One of the sweetest moments to capture as a wedding photographer are first looks. And while I love doing couple’s first looks, I have a special place in my heart for first looks with dad! This is something I always encourage my brides to do. When I was married, my wedding photographer didn’t suggest that I do a first look with my father, and I wish I had! Often, the father of the bride is the first to see the bride before she walks down the aisle. So why no capture this perfect moment! First looks with dad and the father-daughter dance always makes me tear up!
It allows you to have more photos with your loved ones
While the couple is often stressed, so are the parents! By taking the time to do a first look with dad, you are able to ease their nerves, before the walk down the aisle. Our parents often hold so many of their emotions in! But allowing you two to have that special moment can help them share their emotions. It allows both of you to cry, and just enjoy each other, before the busyness of the wedding day. After my father passed away 4 years ago, I realized I didn’t have many pictures of us. I wish I had a first look with him, so I could keep these memories forever!
Embrace a new chapter.
Capturing the first look with dad is such a special moment. We get to see dad with his “little girl” for the last time before being wed. It represents the end of an era, and it’s a sweet way to close it and embrace the new stage. It may even be the first time it really hits a dad that his little girl is all grown up! Many of my clients tell me the first look with their dad was their favorite moment of the whole wedding day.
It lets you do a first look – if you don’t want to do a couples first look.
If you love the idea of doing a first look, but you still want some tradition, you can always have the father-daughter first look be the alternative! While I can add time to your timeline to take both first looks (with you and your father, as well as you and your groom), some couples choose to not do a first look before the wedding. You can still experience that magic of the first look, with your father (or anyone special to you!)
A first look with dad lets you include them on your wedding day.
While most brides have their mom, sisters, or bridesmaids with them for the entire planning process (and even getting ready!) it is important to not forget dad! By setting time aside, you are giving dad a special moment, that is just for you two. It lets you involve your father in a unique way, that he will love. Your parents are so proud of you! And I encourage my couples to really incorporate ways to include them throughout their wedding day.
