Crystal Image Photography
  • Home
  • Meet Crystal
  • Galleries
    • Weddings
    • Engagement
    • H.S. Seniors
  • Pricing
    • Weddings >
      • Wedding Collections
      • How To Book
      • FAQ
      • Pros of a First Look
      • The CIP Wedding Experience
      • Client Reviews
      • Wedding Albums
      • Bridal Portraits
      • Vendors & Wedding Planning
    • Engagements
    • H.S. Seniors
  • FAQ
  • Client Login
  • Blog
    • Storefront
    • Gift Cards
  • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Return Policy

Why You Should Be Doing A First Look

 If your ceremony and reception are at the same location/venue, you should have a first look. Cocktail hour is barely enough time to take your family photographs, and before you know it you’ll need to be announced into your reception and your hour has been spent locating family for the formal photographs. So, believe us when we say you need to consider a first look,especially if you love your venue and want to celebrate with quality photos taken there. Your photographer cannot take photos they don’t have the time to take and you are setting yourself up for disappointment if you don’t give them time to create a little magic. Believe us when we say you will run out of photo time.

Should we do a "first look" and what is it anyway? 

A first look is done between couples BEFORE the ceremony where they see each other with no one else around but them and the photographers. Most of our couples do a first look. It's a great way to get the nerves out of the way and spend some alone time together. As a photographer I find that we get some of the most romantic photos during this time and we are also able to spend more time capturing couple photos as you are not as rushed as you would be after the ceremony. We'll get all the photos done and out of the way before the ceremony so you can be on your way to the reception right after the ceremony! Trust me, it's the way to go!

You save time by taking the bulk of your photos together before the ceremony.
Pair your first look with couple portraits (and wedding party shots) before your ceremony to translate that romantic feeling in photos and free up more time to enjoy cocktail hour with guests.

You'll get more photos and alone time
Couples who choose to do a First look get more photos. You get the chance to work with just your photographer in a private setting and believe it or not this will be the only time during your wedding day that you will get to spend a few moment alone. After we do your first look I will step away and give you some time to yourself.
A first look definitely does not spoil the ceremony.

You will still get the oohing and aahing as you enter the ceremony venue and most couples who have a first look agree that the entrance is still exciting. Believe it or not I have more grooms who do not want to do a first look than I do a bride. Trust me, guys, you will still get that surprise of seeing her for the “first time” doing a first look. Plus, when you do a first-look you will get to touch your bride, kiss your bride, talk with her....you can't do that until AFTER the ceremony.

A first look could ease any nerves before the ceremony
If you're an especially emotional person, or you know you're going to be jittery or nervous, a pre ceremony glimpse may be the way to go

If you're worried about crying at the altar, you can get your tears out of the way before.
It's every bride's dream not to sob at the altar with mascara all over her face (one glistening tear hardly ever happens), so if you know you'll likely turn on the waterworks during the ceremony, a first look could help get some of your feelings out beforehand. Your first look photos will be that much more emotional and moving, and you'll have plenty of time for makeup touch-ups before the ceremony

Creative Images/More Time
As your photographer I am able capture more creative and beautiful photos with the extra time available because after the ceremony most are ready to go to the cocktail hour/reception

Winter Weddings

​If you’re having a winter ceremony, first-look wedding photos are critical if you want portraits taken with natural light, outdoors. The sun goes down early between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m., so your portraits will have to be taken BEFORE the ceremony if you want outside portraits of you and your spouse otherwise it will be too dark. 

What Our Clients Are Saying

Pictures were one of my top priorities for my wedding. I spent a lot of time reading through photographers and even contacting some. I was also pretty nervous, I had never been professionally photographed before. Crystal and her team were SO easy to work with and immediately took away the nerves. I trusted her completely and I am so happy I did. Cannot recommend enough!  Ellen - Yorktown VA

If you're looking for an amazing photographer who is relaxed, has experience, and knowledge look no further. Crystal took our engagement and wedding photos. Not only were her photos amazing, but she is extremely responsive to messages and will even help you when planning your big day. It was important to us to work with a photographer who has experience with same sex couples, and Crystal and Casey did a great job capturing everything for my wife and I. We couldn't have asked for a better experience. - Emily - Nellysford, VA

Read more reviews here.
  • Home
  • Meet Crystal
  • Galleries
    • Weddings
    • Engagement
    • H.S. Seniors
  • Pricing
    • Weddings >
      • Wedding Collections
      • How To Book
      • FAQ
      • Pros of a First Look
      • The CIP Wedding Experience
      • Client Reviews
      • Wedding Albums
      • Bridal Portraits
      • Vendors & Wedding Planning
    • Engagements
    • H.S. Seniors
  • FAQ
  • Client Login
  • Blog
    • Storefront
    • Gift Cards
  • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Return Policy