If you read last’s weeks post you saw the getting ready, details, and schedule without a first look. Today we are going to share what a first look time line may look like.

Travel to first look location

Be sure to schedule time for this if there is any travel. We suggest adding on a 5-10 traffic cushion just to be safe. Always better to over plan than to under plan. =)

First Look with Groom 2:30

During this time we will already have the groom in place and will direct the bride to her soon to be husband. We will allow for the two of you to enjoy the moment just the two of you and wont interrupt until we can see a break in the moment. Then we can continue with bride and groom portraits. This is a great time to exchange any day of gifts too if you’d like! We recommend scheduling about 15 minutes for the first look and 20-30 minutes if you would like to exchange gifts.

Portraits of the Bride and Groom 2:30-3:30

Depending on how many locations and how many images you would like of you and your fiance will determine how much time you leave open for just the two of you. Some brides choose to give us an hour or more for first look and portraits so they are able to have a large variety with multiple locations.

Portraits with the Bridal Party 3:30-4:00

We suggest telling your bridal party the location and time of the bridal party portraits so your first look and portraits can truly be time for the two of you to cherish together. We will take portraits of everyone together as well as the bride with the bridesmaids and the groom with the groomsmen. We will also take individual shots with each bridal party member if we haven’t already during this time as well!

Family Portraits 4:00-4:30

When you have your first look before the ceremony you can do your family formals either before the ceremony or directly after your ceremony. Depending on how early your family members would like to arrive or special any special circumstances before or after may be better for your particular day.

Down Time 4:30-5:00

30 minutes of down time to reapply any make-up, use the restroom, and recompose before walking down the aisle is very beneficial for a stress free day. The bride typically goes back into “hiding” while the guests begin to arrive so there is still a big reveal when she walks down the aisle.

Ceremony Music 5:00

Sometimes depending on your overall timeline this can be used as your downtime as well since you typically do not walk down the aisle until about 30 minutes after music on the up hour.

Ceremony Begins 5:30

With a timeline like the one above you can then go directly to your reception or take the typical one hour in between during cocktail to get more images. This is totally up to you and your fiance and what you would like! Either way the first look is a wonderful moment and time between a soon to be husband and wife to enjoy some time together before they walk down the aisle and is perfect if you want to look 100% fresh in your photos, and still make it to your cocktail hour to mingle with your guests!

Check back next week for a detailed post on the time in between your ceremony and reception! We are still booking 2016 and 2017 weddings!