What is a First Look + Bridal Session? And why do I recommend it to my couples as a Destination wedding photographer? I’m glad you asked! đ
If youâve been wedding planning for more than five minutes, you might realize that your big day is going to have a lot of activities. Timelines are poured over & strategically crafted. There’s a lot to celebrate! But one of my favorite parts of any day is when you two see each other for the first time. That electric, magical moment always gets to me!
Instead of feeling rushed through on your wedding day, you could always do a first look + bridal session beforehand!
Having a photo shoot before your big day, gives you a chance to slow things down and soak it in. You get portraits youâll actually hang on your wall, without worrying about cocktail hour or wrangling relatives. Plus, itâs an incredible opportunity to let your personalities out in a location that feels meaningful to you. Or somewhere just kinda epic, like the Bonneville Salt Flats. I mean, look at this view!
For Nahomi and Logan, this location was a no-brainer. They had picked another gorgeous location for their engagement session – a Lavender Field in peak season. And for their first look + bridal session, they wanted something equally as beautiful.
Enter: a famous racecar track turned jaw-dropping backdrop. Sign me up!
Dressed in full wedding attire, Nahomi looked stunning in her long-sleeve lace gown while Logan kept it timeless in a black tux. They even brought Loganâs vintage blue car, which became the perfect âpropâ and a reflection of their story.
With the wide-open salt flats stretching endlessly behind them, they werenât just getting photos… they were creating core memories around their big celebration.
Without the stress of the wedding day.
Hereâs the deal: doing a first look + bridal session means you get all the dreamy, magazine-worthy portraits you want to immediately hang on the wall… without the stress of trying to fit them into an already busy wedding day. You can relax, breathe, and truly enjoy it.
Basically, you’re doing your future self a favor.
By the time your wedding arrives, youâll also feel more comfortable in front of the camera (and with your photographer!), making the whole day smoother and more fun.
And pro tip: schedule your hair and makeup trial on the day of your first look + bridal session, so that you can look your best. Consider it a fun dress rehearsal of sorts, without all the fuss and coordination.
Your wedding photos are about so much more than looking good. Theyâre about feeling like you. Whether thatâs on a library staircase, a mountaintop, or in the middle of the Bonneville Speedway with a classic car, the point of these kinds of sessions is to carve out intentional time together.
The result? Photos that feel natural, joyful, and uniquely yours.
Want to another example of First Look + Bridal Sessions? Here’s one from Moab!
