Wedding Day Tips : First Looks

There’s been much ado about First Looks. A thing that’s been done time and again in our western counterparts but now, slowly catching on here in Asia. More couples have been opting to have a First Look and others have no idea what it really is, how it works and why they should consider doing it. We at Munkeat Studio have been more than glad to embrace this new (or old, for some) tradition and because we’ve done quite a number, we thought we’d share with you what we know about it!

A First look shoot is, basically (and quite literally) when the bride and groom see each other for the first time on their wedding day. This takes place in a more private setting before making your way down the isle or just before the ceremony. No, it shouldn’t have to be a big, staged or dramatic moment like you may think. We believe that big things live in the intimate, genuine moments, so maybe you’d like to keep it simple and sweet. 

At Munkeat Studio, we love doing them for several reasons. Everyone has different opinions and takes on first looks and it is important for us to share with you this so that you can decide whether you’d like to have one or not.

It’s moments before the wedding. You’ve spent a lot of time and effort preparing for this day. Billions of people in the world and all these winding roads have lead you to this one person you’d spend the rest of your life with. You’re nervous, anticipating what’s to come, and there’s nothing that calms the nerves for both of you than finally getting to see one another before it all starts! Spend some time alone to take it all in, together. 

Making time for a First Look means that you’d be making time to say the things you want to say but you won’t be able to in front of everyone during the ceremony. Some couples even choose to exchange letters of love, share promises or even exchange their own vows during this time. It’s one of the only moments that you’d get to be alone throughout the whole day and really take it all in. From how the two of you look, to the way you feel. After all, it is these emotional, heartfelt moments that makes for the best photographic memories

Although we do enjoy documenting first looks, we do understand that it is not for everyone. If you’ve always imagine that the first sight of one another would be at the moment of the ceremony, then so be it. Having your first look as you walk into the room or down the isle is also a beautiful thing. It’s your day, and we’re all out for doing it your way!

Wedding Day Photography Tips, Part 2 : Do's For The Big Day

Wedding Days. There’s just something so special beyond words about them and the fact that we get to document priceless moments from one of the most important days of your life. A once in a lifetime event, we strive to give you all the care and attention we can deliver with heart. However (and we’ll say this each and every time!), for us to be able to make our best work at your wedding, it is important for us to share with you, based on our experience, what we’d need in order for us to achieve this together.

We’ve shared some of these tips with our couples who are in on optimizing photographic opportunities for their big day, and so far, we’ve found it to be very helpful for all of us as a collective. With that being said, here’s Part 2 of a multi-article saga all about wedding day moments.

The Big Day

Alright, so the first point you’re about to read here might not seem like it has anything to do with photography, but really, it (indirectly) does. We’re talking about time (stress) management. We’re not event planners, but being behind the lens and sharing what we do with you, we definitely feel what you feel on your wedding day. The last thing you’d want to be experiencing is the bad kind of overwhelming feeling and stressed out! If you don’t have a wedding planner, please remember that you don’t have to do it all yourself! Especially when it comes to Time and Tasks, delegate them! Depending on your financial considerations, you could opt for a Wedding Coordinator instead of a Planner to help you push the day along. Otherwise, you could always appoint someone from your Love posse to be the timekeeper so you don’t have to stress out over time vs. to do’s. Which leads us to our next point.

You’re getting married, there’s a lot to do and a lot of people you need to make sure are okay. We know! We don’t deny that it can be a lot but the one thing you need to remember is to really enjoy your day, too. After all that planning counting down to this very day, you deserve to be able to take it all in. We always tell our couples to take it slow, and we mean it. You’ll find that your wedding day flew by in a blink of an eye and suddenly, it’s the end of the night and you’re saying your goodbye’s. To be able to enjoy these precious hours means that you need to be present, not chasing for time or stressing out about the next thing to do. Don’t sweat the small stuff and be in the moment because taking things slow is a good thing and frankly, it makes for more photographic opportunities! Not having to rush allows us to translate little moments into beautiful photographic memories for you, too!

What do you mean, “going unplugged”? Well, as Google conveniently explains:

“An unplugged wedding is when you ask your family, friends and guest to turn off their phones, ipads, cameras and other digital distractions during the ceremony or reception”.

 There’s been so much debate on this topic. Some couples (and photographers) don’t find that it makes a difference if you choose to go unplugged or not and others place much emphasis and importance in regards to going unplugged. We’ve just shared with you how important it is for you, as a couple, to be in the moment and whole-heartedly present on your wedding day. Therefore, we sincerely believe that it’s worth fussing over your guests putting technology away during your ceremony. This way, instead of everyone crowding with their smartphones or ipads to get a good shot of you during your ceremony alongside your hired photographers, your guests can truly be in this beautiful moment with you.

So, instead of having everyone like This

You might have the day documented like This

We understand that the idea of an unplugged ceremony isn’t for everyone. In fact, it can be really cute having your Uncle Bob with his DSLR taking pictures at your wedding. Whether you choose to have one or not, we’d truly appreciate it if guests steer clear of the main aisle or walkways, are aware that your photographers are there to document these moments for you (and everyone else!) and that they take photos whilst remaining seated in their seats. We move around a whole lot during weddings and we love documenting the little things. Be it everyone’s emotional reactions when you say “I Do” and the pre-ceremony excitement, to your elderly’s accidentally dozing off. These little things go unnoticed by you and our couples have loved seeing and reliving these moments after.

This way, we won’t miss anything, either!