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  4. Pro Tips for Capturing That First Look Magic
Martha Stewart Weddings

Pro Tips for Capturing That First Look Magic

jess levin profile image
By Jess Levin
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first look magic lighting michelle beller
Credit: Michelle Beller Photography

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first look magic lighting michelle beller
Credit: Michelle Beller Photography

The "first look"—when the bride and groom see each other just before the  wedding—is one of the most memorable and emotional moments you'll have on your wedding day. Think about it: After months of finding the right dress, hairstyle and makeup, you finally get to show your groom. Beyond the actual first look moment, the two of you have a bit of time to spend together before being thrown into the happy frenzy that is your wedding day! To make sure that first look magic is captured precisely, we asked professional photographers for tips on how to make it happen.

Don't Underestimate the Power of Lighting

"Find the perfect spot where the lighting is exceptional." —Michelle Beller, owner and principal photographer, Michelle Beller Photography

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Location Matters

first look magic location kelli durham
Credit: Kelli Durham

"Since a first look is a private moment between the bride and groom, finding a location that is not just aesthetically pleasing but also remote is key. This allows for an intimate and genuine first exchange, without millions of eyes and guests surrounding them." —Kelli Durham, owner/photographer, Kelli Durham

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Make it Meaningful

first look magic meaningful ira lippke studios
Credit: The Day by Ira Lippke

"I tell all my brides and grooms that they should think of the photography as secondary [to the wedding]. The primary perspective for them is to deeply experience and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime event. This is especially true during the first look. Not only will it be a much more meaningful experience for them, but I get much better photos that way." —Ira Lippke, owner/photographer, Ira Lippke Studios

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Spend More Time Together

first look magic spend time together liz banfield
Credit: Liz Banfield

"The day goes by in a blink! Doing a first look prior to the ceremony is a great way to spend more time together on your wedding day." —Liz Banfield, owner/photographer, Liz Banfield

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Appreciate the Moment

first look magic appreciate moment erich mcvey
Credit: Erich McVey

"Try your best to forget about all of the hustle and bustle of the wedding day, and allow yourself to fully appreciate the moment. Your first look only happens once, and you want to be able to remember it for years to come." —Erich McVey, owner and lead photographer, Erich McVey

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Include the Family

first look magic include family bryan miller photography
Credit: Bryan Miller Photography

"It's not just for grooms! Some of the most touching moments I've experienced are when a father sees his daughter in her wedding dress for the first time." —Bryan Miller, owner/photographer, Bryan Miller Photography

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Do what is most authentic to you

first look magic authentic j wilkinson
Credit: J. Wilkinson Co.

"Regardless of what people tell you to do, a first look should be a moment that is uniquely the two of you. If you're shy, keep it intimate. Or if you're traditional, your first look might be when you're walking down the aisle. Making sure you're comfortable will create the best images." —Jeanann Wilkinson, owner, J. Wilkinson Co.

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Time It Right

first look magic timing chudleigh weddings
Credit: Chudleigh Weddings

"Schedule your first look to directly follow getting ready. There is a beautiful energy that surrounds putting on the gown, straightening the tie, and preparing to walk down the aisle. Carry that momentum right into your first glimpse of one another with all the butterflies and nervous energy so present. That will be felt in your photos but more importantly, it will be felt between the two of you and that's magic." —Britt Chudleigh, owner and lead photographer, Chudleigh Weddings

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Think About the Photographer's Vantage Point

first look magic vantage point iris photography
Credit: IRIS photography

"An ideal location for a first look is one that provides both privacy for the couple and a great vantage point for the photographer, like a doorway which provides natural framing." —Jane Shauck, owner, IRIS Photography

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Create Some Movement

"I usually like to set up the shot with the bride walking to the groom. I love getting the movement of the bride and the dress. It's also great getting the groom's reaction seeing his bride for the first time." —Greer Gattuso, owner, Greer Gattuso

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Minimize Distractions

first look magic minimize distractions miki sonja photography
Credit: Miki & Sonja Photography

"Pick an area that is secluded and focus on each other! That doesn't mean friends and family can't watch if you want them too, but make sure they are at a distance. This is a moment where you should not have any distractions other than each other." —Miki & Sonja Rakicevic, owners/photographers, Miki & Sonja Photography

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Trust the Experts

first look magic trust experts ashley sawtelle
Credit: Ashley Sawtelle

"Experienced wedding planners and photographers will provide input on timing and locations for a seamless first look. Trust them– it's one less thing you have to worry about on your big day." —Ashley Sawtelle, owner/photographer, Ashley Sawtelle

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Try Not to Think About the Photos

first look magic dont think lucy cuneo
Credit: Lucy Cuneo Photography

"Don't worry too much about the photos. The best come from real emotion, and by virtue of doing a first look, you have opened up the day for a wealth of great photo opportunities!" —Lucy Cuneo, owner and principal photographer, Lucy Cuneo Photography

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Don't Over-Stage Your Photos

first look magic dont overstage emily blake
Credit: Emily Blake Photography

"Let it be real! A first look is supposed to provide a time and space for a couple to have a special moment when timing doesn't allow them to have it at the beginning of the ceremony. Too often the first look becomes overly staged and controlled and the couple are made to feel like they are performing rather taking everything in and enjoying the moment. Unfortunately, it usually shows in the photos. If there is ever a time for the organic moment where the photographer doesn't say anything, this is it!" —Emily Blake, owner/photographer, Emily Blake Photography

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    1 of 14
    2 of 14 Location Matters
    3 of 14 Make it Meaningful
    4 of 14 Spend More Time Together
    5 of 14 Appreciate the Moment
    6 of 14 Include the Family
    7 of 14 Do what is most authentic to you
    8 of 14 Time It Right
    9 of 14 Think About the Photographer's Vantage Point
    10 of 14 Create Some Movement
    11 of 14 Minimize Distractions
    12 of 14 Trust the Experts
    13 of 14 Try Not to Think About the Photos
    14 of 14 Don't Over-Stage Your Photos

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