Ashley and Chris: The Modified First Look

When meeting with prospective clients, I always take the opportunity to encourage a First Look. For those not in the know, this is a relatively new approach to wedding photography that's been popularized over the last few years, where the bride and groom see each other before the ceremony and accomplish most of their portraits in a more relaxed setting before the guests arrive and the wedding day timeline kicks into high gear. Beyond its practicality, it can be the most intimate and poignant moment of the day. But it's not for everyone. And that's ok!

An available alternative that I'm seeing pop up more and more is The Modified First Look. While it does not offer the opportunity to accomplish the bulk of the bridal party images that a true First Look brings, it does preserve the cherished tradition of the bride and groom not seeing each other before the ceremony, while also giving them a private moment to collect their thoughts and revel in the journey they are about to embark upon together. I've done Modified First Looks a few times before and they were exceptionally sweet and fun.





My most recent Modified First Look was just over a week ago with Ashley and Chris and I have to say it goes down in my history as one of the most intimate and touching moments I've ever had the opportunity of sharing with my clients turned friends turned family. Ashley and Chris wrote each other love notes, which they read back to back, and then they had their Pastor pray a blessing over them as they committed their wedding day and lives together to God. It was beautiful.









If you're not feeling comfortable with the idea of a First Look, don't lose heart! There are a variety of ways to create a special moment with your loved one while also holding fast to the traditions that are important to you. I'm thrilled to be able to "meet my clients half way" with the Modified First Look and am always excited to do whatever I can to make to sure their wedding day experience is perfect in every way. And I'm sure I stand alongside with most other photographers who feel the same way. All you have to do is ask! We're here for you.

Second Shooting: Emi & Sean

Several weeks ago I had the great pleasure of serving as the second shooter for one of my very favorite friends, Sarah, of Sarah Mariel Photography. I am delighted to assist her in any circumstance, but it only sweetened the deal to learn that this particular wedding was at a dream location, the Colonial Heritage Golf Club in Williamsburg, and that the couple was, well, in a word, amazing.

Emi & Sean. What can I say? For just meeting them on the day of their wedding, I was instantly aware and warmed by their hearts for each other and those around them. Emi especially reveled in the specialness of her wedding day, taking in every moment, savoring and contemplating it, and stamping it on her heart. It was a moving experience as a photographer and I was honored to play a part in capturing the essence of their love and her experience as a bride.

It was about a bazillion degrees out, but that didn't seem to phase anyone in the slightest. Armed with mini battery-powered fans, lots of water and a thoroughly positive outlook, their wedding day was perfect in every way. And the best part about being a second shooter was that I found myself settling in to simply observing the day as it unwrapped, which gave me the opportunity to capture raw emotion and intimate moments that were really special.

Emi & Sean, I've known you for a grand total of about 10 hours, and yet, you've both made quite the impression on me. I loved every minute of your wedding day and thank you for sharing with me. Sarah, I owe you big time for letting me tag along for such a special affair! Congratulations to you both, your families and those friends who joined you in celebration. It was truly a day to remember.






















Be sure to check out Sarah's full blog post on Emi & Sean HERE and follow her photography on Facebook HERE. She recently relocated to the West Coast, and I will miss her more than I can say. For my West Coast readers, if you need a photog, she is your gal for sure!

The First Look: Nichole & Daniel

The first look was popularized a few years back now, but I still find most prospective clients are still unaware and continually inquire as to what exactly that means...

The first look is a conscious choice to see each other, in full wedding attire, before the ceremony, with a focus on creating an especially intimate moment, full of surprise and wonder, that is shared by a bride and groom, alone, in anticipation of their soon-to-be official union to each other.

Many stray from this idea purely because of its non-traditional nature. At first glance, it feels like an affront to the age old rule of not seeing your husband before the ceremony. In actuality, I find it to be quite the opposite. It heightens that moment of first seeing your loved one in all their glory of wedding attire, and amplifies the emotions that come along with that "first look," because it intentionally removes all obstacles and distractions and drives the focus to sharing that moment just as it should be. Just you. And the one you love. A moment together, as you embark on the greatest journey of your lives on the most important day of your lives. A quiet, intentional reminder in the busyness of the day, "I'm here. I love you. This is our day. I'm yours. Forever."

As photographers, yes, this is a luxury, for any number of reasons. The settings are unique, the emotions real, the images powerful. And of course, there's no complaint about the extra time it affords to accomplish a greater spread of work than the usual brief period awarded after the ceremony. But it's not about me.

Nichole & Daniel's first look was ideal. At the Marl Inn in Yorktown, VA; it was beautiful, private and perfect. In every way.