Should You Have a First Look at Your Wedding?
The first look is one of those wedding day decisions that comes up in almost every planning conversation we have, and for good reason.
More and more couples are choosing to see each other before the ceremony, and once we walk through why, it might make a lot more sense thank you think. Before we get into it, we want to be clear: a first look is entirely optional, and we mean that sincerely. There's no wrong answer here. Whether you want that classic aisle reveal or a private moment beforehand, we're fully on board either way. But if you're on the fence, here are four reasons we love building a first look into your wedding day!
1. It opens up your entire timeline
This is the big one. Seeing each other before the ceremony means you can knock out a significant portion of your portraits and group photos before you even say your vows. That means your cocktail hour actually becomes a cocktail hour, where you're present with your guests instead of disappearing for an hour of photos. We say this to every couple: your wedding day goes by faster than you think! A first look is one of the best tools you have to stay present for all of it.
2. It takes the edge off
Your wedding morning is a lot. There's excitement, nerves, happy tears, a hundred moving pieces, and your partner is at their own location going through the exact same thing without you. A first look gives you a moment to find each other in the middle of all of the chaos; that quiet, private (!!!), reunion tends to settle something in both people, and by the time you're walking down the aisle you're calm, grounded, and genuinely ready.
3. It doesn’t have to be just the two of you
A first look doesn't have to mean only your partner. Some of our most emotional photos have come from a bride surprising her bridesmaids in her dress for the first time, or a quiet moment with a parent before the ceremony. If there's someone in your life whose reaction you want to capture— and remember forever— this is a beautiful way to do it.
4. It gives you privacy
For couples who aren't big on being emotional in front of a crowd, this one's significant! The aisle is a lot of eyes on you at once. A first look gives you a chance to have that genuine, unguarded reaction with your person, privately, and on your own terms. Some moments are more meaningful when they're just for the two of you.
Still figuring out your wedding day timeline? Our guide to building a wedding photography timeline is a great place to start. And if you have questions, we're always happy to talk through it— get in touch here.