Grand Rapids Wedding Photography // The First Look – I have several reasons for loving first looks….here are a few!

Grand Rapids Wedding Photography // The First Look!

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I’m a wedding and portrait photographer, and I’m also a disability advocate working to make the wedding industry more accessible, thoughtful, and welcoming. I believe love stories deserve to be told in spaces where care, dignity, and access are part of the experience - not an afterthought.

This work is deeply personal to me. I’m helping build an industry that’s ready for my daughter, Gabby - so that when it’s her turn to dream, celebrate, and be celebrated, the world is already open to her, just as she is.

I'm Kellie

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Grand Rapids Wedding Photography // The First Look!

Everyone has their own opinion on this subject and that is completely fine! Some like to wait until the bride is walking down the aisle to see her groom for the first time and some like to participate in the first look. There is no wrong way …just a preferred way! When Joe and I were married 7 years ago we didn’t see each other until I was walking down the aisle! Big mistake! I only wish we would have taken a private moment to see each other, breathe a little and start our day together. There was so much happening that we couldn’t even focus on the other making it go by so quickly! Not to mention….our guests had to wait for an hour while we took family photos. Not the best thought out plan in my book!

Back in the day, it was a strong tradition for brides and grooms to not see one another until walking down the aisle during the ceremony. Although it sounds oh-so-romantic…it’s not at all that way! When marriages were arranged many many years ago, bride’s parents’ didn’t allow her to see her groom before walking to the altar in fear that she would find the groom unattractive and change her mind! Not exactly what I think of as romantic….

I have several reasons for loving first looks….here are a few!

– First looks give us ample time to take all the photos before a wedding….allowing the wedding party to arrive at the same time to the reception as the guests. Believe me…guests LOVE this!

– First looks allow for the bride and groom to relax and be alone for a few minutes during their wedding day. The day gets so busy and crazy, that sometimes the couple doesn’t even have a minute alone. These few moments help calm nerves and just relax.

– First looks bring out truer emotions and expressions when the bride and groom aren’t in front of their closest 150 friends..lol. Better expressions and better lighting makes for better photos!

Here are a few examples of some great first look moments!