Should You Do a First Look at Your Cancun Wedding?
First Looks are becoming increasingly popular, and it is totally understandable. However, as a Cancun wedding photographer and a Riviera Maya wedding photographer, I am not a huge fan of them for destination weddings, except in a few special circumstances.
Traditional Weddings vs. Destination Weddings
Traditional Weddings
At traditional weddings in Canada, couples often did not spend much time with their guests. After the ceremony, there was little time for congratulations before we whisked the couple away for photos. Doing a First Look allowed for photos before the ceremony, letting couples spend more time with their guests later. The weather back home also accommodated this schedule well. I preferred photographing weddings this way.
Destination Weddings
As a Cancun wedding photographer, at an average destination wedding, we photograph the getting ready images, head straight to the ceremony, have a champagne toast after the ceremony, then it’s time for hugs, congratulations, and toasts. I then take a photo of everyone that attended the wedding, followed by family group photos. Next, we head off for 30 minutes to an hour for photos on the beach and the resort grounds with the bridal party. During this hour, the wedding guests generally have a cocktail hour, enjoying drinks and conversation. Often, I return with the couple within an hour to rejoin the guests. Overall, the couple is away from their guests for 30-45 minutes on their wedding day.
Advantages and Disadvantages of a First Look at a Destination Wedding
Advantages of a First Look
- Private Moment: A First Look allows the couple to have a private moment together before the ceremony. This can be especially meaningful for couples who prefer a more intimate setting to see each other for the first time.
- Calming Nerves: Seeing each other before the ceremony can help calm the nerves and make the rest of the day more enjoyable and relaxed.
- Flexibility in Schedule: Having a First Look can create a more flexible timeline for the day. It allows you to complete many of the formal photos early, giving you more time to enjoy the cocktail hour and reception with your guests.
- Necessary for Late Ceremonies: If your ceremony is scheduled too late in the day, you may not have enough daylight for photos after the ceremony. In such cases, a First Look becomes necessary to ensure you get photos in natural light before the sun sets. Otherwise, you might end up taking photos in the dark, which is less ideal for capturing beautiful portraits. Learn more about the best time for wedding photos in my article on How to Time your Cancun Wedding.
Disadvantages of a First Look
- Less Emotional Ceremony Entrance: Some couples feel that a First Look takes away from the emotional impact of seeing each other for the first time as the bride walks down the aisle.
- Logistical Challenges: Coordinating a First Look at a destination wedding can be tricky due to the resort layout and the likelihood of running into guests before the ceremony. Resorts are large, and the best places to photograph are usually around the ceremony location, making it likely for guests to see the bride before the wedding.
- Weather Conditions: In tropical destinations, the weather can be very hot and bright. This can make it difficult to open your eyes during the session, and the heat might leave everyone sweaty for the ceremony.
- Energy Levels: In my experience, the energy of a couple is significantly different after a ceremony than before. Therefore, I find getting natural, candid, and authentic photographs much easier after the ceremony than during a First Look.
Conclusion
Ultimately, whether to have a First Look at your destination wedding is a personal decision. Consider the unique circumstances of your wedding day and what will make you feel most comfortable and happy. At a destination wedding, your guests are with you for longer than just one night. You have a chance to spend quality one-on-one time with them before and after the actual wedding day. This adds to the overall experience, making it more than just a one-day event but a week-long celebration of two families becoming one.
I am happy to do what you think is best. It’s your wedding, and my goal in sharing this information is to help you make the best decision for your special day. If you have any questions about your wedding day or how to plan it out, please do not hesitate to email me at info@deansandersonweddings.com, and I will be more than happy to help.
Have a wonderful day,
Dean Sanderson | Cancun and Riviera Maya Wedding Photographer
