The first look is full of emotions, there is so much happening at once as you see the one you love on your biggest day. I do my best to make it a private and calm moment. I photograph it from a distance so the couple doesn't feel overheard or watched. It's a time for them to connect, to see each other and oh and ah. This is the day a woman will feel her most beautiful, perhaps ever. And she feels so cherished and chosen. The biggest reason to have a first look is because a wedding day goes by in a blink of an eye. By seeing each other when you have those private moments, gives time to soak it all in, and to do that together. Once the ceremony starts, it's family pictures and party to follow and becomes a blur of people and activity. There's not time to just enjoy those moments together. A first look extends the wedding day so the couple can enjoy more of the day together. It also means that if portraits and beautiful pictures as a couple and with the wedding party are important, there is more time to take those ahead of the ceremony without taking time away from guests. Then the cocktail hour can be enjoyed by the couple and they can start mingling with guests. And the wedding photographer has time to photograph candids of the guests as well as the reception details. So many benefits of a first look. I do think it usually is the best decision. And does not take away from how special it is to see each other for the first time on the wedding day. This first look hug expresses the emotions. When you meet at the ceremony, you can't take the time for a hug or this emotion to be expressed. I love the connection that you can see they feel. And having this picture, they will remember how they felt in that moment forever. This is a wedding picture at the best wedding venue Belmont Country Club in Ashburn Virginia. I am the preferred photographer for this venue. And I know my couples will always have great pictures here, it's a top wedding and reception venue in Northern Virginia (NOVA).
