How to Plan Your Elopement & Intimate Wedding First Look
How to Plan Your Elopement & Intimate Wedding First Look
seeing your partner in your wedding outfits for the very first time is one of the most exciting moments of a wedding day! Keep reading to learn more about wedding first looks and how to include one on your elopement day!
I’m a sucker for wedding first looks! Something about the excitement of a couple getting ready to see their partner for the first time on their wedding day makes me so damn happy and makes for some of the most emotional and romantic wedding pictures ever!
Most of my couples choose to do a first look. Some don’t see each other at all while getting ready while others get mostly ready and then change separately once we get to the location for their first look. There are lots of ways to plan your first look which is exactly what we’ll go over in this blog post, so keep reading to learn more about wedding first looks and how to plan one for your elopement!
What is a Wedding First Look?
A first look is a newer wedding tradition where the couple sets aside some time before the wedding ceremony to see each other. It’s a private moment away from everyone else, where couples can spend some time together before the rest of the day’s activities.
First looks often occur after the “getting ready” portion of the day and they can take place wherever you want whether that’s outside your Airbnb, at your ceremony location, or any other place you choose.
First look moments are often highly anticipated moments of the wedding day. Since many couples choose to keep their wedding outfits a secret, this is the first time they are seeing each other in their wedding attire. These moments are often emotional, funny, unique, or a combination of all three! It really comes down to each couple and their personalities.
Wedding first looks are a great time to not only reveal your wedding outfits to each other but also a time to relax, calm any nerves, and get some couple photos taken together. Some couples even choose to exchange private wedding vows with each other even if they are having a ceremony with family and friends later on.
Pro Tip: While wedding first looks are traditionally with your soon-to-be spouse, you can plan a first look with almost anyone. Think parent, grandparent, or friends. Anyone you want to have a special moment with on your wedding day.
How to Plan an Elopement or Intimate Wedding First Look
This is one of the top questions I get asked by couples choosing to elope. Of course, you want your first look to be special and you don’t want the moment ruined by accidentally seeing each other before the big reveal, so there are a few logistics to consider when planning your wedding first look.
Choose A Location & How You Are Going to Get Ready
One of the biggest decisions to make for your wedding first look is where this moment is going to take place. Now, this can look a few different ways. Oftentimes, choosing a first-look location that is near your Airbnb or getting ready location is the most convenient way to go. You can each get ready in separate rooms and then (with the help of me or a friend or family member) get in position for the big reveal.
Another option is to do your first look at your ceremony location so you can be surrounded by nature and have a beautiful backdrop. While this option takes a bit more planning, there are several ways you can go about it.
Get ready at your Airbnb and drive separately to your location
Hike or travel in regular clothes and change at your destination
Get ready at your Airbnb and drive together using blindfolds
Choose How You Want to Do It
This is a big moment and it’s going to take a little bit of planning. Luckily, that’s what I’m here for. Once we’ve decided on the location, we’ll need to go over how the big reveal is going to take place. Do you both want to turn around at the same time or will one of you walk up behind the other and tap them on the shoulder? Or maybe you’re envisioning something else altogether! Whichever way you decide is totally fine and up to you as a couple. The only other things to keep in mind are which direction you’ll turn (so that I can be ready to capture your reactions) and remember to take it slow and take in the moment.
How to Make Your First Look Special
My biggest piece of advice to couples planning a first look is to be in the moment. There are no right or wrong reactions and it’s ok if neither of you cries or gets emotional. Sometimes a smile and a hug is the most genuine reaction and that’s perfectly ok! Be authentic to yourselves and don’t rush the moment.
If you want to make your first look moment even more special, consider doing something personal like reading letters, listening to your wedding playlist, or exchanging wedding gifts with each other. No matter what you do, enjoy this moment and plan on doing things that are unique to you as a couple!
Why Choose to do a Wedding First Look
Like I always say, there is no right or wrong way to plan your elopement. If a first look feels authentic to you, then do it! But if getting ready together feels more meaningful, then do that! Your elopement is all about creating moments and experiences that matter to you as a couple, so fuck traditions and plan your elopement your way!
For more ways to make your intimate wedding or elopement day special, click on the button below. And, if you’re ready to start planning your elopement contact me here!
Intimate Wedding & ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER
that’s me, Rylee!
One of the best ways to make an elopement special is to hire a photographer! Being able to see your photos after the day is over is so magical - and it’ll transport you back to that incredible day. You’ll be able to see the entire story unfold all over again!
Another reason why hiring an elopement photographer makes your elopement special is because I also double as a planning assistant! Through getting to know you and figuring out what you’re dreaming of for your elopement day, I’ll craft the perfect adventure, completely personalized to the two of you.
If you’re ready to plan a special, meaningful, personal elopement day, contact me!
Elopement Packages
Planning and Resources:
From phone chats, happy hour, brewery dates to multiple questionnaires. I want to get to know your love & values so I can create a timeless experience that reflects the most authentic you that will last forever through imagery
Complementary planning assistance from me
locations ideas, checklists, timelines, & vendor recommendations
Fully edited, High-Resolution photos
Custom Online Gallery
Personal Printing Rights
Sneak Peek Photos
Custom GIF’s & Double Exposures
Traveling Included
