7 Reasons Every Couple Should Consider a First Look

The excitement of a wedding day is like no other, filled with anticipation, love, and the promise of a beautiful future together. One aspect of modern weddings that has captured the hearts of many is the "First Look"—that intimate moment where the couple sees each other for the first time before the ceremony. The First Look offers a magical opportunity to capture raw emotions and genuine reactions in a private setting. Brides-to-be, wedding planners, and photography enthusiasts often debate its inclusion in the wedding timeline. In this post, we'll explore the compelling reasons to incorporate a First Look into your big day and how it can enhance your wedding photography and videography experience. See photos of Morey + Sierra’s first look throughout this blog post as well as some videos of other couples.

1. Intimate Moment Between You and Your Partner

A first look provides a private, intimate moment for you and your partner to share before the whirlwind of the day begins. It’s a chance to soak in each other’s presence, exchange heartfelt words, and calm any nerves in a tranquil setting away from the crowd. This quiet moment together can set a tone of relaxation and connection for the rest of the day.

2. Capture Genuine Emotions

The first look allows your photographer and videographer to capture genuine emotions as they unfold. The expressions of joy, surprise, and love on your faces are authentic and unscripted, creating powerful images that you’ll cherish forever. These photos often become some of the most treasured memories of your wedding day. See the highlights of Taylor + Emily’s sweet first look captured in video form:

3. Extend Your Celebration

Including a first look extends the celebration of your wedding day. By seeing each other earlier, you have more time together to enjoy the festivities. It also frees up your schedule after the ceremony, allowing you to mingle with guests during cocktail hour or spend a few quiet moments alone before the reception begins.

4. Maximize Natural Light

For outdoor weddings or venues with beautiful natural surroundings, a first look earlier in the day ensures you can take advantage of the best lighting conditions. Natural light enhances photographs, making them more vibrant and flattering. This timing can be especially beneficial for capturing outdoor portraits or scenic backdrops.

5. Reduce Ceremony Nerves

Seeing your partner before the ceremony can help alleviate nerves and anxiety. It’s a comforting moment that reminds you why you’re about to embark on this incredible journey together. Feeling more relaxed and composed during the ceremony allows you to fully enjoy and savor the experience.

6. Efficiency in Photography

From a logistical standpoint, a first look can streamline your wedding day timeline. It allows you to complete bridal party and family portraits before the ceremony, reducing the need for extensive photography sessions during cocktail hour. This means more time spent celebrating with your loved ones and less time away from the festivities. James + Christina chose to do a first look followed by their wedding party and family photos:

7. Personalize Your Wedding Day

Including a first look is a chance to personalize your wedding day and make it uniquely yours. Whether you choose a private setting, a meaningful location, or incorporate personal touches into the moment, it adds a personal and memorable touch to your overall wedding experience.

Adding a first look to your wedding timeline brings so many benefits, enriching both the practical flow and emotional experience of your day. It’s a great way to capture genuine reactions, ease pre-ceremony nerves, and extend your celebration while giving more time for photos. Discussing the idea with your partner and planner can help you decide if a first look fits your vision, creating unforgettable memories and setting a beautifully intimate tone for your wedding day.

Groom’s Guide: Looking Your Best on the Big Day

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and as the groom, you'll want to look and feel your best. At Move Mountains Co., we know that getting camera-ready can seem daunting, but with the right preparation, you'll be ready to shine in front of the lens. See Mike get ready for his wedding as you read our comprehensive Groom’s Guide to ensure you look and feel your best for every captured moment on your big day.

1. Skincare Routine

Start Early: Ideally, start a skincare routine at least a few months before your wedding. Cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize daily to keep your skin clear and hydrated.

Hydrate: Drink plenty of water in the weeks leading up to your wedding to maintain a healthy glow. Proper hydration is key to looking fresh and vibrant.

Professional Help: Consider visiting a dermatologist or esthetician for professional advice and treatments tailored to your skin type.

2. Grooming Essentials

Haircut: Schedule a haircut about a week before the wedding. This gives your hair a chance to settle and look natural. Avoid drastic changes; stick with a style you’re comfortable with.

Shaving: Decide whether you want to be clean-shaven or keep your facial hair. If shaving, do it the night before to avoid any redness or irritation. If you have facial hair, make sure it’s neatly trimmed.

Nails: Clean and trimmed nails are a must. Consider getting a professional manicure to ensure your hands look their best for close-up shots of the rings.

