You’re knee-deep in wedding planning, and the ideas are coming at you from every direction. Someone has probably already asked you, “Are you guys doing a First Look?”
And you’ve probably heard all the old-school advice: the tradition of seeing each other for the very first time as you walk down the aisle. It’s a classic, beautiful moment, and there’s a reason it’s stood the test of time. But what about this whole First Look thing? Is it right for you?
As your wedding photographer, I’m here to tell you that there is no right or wrong answer. It’s all about what feels true to you and your story. Let’s talk through the pros and cons together.
The Case for a First Look
For me, the biggest benefit of a First Look is emotional. It gives you a moment of quiet intimacy and authentic connection before the beautiful chaos of the day begins.
- A Private, Emotional Moment: Let’s be real—the ceremony is a very public moment. With a First Look, you can truly be yourselves. No one is watching. You can cry, laugh, hug, and talk to each other without feeling like you’re on a stage. The emotions are raw, genuine, and completely yours. And trust me, I’m a fly on the wall, capturing every beautiful, uninhibited reaction.
- A More Relaxed Timeline: This is the big one! A First Look allows us to capture your beautiful couple portraits and even the wedding party photos before the ceremony. This means you’re not rushing to get a million photos done right after the “I do’s.” You can go straight to your cocktail hour, mingle with your loved ones, and actually enjoy the party you’ve spent so long planning.
- More Photos! With a First Look, you get more portrait time, period. We can take advantage of different lighting conditions and locations earlier in the day, giving you a wider variety of photos. And don’t worry, we can still sneak away for a few minutes during sunset to get those dreamy Golden Hour shots!
The Case Against a First Look
Just as with any decision for your wedding day, there can be a few drawbacks to a First Look as well.
- The Big Reveal: For some, the tradition of walking down the aisle and seeing your partner’s face for the very first time in front of your family and friends is what a wedding is all about. If you’ve always dreamed of that moment and the energy that comes with it, then a First Look might not be for you.
- Getting Ready Earlier: A First Look means you have to get ready earlier in the day to make sure you have enough time for those photos before the ceremony. For some, this might feel like an added stress on an already busy morning.
My Two Cents as Your Photographer
I’ve been fortunate enough to capture both kinds of weddings, and I can tell you that the magic is there either way.
If you choose a First Look, the private moment you share is truly something to behold. The emotions are deep and intimate, and it’s a beautiful thing to witness and capture. The time we get together is so relaxed and fun.
If you choose to wait for the aisle, the anticipation and emotion that builds is an incredible thing to capture. You will feel it, and so will everyone else. The moments you’ll see in the photos are a pure reaction to seeing your partner for the first time on your wedding day!
Ultimately, this is your day. Your story. And it deserves to be told exactly the way you want it to be. My job is to capture the beautiful truth of your decision, no matter what you choose.
So, let’s talk about your vision for the day, and we can figure out what feels most authentic to you.
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