Have you chosen to skip the first look and have that traditional first look moment when you see each other at the end of the aisle? Are you nervous you might be crunched on time for photography? Worry no more!! Here are some tips and tricks for a “no first look wedding” with an on-site ceremony.
You DON’T want to see each other!!
Of course, with no first look, we do not want you two to see each other before the ceremony begins! We need to keep you both apart while we take photos keeping that in mind. Having designated photo locations and/or photo times for each of you will ensure we can accomplish this. Option 1: you take photos in the same spots at different portrait times, and Option 2: you utilize two separate areas on the property where we can photograph simultaneously. This way, we can capture the photos you have always dreamed of, make efficient use of our time, and ensure the two of you do not see each other before that emotional walk down the aisle.
Tip: Check with your venue and see if they can assist in coordinating this for you. See if the venue can offer two suites, one for each of you, that you can relax in. This way, you have tucked away while your fiancé/eé does their posed photos with their family and wedding party.
Book Plenty of Time with Your Photography Team!
Make sure you have plenty of time booked with your photographer to coordinate your wedding party and family formal photos to take place before the ceremony. You will want to accomplish any portraits that do not involve you both together before the ceremony. Meaning, Bride/Bride’s Party, Groom/Groom’s Party, Bride/Bride’s Family, Groom/Groom’s Family, etc. By accomplishing 80% of your family and wedding party photos beforehand, you will be reducing the amount of time needed for these must-have photos AFTER the ceremony. This will allow as much time as possible for YOUR “just married” romantic portraits of the two of you. We can’t forget those!!
Ceremony Timing is Crucial!
Having good light is ideal with portrait photography, and depending on the season, portraits after the ceremony might benefit you more. Most (not all) of the time, “golden hour” occurs after the ceremony. During golden hour, portraits have that just married glow to them. You’ll definitely want to consult with your photographer to make sure your ceremony time is going to work to your advantage. Something else to consider is if your ceremony will take place too close to sunset. If so, you may want to consider that all of your just married photos will probably be taken after dark. Remember that images taken at night will have a slightly different look than your engagement session photos.
Extend Cocktail Hour!!
You absolutely will be missing a good amount of your cocktail hour. Have no fear! You can opt for an extended cocktail hour! I mean, why not?! Who doesn’t love cocktail hour?? By extending the cocktail hour an extra 30 minutes, you allow more time for your romantic portraits and more time with your cocktail hour food. Yum! It’s a win-win!
Tip: Make sure your wedding attendant will bring you both food and drinks during your portraits. It’s a long day, and you will need refreshments at this point and a drink to celebrate!!
In this blog, you will see (in timeline order) how the team at Limelight Entertainment was able to photograph a wedding with no first look and a ceremony on-site. With an extended cocktail hour, the day flowed PERFECTLY! We attribute that to an incredible couple who had amazing friends and family and a fantastic venue to help coordinate their day and execute their vision flawlessly! The English Manor assisted us every step of the way!
If you are looking for fun, bright, romantic wedding photos that showcase who YOU are as a couple, Contact Us.
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