There are many benefits of a first look on your wedding day. If you’re planning your wedding, having a first look is definitely something to consider. But really, what are the benefits of a first look?!

More Time with Your Fiancé

One benefit of a first look is of course -more time with your fiancé. If you are having an evening ceremony but not a first look, you won’t be able to see your partner for the entire day before you walk down the aisle. This isn’t just a regular day…. this is your wedding day. This day is one of the most important days of your relationship. Let’s fill your entire day with love instead of just a couple of hours.

Cure any butterflies

Wedding days are notorious for being a little chaotic. Wether you’re feeling nervous, excited, or overwhelmed there are a lot of emotions happening at once, but the best way to calm any butterflies is to look into your partner’s eyes. The minute you see the love of your life on your wedding day, your jitters float away. It’s a minute of calmness before the natural chaos of the day. Sometimes the first look is one of the only moments you’ll have alone throughout the entire day. A quiet moment all to yourselves to just be together.

Flexibility in Your Timeline

First looks give you the opportunity to slow the day down a little, you don’t have to rush everything in the short little window of time between the end of the ceremony and the beginning of the reception. First looks early on in the day allow most of your photos to be taken before the ceremony even starts. Then after the ceremony you’ll only need time for a few more family photos and a couple portraits of the two of you as the newly married couple but then it’s time for the reception! You’ll actually get to go to your cocktail hour and enjoy it. You’ll be excited to welcome guests and celebrate with everyone because you’ve been able to relax throughout the entire day and have had your love by your side.

Overall first looks benefit the day by taking a way some of the stress. They save a little time in the timeline because you can get so much done early on in the day without having to stay hidden from each other. They also give you an intimate moment alone to be yourselves without the feeling of being in front of a crowd.

garden, kansas city wedding, natalie nichole photography
bridal details, kansas city wedding, natalie nichole photography
garden, kansas city wedding, natalie nichole photography
groom details, kansas city wedding, natalie nichole photography
bride and groom garden first look, kansas city wedding, natalie nichole photography
Courtney and Mason’s intimate garden first look
bride and groom garden first look, kansas city wedding, natalie nichole photography
bride and groom garden first look, kansas city wedding, natalie nichole photography
bride and groom garden first look, kansas city wedding, natalie nichole photography
bride and groom garden first look, kansas city wedding, natalie nichole photography
bride and groom garden first look, kansas city wedding, natalie nichole photography
bride and groom garden first look, kansas city wedding, natalie nichole photography
bride and groom garden first look, kansas city wedding, natalie nichole photography
bride and groom garden first look, kansas city wedding, natalie nichole photography
bride and groom garden first look, kansas city wedding, natalie nichole photography

regardless of if you choose to have a first look or not your wedding day is going to take your breath away. You’ll marry the love of your life and celebrate with allllllll of your friends and family that support you.

learn how to plan the perfect wedding day timeline (with or without a first look) here

Benefits of a First Look

It’s time to get ready to have the best engagement photos ever now that you’re engaged. With these 6 tips you’re guaranteed to make your experience even better and end up with photos you’ll cherish forever.

couple piggyback ride during engagement session photographed by Natalie Nichole Photography in kansas city

1. Wear something you’re comfortable in

Your engagement photos are a time for you and your future spouse to let loose and have fun. Wear something that’s easy to move around in. Being comfortable and true to your personal style will make your photos more true to who you are.

couple walking during engagement session photographed by Natalie Nichole Photography in kansas city

2. Location Location Location

When choosing the perfect location for your engagement photos consider picking a place that is significant to you and your partner. If it has special meaning to your relationship it will be a great spot. If you don’t have a place in mind search your city for photo worth spots.

recommendations for Kansas City Locations

couple hugging during engagement session photographed by Natalie Nichole Photography in kansas city

3. Timing is EVERYTHING

Plan your engagement session for a time that the sun will be its absolute best. Ultimate lighting conditions are an hour after sunrise and an hour before sunset.

couple during engagement session photographed by Natalie Nichole Photography in kansas city

4. Show off the best version of YOU

When you look your best, you feel your best. Stick with your typical getting ready routine but maybe step it up a notch; consider hiring professional hair and makeup for your engagement photos. Don’t feel like you need to be someone you’re not- if you don’t wear make up on the daily don’t wear a full face of glam makeup to your session, but a little effort goes a long way, especially in boosting your confidence in front of the camera.

couple looking at eachother during engagement session photographed by Natalie Nichole Photography in kansas city

5. Hire a photographer you trust

The perfect photographer for your session should be someone you can trust to capture photos that represent you as a couple. When you prepare for your engagement session you should choose a photographer that has the style you are looking for and that will help you be comfortable in front of the camera.

couple cuddling during engagement session photographed by Natalie Nichole Photography in kansas city

6. Get ready to have FUN!

The most important thing to remember is to have the best time ever! Get ready to spend an entire photo session with the love of your life. You can make the session anything you want. You can be; silly or serious, loud or quiet, if you only want photos of you looking at the camera and smiling- you can have that! If you want to run around and spin in circles- you can have that too!

These photos are about you!

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6 TIPS to have the best engagement photos EVER

So many locations could be considered the best photo worthy spots in KC, but which one is the right fit for your photo session?

family in loose park in Kansas City photographed by Natalie Nichole Photography

//Loose Park

Greenery, roses, and ponds, Oh My! If a more natural look is what you’re going for; Loose Park is the perfect patch of green in the city.

Loose Park Rose Garden

senior girl at the nelson Atkins in Kansas City photographed by Natalie Nichole Photography

// The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art

There are photo worthy spots all over the grounds of the Nelson. From tall columns, fields of green, modern glass, and don’t forget the shuttlecocks!

The Nelson-Atkins

couple at the nelson atkins in Kansas City photographed by Natalie Nichole Photography

//Liberty Memorial + WWI Museum

This location hosts one of the pretties views of Kansas City skyline, which makes it one of the best photo worthy spots in KC.

Liberty Memorial

senior in west bottoms Kansas City photographed by Natalie Nichole Photography

//The Plaza

The Plaza has a variety of backgrounds for photos. Busy streets, quiet rooftops, and beautiful fountains.

couple in Kansas City photographed by Natalie Nichole Photography

//Union Station

The stunning interior of Union Station is a wonderful backdrop for photos. However, there is a fee to take professional pictures.

union station

Family in West bottoms Kansas City photographed by Natalie Nichole Photography

//The West Bottoms

If you’re looking for something more industrial, look no further than the historic west bottoms. Old warehouses surrounded by cute little shops have a lot of character.

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Best photo worthy spots in KC