If you’re considering a first look on your big day, you’re going to want to bookmark these wedding timeline tips from Leeann Marie Photography. With so many logistics to consider and people to organize, planning a wedding timeline can feel like a daunting task. Adding a perfectly timed first look into the mix just might be enough to send you over the edge. However, this expert Pittsburgh wedding photographer is sharing her best tips for seeing your sweetie before the ceremony AND still having the day run smoothly!
From Leeann…
Schedule the first look at least 2- 3 hours before the ceremony.
This will give you enough time to take photos and have some alone time with your partner before the hustle and bustle of the ceremony begins. It will also give you a chance to relax and enjoy the moment before the ceremony.
I usually like to photograph the first look, couple’s portraits, wedding party, and family photos, if possible, during this time. By using this timeline model, you’re able to get all of the portraits out of the way before the events of the day take place. You can also keep family photos for after the ceremony (especially if you have elderly family members or children in your groups), but you’ll still have most of the important photos done before you walk down the aisle.
Be sure to factor in travel time.
If you’re doing the first look at a separate location, make sure to account for the time it will take to get there and back. This will also help you to avoid any unexpected delays. Travel time is one of the biggest buffers that needs to be built into wedding day timelines because Pittsburgh traffic can really be unpredictable!
Consider the lighting.
The best time for outdoor photos is usually in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and warm. If you’re doing a first look, make sure to schedule it during these times to take advantage of the natural light. Many photographers will try to build your wedding timeline around the best available natural light – that’s part of our job! Of course, if the timeline needs to be adjusted it surely can be, as we are able to make beautiful portraits in a variety of lighting scenarios, but we will likely always try to aim for that golden window if possible!
Communicate with your wedding party.
Make sure that your wedding party is aware of the first look and knows when and where to be for photos. This will avoid any confusion on the day and ensure everyone is in the right place at the right time. It’s nice to schedule your first look to be just the couple, photographer, and videographer for privacy. You can let your wedding party know where to be and what time to meet for the rest of the portraits.
Be flexible.
Remember that things don’t always go as planned on a wedding day, so be prepared for last-minute changes and be flexible if things don’t go exactly as you had envisioned. In the case where I have had unexpected changes to the timeline, I’ll move family photos to after the ceremony, or I’ll do more couple’s portraits before cocktail hour – even if it’s a 5-minute power portrait session!
Looking for an example of how you can plan a timeline with a first look? Here’s an idea!
First Look Nearby to Ceremony Site
1 p.m. First Look
1:15 p.m. Wedding Party Photos
1:45 p.m. Couple Photos
2:30 p.m. Prep for Ceremony
3 p.m. Ceremony
4 p.m. Family Photos
4:30 p.m. Join Cocktail Hour
First Look With Travel Needed
12 p.m. First Look
12:15 p.m. Wedding Party Photos
1 p.m. Couple Photos
1:45 p.m. Leave for Ceremony
2:30 p.m. Prep for Ceremony
3 p.m. Ceremony
4 p.m. Family Photos
4:45 p.m. Leave for Reception
First Look With Travel & Family Photos First
11:45 a.m. First Look
12 p.m. Wedding Party Photos
12:45 p.m. Couple Photos
1:30 p.m. Leave for Ceremony
2 p.m. Family Photos at Ceremony Site
3 p.m. Ceremony
4 p.m. Join Reception
In conclusion, a first look can be a great way to add a special moment to your wedding day. By planning your timeline accordingly, you can ensure that you’ll have enough time for photos, alone time with your partner, and mingling with your guests. Remember to communicate with your wedding party, factor in travel time, and be flexible. With a little bit of planning, you can make sure that your first look is a memorable and special moment that you’ll treasure for years to come.
