Two of the most common planning questions I get from couples are when to do a first look, and whether bridal photos are worth the extra session. Both come down to the same thing: how you want your wedding day itself to feel, and how much of it you want to spend in front of a camera versus with your people.
When Should You Do a First Look?
The choice of timing for the first look is yours, and I would love to talk to you about when would be best for your wedding.
- Before your wedding day: the first look can be done during bridal photos (at the beginning). You will drive separately, and contact me separately so that I can arrange the meeting.
- On your wedding day, but before your ceremony: a private quiet moment. I leave the groom in a chosen spot and bring the bride to him. This is a wonderful time to exchange private vows or to share some quiet time together to decompress before all of your wedding events.
- During the ceremony: gives you a chance to see raw emotions during your wedding and doesn't take extra time and planning. I recommend this most to couples who want to keep their wedding morning simple and traditional.
Why Take Bridal Photos Before Your Wedding Day?
There are so many reasons, but here are a few:
- Taking bridal photos two weeks before your wedding allows a "trial run": you can test out your wedding hair, makeup, accessories, and shoes to make sure that you feel comfortable and beautiful wearing them.
- Taking bridal photos gives you a chance to get comfortable in front of a camera. I will give you action-based prompts that will encourage you to connect. This is very similar to when you are saying your vows or hugging your mom, and you can practice ignoring the camera!
- It takes the pressure off your wedding day! Your wedding day is not one big photoshoot, but it can start to feel like that with all of the pictures you end up taking. By taking bridal photos early, you have fewer photos you may need to take during your wedding!
Bridal photos with both of you are included in every Jade Jarvis Photography wedding package, so this isn't an extra booking to squeeze in. It's built into your planning timeline from the start.
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