits, the bridal party can start making their way to join us!
3:00-3:30PM
Bridal Party Portraits
We will shoot the entire bridal party together and both the girls and guys separately. Make sure to have someone put the boutonnieres on the guys before they arrive for portraits.
3:30-4pm
Bride in Hiding
After bridal party portraits are complete, the bride will go into hiding so that early guests don't sneak a peek and the ushers will begin their duties.
3:30-3:50pm
Reception Details
If the reception is in the same location as the ceremony, we will use this time to shoot the reception decor untouched.
4-4:30pm
Ceremony
It's time to get married! Most ceremonies are about 30 minutes long. If your ceremony is longer than 30 minutes, we'll make adjustments to the timeline. Cherish these moments! Your ceremony will pass by so quickly!
4:30PM-5:00PM
Family Portraits
It's best to shoot all of the family formals immediately following the ceremony because all the family members will be present at that time. We'll need about 30 minutes for family. We recommend shooting portraits outdoors if possible, especially if the ceremony location is dark! Make sure family members are notified beforehand to stick around for the family portraits!
4:30pm
Cocktail Hour
If the ceremony and reception are in different locations, we recommend having a cocktail hour outside of the main reception area if possible so that we can grab some great shots of your reception before the night begins.
5:20PM
Introductions
This is when the bridal party lines up for introductions and the party begins! By this part of the day, the timeline isn't as strict. And we begin focusing on the reception events.
5:30pm
Dinner
This is the time to take a minute to eat and drink. Wedding days are long, and your party is just beginning. We will also be eating while you and your guests eat.
6:30 pm
Dancing Begins
Enjoy the music, greet guests, and get out on that dance floor. Also, try not to laugh at our awkward dance moves on the sidelines.
7:30 pm
Traditions
Cake cutting, bouquet toss, garter toss, make time for the traditions that are suited best to your wedding.
9 pm
Grand Exit
We include 8 hours of coverage so that we can be present for the main events of the reception and some of the dancing. If your party is still rocking and you're not ready to call it a night, you can either add additional coverage or plan a faux exit with just your bridal party.
Honeymoon Time
Time to go on your honeymoon