Why have a Daddy-Daughter First Look?

This is for all of the brides who have a sweet spot in their heart for their dad.  We have to admit that each Daddy-Daughter First Look makes us a little teary.  For a lot of dads, this is when everything feels real and it hits him… “My baby girl is getting MARRIED!”  These are precious moments to photograph and we highly encourage any daddy’s girl to make time in her timeline for this moment. It doesn’t take long at all! This was Zack’s favorite part of our daughter’s wedding as well.  Those pictures of his tears and their loving embrace are definitey some of my favorite shots from a beautiful day!

How to plan a Daddy-Daughter First Look

The hardest part of this lovely event is making sure dad shows up on time!  If dad doesn’t show up on time, the whole timeline can get thrown off and there have been time we’ve have to skip the daddy-daughter first look. Another sweet idea we’ve seen is having the father of the bride escort the bride to her first look!  

Grand Tradition Estates, Fallbook

Look at his handsome face! Seeing the tears in my husband’s eyes is so touching. I am so glad Mackenzie and her dad had this moment.

This image captures so beautifully the love Zack has always felt for his baby girl.

Mission Trails, San Diego

The best part about each daddy-daughter first look is seeing the father’s face! So moving every time. It never gets old.

This little fifteen minutes of time gives the bride and her father such special memories. To be completely alone (minus the photographers) allows them to express their love for each other more authentically.

Rancho Buena Vista Adobe, Vista

It’s important to have two shooters for all first looks to make sure to capture both angles. One of us always forcuses on the father and one on the bride.

Vista Optimist Club, Vista

I always find it so adorable that father’s are so nervous to see their daughter’s in their wedding dress for the first time.

I think this is my all time favorite photograph of these events.

The Guild Hotel, San Diego

Every interaction between a father and his daughter is unique and special. I always feel so blessed to be a part of it.

Sometimes daughters and their fathers choose to give each other gifts during this time. Kiyomi gave her father an engraved key chain and framed pictures of the two of them when she was young. Her father than gifted her a beautiful bracelet.

Private Residence, National City

When there is enough room, I prefer to have the daughter call out her father’s name from a little bit of a distance. I like this better than her touching him on the shoulder to turn around because when he is farther away, he can take in the entire view of her. However, when there is limited space at a location, the tapping of the should is still extremely special.

Amecameca, Mexico

This daddy-daughter first look was especially touching! Raquel’s father was so expressive! I couldn’t help but cry myself.

If you enjoyed this blog post, here are more of my blogs about preparing for your upcoming wedding day!