Anna and Ethan are more like friends than clients. We talked about our crazy dogs and training issues, food issues and pretty much anything else. We laughed about everything and I’m not sure that surly IT guy ever came up when I was around on their wedding day! I did have to convince them into their first dance and I hope they eventually thank me for it. Anna and Ethan are not people who love the spotlight but I think they handled it quite well despite any issues like having to sew in a bustle in the middle of the reception!
Their day went off without a hitch and it was great to work with Emmett from Logi Productions and we had a good time. It’s often known that videographers and photographers don’t get along but I’ve been lucky and we had a lot of fun, I think I’ll be in their video dancing on the side of the room (don’t pay attention to me…). I’m sure that Anna and Ethan won’t even read this part until they’ve watched the slideshow a few times.
One of the biggest debates among my couples is usually whether or not to do a first look. The first look is not for everyone. This post is going to talk about the ups and downs of the first looks. From a photography standpoint, the first look is all ups because often I don’t get the best vantage point during the ceremony when you both first see each other and I’m restricted by the areas at the church.
So here are the pro’s:
I get the best points as a photographer to actually see what’s going on and capture it without being intrusive.
We get more time to get pictures done so you get to enjoy cocktail hour (this is especially important if you’re having everything at one place, it gives us time to get pictures done without rushing around)
If you’re emotional, you get to do that by yourself instead of in front of a crowd
You’re more relaxed during the ceremony because there’s no worry about timing before the reception.
It makes sure that family actually gets there on time (we all have that one family member who’s notoriously late!)
Also gives time for all bridal party members to be present! I can’t tell you how often one person is running late and then we can’t take pictures and have to push them back or can’t even get to them until after the ceremony cutting into the other time set aside, with a first look, it gives everyone to get together and so that they know all pictures are beforehand.
You get some time alone on the day of which is pretty rare!
We can go to several different locations instead of just one in between.
Some con’s:
You don’t get that traditional feeling of walking down the aisle and first seeing each other.
If you already have a large gap in between the ceremony and reception, you don’t have to worry about a first look.
With good planning, you can still get the pictures you want and get to cocktail hour too!
And to really clarify this isn’t a post about how everyone should do a first look! It’s not for everyone and everyone can decide that for themselves, it’s your decision to make not mine!
In an attempt to not make this post a million pictures because you really have to see an array of pictures from a first look, here’s a favorite from each one of the series I’m going to show you!
First up, Jessie and Mike and they didn’t really have a planned first look by any means but I’m so happy to have caught the first moments they saw each other!
Then there is Shannon and Matt who did a very quick first look! But still fun nonetheless! Some couples take more time, some take less, it always depends! It could have also been that it was around 90 degrees out that day!
Jen and Scott wanted to do a first look because they wanted a few different locations and knew there just wasn’t time in between, we ended up going to Wrigley, Harry Caray’s for a drink and then North Ave Beach before their ceremony!
Because their ceremony and reception were both located at White Pines, Katie and Mark wanted all the photos out of the way since they knew they’d do a receiving line and didn’t want to be rushed! They were so much fun during their first look and talked about their day before seeing each other. It was so cute!
Lauren and Brian also had their wedding at the same location at Winnetka Community House as well as a late ceremony, so they knew in order to get any light for photos, they would have to meet beforehand. This first look was featured on a series by the Weddingistas too! This photo makes my heart melt.
And finally, Kim and Mike’s first look that was moved to their hotel suite because of the rain! No worries though, they still had an amazing day and their first look was so much fun!
And because I said that you have to see several series in first look’s to really get an idea if this is what you want to do! Here’s a slideshow of each of the first looks so you see!
So there’s my take on first looks! I wrote this not to make all my clients do first looks or anything, that’s not the intention! I had a few ask me to talk about it more and there’s nothing better than showing you pictures right?
If you want more information on whether a first look will work in your wedding, just send me an email!
Kara
kara@karaschultz.com
p.s. I’ve been VERY busy on some VERY exciting things that are happening!
I’m sure you remember Kirsten and Will from their Chinatown engagement session. I just love these two! (and I apologize immensely for the delay in these pictures but I got that nasty cold/flu thing that’s going around and I still kind of have it…hence why there’s a post at 5:30am this morning!)
Anyway, Kirsten and will got married on a day when it just wouldn’t stop raining, I feel like that’s pretty much been the month of October honestly! I’m sure Kirsten was nervous that these didn’t turn out and that’s why I didn’t post any but that’s not the case! Just sickness put a delay! Kirsten and Will live in Chicago but got married out in Oregon, IL. Even though it was drizzling for pictures, they both braved the elements!
the boys braving the rain for pictures
even though the wedding ceremony had to be moved under the tent, all was fine
aren’t the girls cute?
love.
Loved working with you and being able to photograph your wedding! More to come soon!
I’m finally getting caught up! I really had some fun with Katie and Mark on their wedding day, they chose to have a first meeting before the wedding so they could enjoy cocktail hour and not have to worry about rushing through pictures (and not to mention I enjoy that!).
