Montreal Wedding Planning: An Unconventional Glossary for Memorable Celebrations. Letter F: First Look Feature
Planning your Montreal Wedding and wondering about a first look?
While I’m not sure we can pinpoint the exact time that the first first look in a wedding happened, it’s a recent adaptation of modern weddings. The last few decades have been a real shake up from the traditional and religious foundations of marriage, where couples have progressively made decisions to create a day that’s unique and special to them, and have opted to do things differently.
Should a first look be a feature in your wedding? Here are three considerations:
It doesn’t ruin the first look of walking down the aisle
This is the biggest obstacle in people’s minds when they think of a first look; that it will ruin the moment where the bride is walking down the aisle.
In my observation, the first look has not influenced the ceremony “look” at all. How is that possible? It appears to enhance the whole experience as another highlight of the day. The couple may have seen each other before the ceremony, but not in the same way in front of friends and family as within the enduring tradition of walking down the aisle.
The deep emotion experienced at the altar seems to stem not from the novelty of seeing each other for the first time, but rather from the significance of being seen by others. A wedding is a public affirmation of love, and it’s this aspect of public declaration and commitment that truly elevates the moment, regardless of whether you last saw each other the night before or moments earlier. While there is certainly an appreciation for how each partner presents themselves on this special day, the essence lies in the shared experience of being witnessed by family and friends.
2. It opens time in a tight timeline
While the first look does break a long-standing tradition of not seeing one another before the ceremony (initially to ensure no second thoughts in arranged marriages and brides being considered as property to be formally exchanged — yikes!) I believe it may have been created for timing purposes.
Several decades ago it was customary to have a church wedding, and ceremonies were earlier in the day. Nowadays ceremonies have moved to the early afternoon, with 4pm being a very popular time. As weddings moved outdoors, it could be that a ceremony under harsh sunlight at noon hour turned couples off - as well as the heat of the day in summer months. Afternoon can still be hot but at least the sun — for photographic purposes — casts a more flattering and golden light.
Since ceremonies are taking place later, the time needed for family, bridal party and couple photos between the ceremony and reception is much shorter - often just 1-2 hours. And most couples want at least some portraits during sunset. Especially if there are any delays during the course of the day, fitting in all of those photographs can be a challenge and race against the clock. The first look remedies this to an extent; moving up at least a portion of the portraits and easing the time crunch post-ceremony.
Article continues after the cut…
Lucy is a
Montreal WEdding Photographer
Here to photograph your joy, and [hopefully] make you ugly-cry (even if in private or just on the inside!)
My mission is your dream wedding.
Photo Credit: Talia Dezso Photography
3. It inspires emotional moments
I’ve witnessed many brides choose to share a first look with their fathers. It’s in these deeply emotional encounters that my concept of the “ugly cry” truly took shape! While the bride may have known her partner for years, her dad has been there since day one, witnessing every milestone as she grew up. This moment is filled with a lifetime of feelings!
First looks aren’t just for dads; they can also involve moms, grandparents, bridesmaids, or even the entire bridal party! A first look is a unique and cherished moment between those involved, and it can be whatever you envision it to be. Up the emotional ante of a day to be remembered forever!
