New Hampshire Elopement Photographer | New England Elopement Photographer | First Look Planning Tips 

 

{This intimate wedding was extra special because I had the honor of being second photographer to boss lady and friend Kels Converse of Kels Converse Photo (@kelsconversephoto). Not only a ray of light, but also my previous business mentor-turned-friend. It was a freaking blast working alongside her.}

 

In this post, you will read about:

1. What a first look is
2. The benefits of a first look from years of experience
3. Tips for deciding if you should do a first look
4. Ideas for a first look 
5. Plus, you will see a sample gallery of a New Hampshire Mountain First Look 🙂 

#1 What is a first look?

Simply put, a first look is when a couple plans time BEFORE their ceremony to:

1. See each other for the first time
2. Take in a few moments alone
3. Celebrate the start of their marriage together
4. Set time aside for something unique:

• • Saying their vows
  • Giving each other a gift
  • Going on a relaxing walk in nature to start off their day right    

 

Important: I have loved every single couple’s unique experience, whether or not they chose to do a first look. Those who opted out of a first look are JUST AS AMAZING AND WORTHY. I will simply provide my insight about the benefits IF you are CONSIDERING a first look. 

#2 The benefits of a first look

Essentially, I have seen first looks provide a truly magical dynamic shift for couples and their loved ones. Starting the day alone, together creates a sense of freedom and flexibility both internally AND LOGISTICALLY. From years of experience as a New England Elopement Photographer, I have seen first looks provide the following:

1. 1. Create extra time in the day for activities, pictures with loved ones, and down time. Since first looks are a chance to take some intimate couples portraits together, this opens the rest of the day up to do other things 🙂 
   2. Release the nerves – picture it: you’ve spent the morning getting ready, helping others get ready, and making sure all items are moving smoothly. You have the whole day ahead of you: ceremony, pictures, reception, dinner, and activities. Carving out this special time together allows you to release ALL the anticipation and stress of the day. EVERY time I photograph first looks, I see the couple come alive, drop their shoulders, and literally burst with laughter. What started out as two people who have been planning their elopement for weeks, ends up as two people in-love and ready to freaking party. 
   3. Beautiful portraits– I love elopements SO much because there is not this pressure of adhering to a strict, jam-packed timeline. Because of this, there is often more creative energy and time to document stunning portraits with couples. There is no rush, there is a sense of alone time, and the couple ENJOYS these portraits. Similarly, first look portraits are often some of the most joyful of a couple’s gallery. 

#3 Should you do a first look?

Above all, my advice for couples planning their marriage celebration is t

o stay true to the core of who you are and what your priorities are. These might be some helpful questions for you if you are deciding between a first look or not:

1. Do you like privacy, especially for more emotional moments? If you don’t feel like sharing your vows in front of people, or even crying / letting it all out, maybe you want the freedom and privacy to have these moments alone with your partner.
2. Do you have a busy elopement day ahead of you? Is there lots of traveling, moving parts, and beautiful adventures ahead with loved ones? Does it feel nice thinking about starting the day together to set the tone for your day and release the nerves?
3. Do you have lots of family pictures? As I discuss in other blog posts/my site, elopements can ABSOLUTELY involve family and friends. Maybe you and your partner decided family/friend portraits are very important to you and thus a bit more time consuming. So, if that’s the case, would you like to free up the day after your ceremony for family portraits? If so, reserving time for a first look gives you lots of wiggle room in your elopement timeline. 

#4 Creative ideas for a first look

 

Again, STAY TRUE TO YOU and make your first look plans authentic to what you care about. There is no “right” way to do a first look (or elope, for that matter). I have seen some beautiful unique first look ideas. Here are some of them:

1. Do a first look at a scenic, private location – whether this be on top of a mountain, overlooking a waterfall, or in the middle of the first, your first look can be a chance to take in nature together with no pressure of doing anything else. 
2. Read your vows – if you’re like me, the thought of doing this in front of others is pretty nerve-wracking and not really authentic to my spirit. SO, why not do them alone together? Complete privacy and freedom to let all the emotions out.
3. Turn around together – in the spirit of breaking from tradition and embracing your OWN PREFERENCES, why not BOTH turn around together? This can look like turning around at the same time. OR not, whatever works for you. 
4. Do a first look with a family member– some of my most emotional moments as an elopement photographer has been seeing couples individually do a first look with their mom, dad, or closest loved one. This usually happens before thecouple does a first look, and it’s incredibly wholesome. 

 

For more resources, tips, and stories of kind humans, check out my work here.

Interested in working together? Let’s connect! Contact me here, and I can’t wait to get adventuring. 

Need tips on Eloping in New Hampshire? Read my blog here.

 

A First Look in the Mountains of New Hampshire: A Gallery

 

 

Happy adventuring,

Kayla | Babel Photos

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