I knew this first look was going to be fun before it even started.
Instead of the usual setup where the groom waits with his back turned and the bride walks up behind him, we did things a little differently. He was blindfolded.
So there he stood outside the Detroit Institute of Arts, completely unable to see his bride standing just a few feet away from him.
Then the blindfold came off.
His reaction was priceless.
And judging by the look on her face, I think she enjoyed surprising him just as much as he enjoyed finally seeing her.
A First Look at the DIA
I’ve photographed a lot of weddings over the years, and first looks are always interesting because you really don’t know how someone is going to react.
Some people get emotional. Some laugh. Some are completely speechless.
Sometimes you get a little bit of everything.
That’s why I don’t want to over-direct a moment like this. I’ll get everyone where they need to be, make sure the light works, and put myself in a position where I can capture what’s about to happen. After that, I want the couple to have their moment.
In this case, the blindfold made it even better.
There was that little bit of anticipation while he waited, followed by the realization that he was finally about to see his bride. Once he did, you could see the entire mood change.
Those reactions are impossible to fake, which is exactly why I love photographing them.
I Cannot Recommend Paul Enough
I cannot recommend Paul enough! From the very beginning, he instantly understood the vision we had for our engagement sessions photos and brought it to life even better than I imagined. His creativity, professionalism, and attention to detail made the entire experience feel effortless and enjoyable.
What really stood out was how much time and care he put into every shot. He provided honest feedback and guidance throughout the session to make sure we look our best and captured perfect moments. It never felt rushed. Paul was genuinely invested in creating beautiful images that that we would love forever.
If you’re looking for a photographer who truly listens, understands your vision, and goes above and beyond to deliver exceptional results, Paul is the one. We are so grateful for this experience.
Wedding Pictures at the Detroit Institute of Arts
After the first look, we had one of Detroit's best backdrops sitting right behind us.
The Detroit Institute of Arts is pretty hard to beat for wedding pictures.
You have the huge marble staircase, beautiful stonework, massive windows, and all of that ornate metal detail around the entrance. You can create something really dramatic there, but you can also move in close and let the architecture fade into the background.
Their wedding-day look worked especially well at the DIA.
His ivory jacket looked fantastic against the building, and her dress, veil, and incredible cascading bouquet gave us plenty to work with. That bouquet definitely wasn't going to disappear into the background.
Once they had a few minutes together, we brought in the wedding party for some photographs on the steps too.
Should You Do a First Look on Your Wedding Day?
I get asked about first looks quite a bit.
My answer is usually the same: it depends on what you want.
If you've always pictured seeing each other for the first time while walking down the aisle, do that. I wouldn't give up a tradition that's important to you just because somebody said a first look makes the photography schedule easier.
But if you're open to seeing each other beforehand, there are some real advantages.
It gives us more time for photographs before the ceremony, which can make the rest of the day feel a lot less rushed. We can often get the couple's portraits and wedding party photographs finished early instead of trying to cram everything into the time between the ceremony and reception.
There's another benefit that has nothing to do with photography.
You actually get a few minutes together.
Wedding days get crazy fast. Before you know it, you're being pulled in five different directions and wondering how it's already time for dinner.
A first look can give you a few minutes where it's just the two of you.
Well, the two of you and a photographer trying very hard to stay out of your way.
The Pictures I Think They'll Remember
I love creating beautiful wedding portraits, and the DIA gave us plenty of opportunities for those.
But when I look through these photographs, I keep coming back to the first-look sequence.
The blindfold.
The anticipation.
Her expression while she waited.
His face when he finally saw her.
Then the two of them laughing together afterward.
None of that came from a pose.
Those are the photographs that remind me why I enjoy wedding photography so much. I can plan the location and think about the light, but I can't plan someone's reaction.
I just need to be ready when it happens.
And for this first look at the Detroit Institute of Arts, I'm really glad I was.
If you're planning a Detroit wedding and looking for a photographer who will capture the portraits you want without missing everything happening in between, take a look at my wedding photography portfolio.
Have questions about wedding photography, first looks, or building enough photography time into your wedding-day schedule? Reach out online or call (313) 883-9500 to discuss the plans for your big day!
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