The First Look: Why We Love It |(And Why Our Couples Do, Too)

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You’ve probably heard the stories from both sides: the magic of seeing each other for the first time at your wedding ceremony when you walk down the aisle OR the perfect intimacy of getting to see one another in private before your ceremony – what we like to call the First Look. 

Jeff and I approach the First Look very different than many photographers – maybe it’s because of our own memory of our First Look at our wedding, or maybe it’s just because we’re die-hard romantics. Either way, it’s one of our favorite moments of a wedding, and we believe it’s the best way to experience your day.

One of the more common approaches that photographers take is they use the First Look as a logistical benefit. Because you see one another before the ceremony, you will have a lot more time for amazing photos, you’ll get everything done before the ceremony, and you’ll get to go straight to the cocktail hour after the ceremony without worrying about taking tons of photos afterwards.

While all of this is totally true, Jeff and I approach the First Look much differently. We see the First Look as having an enormous emotional advantage for our wonderful couples, not just a logistical advantage.

Imagine this: you’ve been buttoned into your gorgeous gown, every hair is in its place, and your makeup is flawless and fresh. Your beloved guests are still en route, the florist is putting the final touches on the ceremony site, and the caterer is whipping up your delicious treats. Your amazing day is just beginning, and you’re bubbling with excitement…

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first look, san diego wedding photography, why we love first look, love, sweet, romantic, wedding photography

However, from our experience of walking with so many brides and grooms through their wedding days, most of the time this excitement is actually punctuated with nervousness and sometimes even anxiety.

The pretense of not seeing one another until the ceremony can actually cause a crazy build-up of emotions, which makes it hard for our couples to relax and enjoy all of the amazing moments that they are spending with their friends and family pre-ceremony.

It’s particularly prevalent for couples that might not like being the center of attention.

first look, san diego wedding photography, why we love first look, love, sweet, romantic, wedding photography
first look, san diego wedding photography, why we love first look, love, sweet, romantic, wedding photography
first look, san diego wedding photography, why we love first look, love, sweet, romantic, wedding photography

For the First Look, we will pick a beautifully lit location that is completely private – far from your guests or wedding party or family. Your groom will be set up with his back turned to you, looking as dapper as ever in his tuxedo. We’ll set you up a few steps behind your man, and then we’ll back away to give you space as your groom turns around and sees your stunning self for the first time.

first look, san diego wedding photography, why we love first look, love, sweet, romantic, wedding photography
first look, san diego wedding photography, why we love first look, love, sweet, romantic, wedding photography
first look, san diego wedding photography, why we love first look, love, sweet, romantic, wedding photography

That moment is then all about you guys!

Unlike at the ceremony, you get to hug one another, laugh, kiss, cry, jump up and down, and soak in the realization that you’re getting married today! You get to hear how her morning was with her girls, and tell him how well he cleans up in that handsome suit of his.

Jeff and I will be capturing all of those tender and candid moments from afar, so you can experience those emotions without reservation. Your First Look wedding photos will be some of the most cherished ones from the day!

first look, san diego wedding photography, why we love first look, love, sweet, romantic, wedding photography
first look, san diego wedding photography, why we love first look, love, sweet, romantic, wedding photography
first look, san diego wedding photography, why we love first look, love, sweet, romantic, wedding photography
first look, san diego wedding photography, why we love first look, love, sweet, romantic, wedding photography

It’s all completely private, and completely yours. Then we will spend some time photographing just the two of you while you’re feeling your best, and the best part is that you then get to hang out together for the rest of your wedding day! Who wouldn’t want to spend the best day of their lives with their BFF for life?

first look, san diego wedding photography, why we love first look, love, sweet, romantic, wedding photography
first look, san diego wedding photography, why we love first look, love, sweet, romantic, wedding photography
first look, san diego wedding photography, why we love first look, love, sweet, romantic, wedding photography

The First Look allows you more opportunity to savor all that’s special about this day because you are far more relaxed. In fact, many of our couples comment that the walk down the aisle is MORE special because they could look around at their guests and take it all in without any nervousness getting in the way.

Brides – you are still walking down the aisle to marry the man of your dreams. Grooms – you are still watching the love of your life come towards you to say ‘I Do’. Absolutely nothing can replace the true significance of that moment – not even a First Look!

first look, san diego wedding photography, why we love first look, love, sweet, romantic, wedding photography
first look, san diego wedding photography, why we love first look, love, sweet, romantic, wedding photography
first look, san diego wedding photography, why we love first look, love, sweet, romantic, wedding photography
first look, san diego wedding photography, why we love first look, love, sweet, romantic, wedding photography
first look, san diego wedding photography, why we love first look, love, sweet, romantic, wedding photography

Have you always envisioned portraits with your new husband in that gorgeous post-ceremony golden light?

Because we’re able to take the time to gather your family and wedding party for portraits before the ceremony as well, we don’t need to spend time on those during your cocktail hour, which means there will be plenty of time to capture some canvas-worthy images because you’ve done a First Look!

first look, san diego wedding photography, why we love first look, love, sweet, romantic, wedding photography
first look, san diego wedding photography, why we love first look, love, sweet, romantic, wedding photography
first look, san diego wedding photography, why we love first look, love, sweet, romantic, wedding photography
first look, san diego wedding photography, why we love first look, love, sweet, romantic, wedding photography

Are you looking forward to greeting your guests at cocktail hour? The good news is – you can! If you can’t wait to catch up with your old college roommate or your cousin from out of town while enjoying your signature cocktail, the First Look allows you to do that. It allows you and your family to greet all of the friends and important guests that have come from so far to attend the wedding since you won’t need to be pulled away for photos.

Or perhaps you want to sneak away with your husband to rest and reset together before the reception festivities begin. You can choose to do either! You can join your cocktail hour or you can take some time to rest and refresh before the reception. It’s up to you and your personalities!

first look, san diego wedding photography, why we love first look, love, sweet, romantic, wedding photography
first look, san diego wedding photography, why we love first look, love, sweet, romantic, wedding photography
first look, san diego wedding photography, why we love first look, love, sweet, romantic, wedding photography

Whatever your desires for your day, having a First Look allows for flexibility in making your dreams come true… all the while holding your partner’s hand and walking through it together. 

Looking for more resources on how to plan the perfect wedding? Check out all of our tips, tricks, and wedding inspiration here!

Hugs,

Erin

Welcome! We’re Jeff & Erin.

It’s our job to help you slow down and experience every moment of your wedding day – because we believe that it should be savored from top to bottom.

We’re Jeff & Erin Youngren, a hubby & wifey wedding photography team that believes timeless trumps trendy, life is best done together, and tears, hugs, & high fives should never be held back.

We consider our couples part of our family – and we cannot wait to meet you!

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About Us

We're Jeff & Erin

We’re Jeff and Erin Youngren, and we believe running a business should be life-giving (not soul-sucking). So we’re passionate about teaching other photographers to run life-giving businesses and book clients they absolutely love.  

For 15 years, we’ve photographed weddings all over the world as a hubby & wifey team, but we’ve also grown a multi-brand photography studio in San Diego, CA. 

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