3. Attire Perfection

Tailored Suit: A well-fitted suit makes a world of difference. Ensure your suit is tailored to your measurements. Try it on a few days before the wedding to make sure everything fits perfectly.

Accessories: Don’t forget the details. Cufflinks, pocket squares, ties, and shoes should all complement your suit. Make sure everything is clean and polished.

Comfort: Break in your shoes before the wedding day to avoid discomfort. You’ll be on your feet a lot, and comfortable shoes will keep you smiling.

4. Healthy Lifestyle

Diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Avoid excessive salt and sugar, which can cause bloating and breakouts.

Exercise: Regular exercise not only helps you look your best but also reduces stress. Focus on a mix of cardio and strength training.

Rest: Get plenty of sleep in the days leading up to your wedding. Being well-rested will help you look fresh and energized.

5. On the Big Day

Stay Calm: Nerves are natural, but staying calm will help you look relaxed and confident. Take deep breaths and focus on the joy of the day.

Touch-Up Kit: Keep a small kit with essentials like a comb, blotting papers, and lip balm to handle any last-minute touch-ups.

Smile: The most important accessory is your smile. Genuine smiles look great on camera and reflect the happiness of the day.

6. Practice Makes Perfect

Photo Practice: If you’re not used to being in front of the camera, practice posing and smiling in front of a mirror. This will help you feel more comfortable and natural on the big day.

Engagement Shoot: Consider having an engagement photo session. This is a great way to get used to being photographed and to build a rapport with your photographer.

At Move Mountains Co., we believe every groom deserves to look and feel his best on his wedding day. By following these tips, you’ll be camera-ready and confident, ensuring that every photo captures the true essence of your celebration. Remember, it’s your day too, and with a little preparation, you’ll be ready to shine as brightly as your bride.

10 Things to Consider When Making a Timeline for Your Photographer

Planning a wedding is an exciting and, at times, overwhelming experience. One crucial aspect of wedding planning is creating a timeline that ensures your photographer captures all the special moments and details of your big day. A well-thought-out timeline can make a significant difference in the quality of your wedding photos. Here are 10 important things to consider when making a timeline for your photographer:

1. Timely Communication: Don't wait until the last minute to provide your photographer with the timeline. Involve them in the conversation early on, ideally 30-60 days before the wedding. Maintain open communication about essential details.

2. Location Planning: Keep the locations simple. While having a variety of photo locations can be appealing, it can also lead to logistical challenges and stress. Stick to a few well-chosen locations to streamline the day.

3. Start Time: Determine when you want your photographer or videographer to arrive. A general guideline is 1-1.5 hours before the bride puts on her dress, and they should stay for about an hour into the dancing. Adjust this based on your specific photography needs, such as capturing more dancing shots or planning unique exit moments like a sparkler send-off or vintage car departure.

4. Detail Shots: Ensure there's time for your photographer to capture detail shots, such as your dress, rings, and venue decor. If you don't have a second shooter available to handle this separately, plan to allocate time before the guests arrive at the ceremony location for these shots.

5. First Look: If you want to attend your cocktail hour, consider doing a first look before the ceremony. Family photos, bridal party shots, and portraits should be scheduled with enough time. Add extra time if you plan on shooting at multiple locations or want extensive bridal portraits.

6. Ceremony Length: Consider the length of your ceremony. If you're having a Catholic ceremony or a full mass, you may need to allocate more time for photography. A typical 8-hour coverage may need to be extended to 10 hours to accommodate a longer ceremony.

7. Sunset Portraits: Schedule 10-15 minutes for sunset portraits. Be mindful not to overlap this with other events like speeches to ensure you don't miss this golden hour opportunity.

8. Vendor Meals: Suggest to your venue that vendors (including your photographer) eat at the same time as your guests. This ensures that your photographer is well-fed and energized to capture all the key moments without interruptions.

9. Trust Your Photographer: Trust the professional you've hired. Provide any necessary direction and preferences during the planning process, but on the wedding day, let them work their magic. Trust their judgment on locations and lighting, as they're experts in creating stunning images.

10. Winter Weddings: If you're having a winter wedding, plan accordingly for the earlier sunset. Daylight is limited, so ensure you allocate enough time for your photos before it gets dark. Otherwise, you may end up with all your photos taken with artificial flash lighting.

In conclusion, creating a well-considered timeline for your photographer is crucial for capturing the essence of your wedding day. By taking these ten factors into account, you can help ensure that your wedding photos are a beautiful and lasting memory of your special day.