Sophie & Fernando's first look

Hey, friends!


I'm reblogging and refreshing old tips from our previous blog for now - this was a fun one and I've updated it with newer images. 


We LOVE when our couples opt for a First Look! For the uninitiated, a First Look is when the bride and groom see each other for the first time prior to the wedding and, if time permits, take a few couple portraits before all the wedding madness begins.


Why should you do a First Look? Your personal reasons may vary, but here are the advantages we’ve observed our end. Typically, a wedding timeline has both parties arriving to the ceremony venue an hour or two prior to the ceremony. If you do a First Look, we can make the most of that idle time. Aside from your couple portraits, since you won’t have to be separate, we can also photograph some family portraits and bridal party portraits as well. This way, post-ceremony won’t have to be so packed with picture taking and you may actually get to breathe a bit before diving into the reception.

First Look Testimonial

April & Ken

“In what was sure to be a busy day, we knew that the moments where it was “just us” would be few and far between. Doing a first look gave Ken and I the opportunity to steal a moment that was just for us. And I am so glad we did it. It set the tone for the rest of the event…intimate, warm, and full of love.”

alternative: the "Blind" first look


A newer twist on this for those who still want to save their reveal for the aisle is a No-Look First Look! This is where you can remain around a corner or blindfolded, but get to hold hands and talk to your beloved prior to the wedding. We've had couples exchange gifts and letters and it's such a nice way to quietly connect before jumping headlong into the day. Kristiene and Jersey did a back to back reading of letters to each other.

Crystal and Mark opted for the around the corner style:

first look for your parents


We've also had brides who did a super sweet first look with their parents. Here is Danna and her adorable Dad:

Crystal's parents reactions to seeing her in her wedding dress:

Taking it easy


A lot of anxiety can build when you are nervous, but can’t seek comfort from the one you love most on your big day. A First Look gets that nervousness out of the way and gives you both a chance to talk together, touch, laugh and settle your nerves.


A wedding is a whirlwind where you are surrounded by people for 12 hours straight, so a First Look gives you a truly intimate moment for just the two of you to look into each others eyes, embrace and quietly reflect on the enormity of the day without a 100 people watching you. Like a pre-game huddle with two people!


Hair and makeup is at its’ freshest point here, which is great for photos :) Also, if you were secretly worried about ugly crying face in front of your guests, a First Look allows you get that out of the way privately and still leave you time to wipe your nose and touch up your makeup before the main event.


From what we’ve seen; a First Look doesn’t diminish the emotions of seeing each other walking down the aisle. If anything, we’ve noticed the smiles are bigger since neither of you are nervous anymore.


A First Look might not be for everyone, but we hope you at least think about it for your wedding day! Either way, we are happy you chose DCPG.  


More first look images

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