Sedona Photographer

Out of all of the amazing places to be a photographer in Arizona, Sedona tops the list. Being able to make the 2 hour journey north was so amazing! I had a hard time picking a location once Kylie said that she and Calvin would like to go to Sedona for their first look I was SO EXCITED. I’m sure you’ll see why once I share the photos 😉

What is a “First Look?”

I get asked this question frequently as an Arizona wedding photographer. A first look when the couple sees each other in their wedding attire before the wedding day or ceremony. They both get their “first look” of each other and it is usually one of the cutest things EVER. Some brides prefer for the first look to be the day of their wedding while others opt for it to be on a separate day.

Why I Encourage my Couples to do a First Look

I will always encourage my clients to do a first look. Why? There are so many reasons! First, I love that it gives you the opportunity to spend some alone time before your wedding day or ceremony. Trust me when I tell you this- your wedding day will already be jammed pack. You will cherish this alone time AND I can’t forget to mention that you will also LOVE the photos. They are always the cutest.

Pros and Cons: First Look on the Day of Your Wedding versus a Week or More in Advance

I know it’s tradition for the groom to not see his bride until she walks down the aisle. However, I also know that some traditions are meant to be broken 😉

Pros of First Look Day of Wedding

Some brides feel that having the first look the day of the wedding is closer to keeping that tradition and go that route. They also don’t want to pay to get their makeup and hair done for a second day. Some also just think it is too much of a hassle to do a first look on a separate day. All valid concerns! Another positive would be that at least you get some photos and some alone time!

Cons of First Look Day of Wedding

TIME. Since it is your wedding day you will most likely be on some kind of timeline. You may not have time for a full 60 minute portrait session. Location. You will most likely have to do your first look at your venue or nearby. You won’t be able to choose a dreamy backdrop to be captured in. You’ve likely spent a lot of money on your dress, so only having 15 minutes or so to get photos together just doesn’t seem fair.

Pros of First Look ahead of Wedding

You have the freedom to choose the location, separate from your wedding venue. Getting married in Phoenix but want photos in Sedona? No problem. Another positive is TIME. There is not timeline other than focusing on each other and having fun! You’ll walk away with way more images than doing a first look on your wedding day. You’ll also have the opportunity to be more fully captured in your wedding attire that you’ve invested in.

Cons of First Look ahead of Wedding

You will need to find another day for photos. You may need to pay to get your hair and makeup done another time. Maybe you won’t like seeing each other so early before your wedding day.

If you can’t tell from what I wrote, I truly believe you should do a first look and if you can, do it on a different day than your wedding. You’ve spent so much on the wedding dress of your dreams- why wouldn’t you want to be more fully captured in it? First looks are my favorite.

If you are looking for a Sedona photographer, I’d love to work with you. While I am based in Phoenix I can make the trip up north! You can read here about my packages. Keep in mind a traveling fee will be assessed for my travel, so make sure to click here to send me an inquiry to get more info.

You might also be interested in these blog posts:

Katherine and Devan’s Wedding

Scottsdale Wedding

White Sands Engagement Pictures