First Look at Wedding Photography Timeline

A wedding photographer writes this blog, Miranda Suess of Suess Moments, who is helping you plan a stress-free wedding with a first-look wedding photography timeline.

 

Meet the Photographer

Hi there, I am Miranda Suess, a New Jersey wedding photographer and owner of Suess Moments photography. I have photographed weddings since 2017 all over the USA, and no wedding day is the same. I help my couples plan a stress-free wedding day with a photography timeline so they can figure out when planning their wedding when other vendors, guests, wedding parties, and family must be ready to go before photos begin.

Before a couple of book my wedding photography services, we hop on a virtual meeting over google meets/chat and discover how they imagine their wedding day and how much time they will need to book my photography services. Some couples may have traditions from their heritage they would like to incorporate, others may want to travel to multiple locations on their wedding day, and others may want to mix it up and add some surprise entertainment. I am all for it – ready to guide them on how to make a wedding photography timeline.

My favorite kind of wedding photography timeline involves a first look.

 

 

 

What’s a first look at a wedding?

A first look on a wedding day means the couple will see each other almost immediately after they are ready and before the ceremony and guests arrive at the venue. First looks doesn’t have rules regarding who has to witness. It’s really whatever the couple wants to experience.

 

Ideas to make a first look unique

This is a list of ideas by a wedding photographer (me) for couples planning a unique first-look experience on their wedding day.

• Stand back to back, hold hands, and read vows in private before turning around to see each other for the first time.
• Bring gifts to exchange at the first look; it’s best to do the gift exchange immediately after the first look so your hands can hug and kiss.
• Some couples don’t mind the first look being private, and they invite their wedding party to soak in the sweet moment.

 

Where to do a first look on the wedding day?

As a wedding photographer, I recommend having your first look in the best light – avoid it being in harsh spotty light (like trees). Look at the floor you’re standing on and see if there are harsh contrasting shadows vs. light – if so, it’s probably not a good place for a first look. The last thing a wedding photographer wants to do is interrupt the private-intimate moment because one of you is in harsh light. Think how intense sunlight can cause squinting and unappealing facial expressions. It’s highly recommended that you listen to your professional wedding photographer as far as the location for a first look should be  🙂

Hakuna Matata! You will get those beautiful photos in front of the venue, water feature, staircase, etc. After the first look, the more formal and fine art-type portraits can take place in a more beautiful setting that can be more flexible with the light.

 

“Should I have a first look at my wedding?”

I think there’s always a good reason to have a first look at your wedding. A full list of reasons is explained in a Youtube video, or you can see the list below.

• Your hair and makeup will be flawless.
• Nerves run high on the morning of your wedding; let them calm down if you plan a first look before the ceremony.
• This moment is intimate and typically private (other than the media you hired around); it’s one of the rarest moments on your wedding day when you get alone time since most of the day is consumed with mingling with your favorite people.
• Knock out all the photos before the ceremony to relax and enjoy the food, party, greeting guests, and take a break in the bridal suite after you two are officially married.

 

First look wedding origin

Watch this reel by my Instagram account

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A post shared by NJ Wedding Photographer (@suessmomentsweddings)

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First look wedding timeline

This is a first look wedding photography timeline that works best for me – it’s the standard sample version wedding photography timeline with a first look I share with my couples. As a standard in the wedding world, a wedding is not a one size fits all, but it’s a great starting guide to work with as you plan a first-look wedding timeline around photography.

Feel free to copy & paste to your own document 

45 Minutes Detail Shots

• The bride should be finishing up hair and makeup at this time

90 Minutes Bride Prep

• Bridesmaids robe/pajama photo
• Opening gifts/letter readings
• Reel/Tik Tok content creation
• Get in the wedding dress with the help of the bride’s choice, like a mother figure/maid of honor
• Bridal portrait
• First look with bridesmaids
• Reel/Tik Tok content
• First look with father figure/grandparent

1 Hour Bride’s Partner Prep

• Get dressed
• Opening gifts/letter readings
• Photo with the people getting ready with
• A drinking toast/shot
• First look with mother figure/grandparent

10 Minutes Buffer

15 Minutes First Look

30 Minutes Portraits of Couple

• Around the venue

30 Minutes Wedding Party Photos

• One location, max 14 people

30 Minutes VIP Photos with Family

• Max 15 groupings

30 Minutes No Photos – Setup for Ceremony

• Some guests may arrive around this time, the couple should hideaway, touch up, eat snacks/drink water

30 Minutes + Ceremony

1 Hour + Cocktail Hour

• During this time, photographers take a 10-minute break, eat at cocktail hour
• Once the dining reception space is ready, the photographer will take decoration/design photos of the empty space
• Prep lighting at the reception
• Reception space reveals to the couple in private + a photo op
• This is an opportunity for the couple to do a mock cake cut

4 Hour + Reception

• Parent Intros
• Wedding Party Intros
• Couple Intro
• First Dance
• Parent Dances
• Salad/Meal Orders Taken
• Toast
• Speeches
• Dance Set
• Nighttime Photo with Photographer
• Main Course
• Cake Cut
• Bouquet Toss
• Final Dance Set

 

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First look wedding photos

A collection of wedding photos by New Jersey wedding photographer, Miranda Suess, of Suess Moments.