Planning a first look for your Tampa wedding day will give you the opportunity to create a moment that will be filled with love and excitement! A first look is typically a tender moment for both the bride and groom. However, you can include whoever you want to! By capturing how your groom and others awe over you in your wedding dress for the first time, you will be able to relive that moment for the rest of your life! Let’s plan a first look together and how to make the moment even more unforgettable.

Who Can I Have A First Look With?

You can plan a first look with anyone you want! Most brides ask to have a first look with their groom, dad or even bridesmaids. However you can branch out to specific friend groups, grandparents and in-laws. Basically if they are a person you love, you should have a special moment with them, especially a first look!

Groom

When planning a first look with your groom, we will want to find the perfect spot at your Tampa venue to create an intimate and private moment. Ideally we will find a secluded location – a place that you will not be interrupted by guests and that you can enjoy yourselves alone. I’ll also be looking for something unique and with great lighting (but that’s my job – not yours!). This can be in a quiet room, a lush garden or even in your ceremony space. No matter the location, it will be a beautiful experience!

Bridesmaids

Some of my all time favorite first looks have been with bridesmaids! Your best friends will be amazed with how stunning you are on your wedding day, and it’s always so much fun to watch them cheer you on. Bridesmaids just have such a wonderful way of hyping a bride before she walk down the aisle! I love doing a bridesmaid first look before the bride and groom meet. This can be done in your getting ready space or outdoors at your venue – whatever you prefer.

Dad

First looks with dads are always absolutely tender! It can be hard to give away your daughter, and by having a few minutes to just embrace your little girl can make a big difference.  By taking the time to give your dad your undivided attention, you will be able to calm his nerves and have meaningful conversations. It is such a special opportunity!

Wedding Day Timeline With A First Look

When planning a first look I suggest you set aside at least thirty minutes in your timeline. Preferably, this will be right after you finish getting ready and right before your ceremony. Your makeup and hair will be fresh, but your butterflies will still be rising. It is the perfect time to capture stunning images that are raging with emotion! As well as to relax and be with the one your love most!

Make It A Sacred Moment

You deserve more than just a first look. By creating a sacred moment during your first look, you can prepare yourself and your groom for the ceremony. This is a time to become centered with one another and just breathe. I adore when my bride and grooms read private vows during their first look or even pray together. It is such a beautiful moment that evokes such raw and timeless emotions.

Planning a first look on your Tampa wedding day will give you beautiful and emotional memories that you will cherish for generations to come! I am so excited for your wedding day and can’t wait to help you plan your first look!

I love getting to capture these special moments so that you can remember your wedding day for the rest of your life! For me, your wedding day is so much more than just a day.

You deserve a wedding photographer who is invested in you and capturing every moment! Reach out and let’s connect to book your wedding day here in Florida (or around the world)!