What is a first look and how does it work? 

A first look is an intimate moment for the  bride and groom to see each other for the first time on their wedding day. Many times, a bride doesn’t enjoy the pressure of having guests looking at her, she feel she might be super nervous about walking down the aisle, or maybe the couple just wants some time to themselves before the rush of the busy day. The first look gives the couple a private moment to share with each other.

 

See some examples of photos from 1st looks below and a little more about how it works.

How does it work?

The first look starts with the groom arriving before the bride. Photos are taken of the groom as he waits. The photographer sets up the groom and then goes to meet the bride. The bride makes a slow entrance to meet the groom.

The groom can be seated on a bench for the first look, or standing with his back turned, or be facing the bride with a blindfold. There are different ways to do the first look. Favorite photos are close ups of the groom as the bride is walking towards him, that surprise moment, a hug and kiss, or that special look. It’s that “wow, it’s you!” moment.

 

 

 

What should we do during the first look?

For the first look, embrace each other, hug, kiss, cry…all of that is ok! Just act like the photographer is not there taking pictures and be in the moment.

After that first look, photos are taken with of just the couple. The first look is more of the fresh look of the couple – make up done, hair perfect, no tears (yet!).

 

How long should a first look last?

A first look should be between 45 minutes to 1 hour. An hour is nice since the photographer can take some getting ready photos of the bride.

(Below is one of my favorite photos of the bride before the 1st look – she is so happy!!)

If you are still thinking about a first look, here are some more benefits:  

  • No eyes on you. Another plus of the first look is not having guests watching you during photo time. It’s not my favorite when family members are making comments like, “Joe that was a weak kiss” or “Save that for the honeymoon.” The photos between the couple are special moments and guests really should not be making obnoxious comments or making them feel awkward.
  • No rushing after the ceremony to get photos with the two of you. Since the couple pictures are the last photos taken, you some times run out of time. For my wedding, we didn’t have enough time to go to the beach since all the other photos took too long. We had the reception to rush off to and didn’t get a lot of us photos. The first look allows more photos of the two of you.
  • Different locations. There are so many beautiful places to take photos. As a photographer, I see so many places for extra photos. Adding another location for photos can give you  more variety of pictures.
By Natalie Jones February 27, 2025
Here’s why you should have a small wedding in Pismo Beach Small weddings are the way to go these days! We aren’t just saying that because small weddings have been our thing since we started our business back in 2015. A small wedding can have the same parts of a large wedding - unforgettable moments, celebration with friends and family and the start of the rest of your life together. But, small wedding have a few more benefits like - less stress, less more, and more of the two of you and what you want for your wedding! We love the scenery of the Central Coast for small weddings. There are million dollar views - from your toes in the sand at one of the beach locations, to overlooking the ocean, to shaded eucalyptus trees, and jagged cliff sides. Small weddings are our favorite because the couple is free to focus on the most important things, like having their day, their way, spending the day with the people who truly matter, and having an amazing day packed with lasting memories. What Is Driving the Trend Toward Smaller Weddings? Several factors are behind the increasing trend of smaller weddings. Modern couples are redefining what it means to celebrate love, and in most cases, they focus on quality over quantity. Small weddings have become for popular and couples embrace fewer guests and find the beauty of intimate gatherings. Changing societal norms and the desire for unique, personalized experiences also make smaller weddings an attractive option. How Do Small Weddings Create More Meaningful Connections? Small weddings foster more meaningful connections by allowing couples to spend quality time with each guest, creating an intimate and personal atmosphere. With fewer attendees, conversations feel more genuine, and guests feel truly valued and appreciated. Some couples will have a few day long celebration for their wedding - starting a few days before the wedding with wine tasting or seeing the sites of the Central Coast, then relax on the beach the next day. After some fun in the sun, it's wedding day. The day will end with a group dinner or casual private reception. Then, the guests will leave and the couple has a few more days to celebrate their honeymoon in Pismo Beach or other beach location. This setting also encourages deeper interactions, making it easier to share special moments, heartfelt toasts, and personal stories. Without the hustle and chaos of a large event, couples and their loved ones can be fully present, strengthening bonds and making the celebration even more memorable. How Does a Smaller Guest List Reduce Wedding Stress? Planning a wedding can be quite challenging. It is easier for couples to plan their weddings with smaller guest lists, as this dramatically lowers their prospects of worrying. Incorporating fewer guests into a wedding means that there are fewer logistical elements to take care of, such as catering, seating arrangements, accommodations, and more people to please. This way, couples can spend more time and energy making their special day more unique instead of fretting over accommodating numerous people. A more personal gathering helps create a homely and calming vibe, giving the couple a chance to make the most of each interaction with their guests. Most importantly, a smaller guest number means that there would be fewer changes needed at the last minute, which translates to lower expenditure and costs. Hence, all attendees, coupled with the couple, can fully enjoy themselves without feeling the pressure of the wedding arrangements. What Are the Financial Benefits of Hosting a Small Wedding? Hosting a small wedding can be a cost-effective choice, offering couples the chance to allocate their budget more intentionally. With fewer guests, expenses for catering, venue size, and decor are reduced, freeing up funds for other priorities such as an unforgettable honeymoon or investing in a dream home. This financial flexibility allows couples to create a celebration that reflects their values and vision without overspending. Celebrate your love story with us! Small weddings are more than just a trend—they represent a shift in how couples approach one of the most important days of their lives. By focusing on intimacy, meaningful connections, and thoughtful planning, small weddings offer a unique and heartfelt way to celebrate love. For couples looking to create a stunning and intimate wedding experience, Coastal California Weddings is your simple and stress-free way to plan your wedding. We provide expert guidance and inspiration.
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