Vancouver Wedding Photography | Favourite Moments from First Looks

First Looks are more than just a practical way to organize portraits on your wedding day. Some of our favourite moments from first looks we’ve shot have also been some of the most emotional moments at a wedding.

So what are the benefits of having a first look?

Privacy

Being the centre of attention feels like a lot of pressure for some couples. Once guests start to arrive the day can be a whirlwind. Many couples find they do not get to spend much time together despite their best efforts. First looks provide an opportunity for the couple to connect before the wedding day begins on their own terms. It is highly emotional to see your partner for the first time on the day you are vowing your lives to each other. It’s been our experience that people are more emotionally authentic when they don’t have 200 other people watching them.

Connection

When it comes to first looks, having the space to take in the fullness of the experience can be of great benefit to couples. Taking the time to connect with the person you love at the start of the day can quickly change the pace – especially if getting ready in the morning has been chaotic. Couples that begin the day with a first look are often able to get their nerves out early. In addition, some people are able to get the reassurance they need, and feel more secure/supported by their partners. This can help them connect in a more heart-ful way throughout the day.

Winter Weddings

In the northern Hemisphere the sun sets at between 4:00PM – 5:00PM during the winter months. Getting portraits done after the ceremony particularly challenging, if your ceremony is starting after 2:00PM. If couples prefer the look of natural light, portraits need to be done early in the day in the winter. Having a first look allows the couple to share a special moment together, and also get their portraits done without using artificial light. This is especially helpful for couples who feel shy getting their pictures taken. Big lighting setups for large groups can sometimes feel intimidating, for people who are camera shy to begin with.

Time with Guests

The best part about doing a first look and getting portraits completed early on in the day – more time with guests. When the portraits are finished early in the day it frees up the rest of the day to spend time with the people who matter. The last thing a photographer wants to do is pull you away from meaningful moments with family. Getting the portraits completed early means more post-ceremony time spent with friends and family.

Here are our favourite moments from first looks we’ve shot.

Brad and Kendra Coupland make up Love Tree Photography; an award winning wedding photography team from Vancouver.  Brad and Kendra have been ranked two of the Top Twenty Wedding Photographers in Canada by the PWPC. (Professional Wedding Photographers of Canada). They’ve won awards from the prestigious Fearless Photographers Association, and ISPWP. They are the 5 time recipient of the WEDDING WIRE Couple’s Choice Award. Love Tree Photography was rated New Westminster’s favourite wedding photographer in 2016  & 2018. They’ve also been finalists at the BC Wedding Awards three times – most recently in the category of Best Group Portrait.

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Now booking weddings for 2019.  To find out if your wedding date is available, click the contact button above, or email us at info[at]lovetreephotography.ca.