Hello, beautiful souls of West Michigan! As a West Michigan-based wedding photographer, Aliscia Marie Photography, I’ve had the incredible privilege of capturing the magical moments that unfold during a couple’s most special day. One tradition I’ve come to truly appreciate and recommend to my clients is the “first look.” But there’s a twist! In this blog, I want to shed light on why couples should consider a first look, even if it’s a blind one.

Take a look at my wedding checklist too!

The Father of the Bride First Look: A Must-Have Moment

The moment a father sees his daughter as a bride for the first time is nothing short of heartwarming. It’s a powerful and emotional moment that often gets overshadowed by the hustle and bustle of the day. A “father of the bride” first look is a must-have when applicable. I’ve witnessed countless fathers’ eyes well up with tears of joy and pride as they lay eyes on their radiant daughters.

A first look between the bride and her father is a cherished opportunity for them to share a private, tender moment before the ceremony. It’s a chance for dad to impart words of wisdom, offer emotional support, or simply share a loving embrace. These moments are perfect for candid, heartfelt photographs that you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

Blind First Look: The Element of Surprise

While traditional first looks involve the couple seeing each other for the first time, a blind first look adds an element of surprise and mystery. Couples often choose this option when they want to save the “big reveal” for the ceremony. It’s a beautiful way to share a moment without actually laying eyes on each other.

Blind first looks allow the couple to hold hands, exchange notes, or even share a private prayer or meditation. The anticipation, the touch, and the exchange of words can be incredibly emotional and intimate. These moments are truly magical to photograph, as they capture the raw, unfiltered emotions of the couple.

Check out these other emotional moments!

The Gift of Alone Time

Wedding days can be incredibly hectic and filled with people who want to celebrate with you. Between hair and makeup, the hustle of getting ready, and the whirlwind of the ceremony and reception, it can be easy for the couple to feel like they’re being pulled in a thousand different directions. That’s why a first look is the perfect opportunity for some much-needed alone time to focus on each other.

In this precious moment, it’s just you and your partner. No guests, no vendors, and no distractions. It’s a chance to breathe, to ground yourselves, and to remind each other of the love that brought you to this day. A first look provides a sanctuary of calm within the wedding storm.

Stunning Photography Opportunities

From a photographer’s perspective, a first look, whether traditional or blind, provides exceptional opportunities to capture raw, candid emotions. The love, anticipation, and connection between the couple shine through in these moments, making for stunning photographs. The genuine reactions and intimate touches create some of the most memorable images of the day.

So, whether you choose a traditional first look or opt for a blind one, remember that these moments are yours to treasure forever. They offer a unique and deeply personal addition to your wedding day that you’ll look back on with fondness.

See what else you can experience working with me!

In the whirlwind of a West Michigan wedding day, a first look is a chance to pause and savor the love you share with your partner and your loved ones. It’s a time to create cherished memories and timeless photographs that will be cherished for generations to come. Embrace the beauty of first looks and make your wedding day even more magical!

Are you planning a West Michigan wedding and thinking about incorporating a first look into your day? I’d be thrilled to help you capture these precious moments. Reach out to Aliscia Marie Photography and let’s create magic together!