When planning your wedding day, there are a lot of decisions to make. From choosing the
perfect venue to selecting the right colors, it can all become a little overwhelming. One important
decision that often gets overlooked is whether or not to do a first look.
Actually, it’s become a favorite among many of my couples. If you’re unsure about whether it’s
right for you, here are four reasons why a first look might just be the best choice for your big
day.

A Private Moment Before the Hustle and Bustle

Your wedding day will be filled with excitement, joy, and plenty of people vying for your attention.  Amid all of the festivities, it can be hard to find a quiet moment to share with your partner. A first look gives you a private, intimate moment with your soon-to-be spouse, away from the chaos of the ceremony. This allows you both to experience the emotional impact of seeing each other for the first time without the nerves! It’s a chance to soak in the moment, share some quiet words, and get excited for the day ahead without the pressure of an audience.

Better Photos with More Time

The is one of my favorite reasons for a first look. One of the main advantages is that it gives me, as your photographer, more time to capture beautiful, relaxed photos. When you wait until after the ceremony to see each other, the clock is ticking as you rush to do family and wedding party portraits and get to the reception. By doing a first look, you can schedule more time for bride and groom portraits without feeling rushed or worrying about losing daylight. This gives us more time to be creative and take in the surroundings, leading to more varied and stunning photographs. This also means you can get more of your portraits out of the way before the ceremony, so you won’t have to keep your guests waiting afterward. It gives more time to enjoy your cocktail hour and visit with friends and family.

 

More Relaxed and Calm

The emotional anticipation of seeing each other for the first time can be overwhelming. The idea of walking down the aisle and having all eyes on you is enough to make anyone feel nervous! A first look can help alleviate some of that anxiety. By seeing each other privately first, the tension is broken and you can enter the ceremony feeling more relaxed and connected. You’ll already have had a moment to calm your nerves and can walk down the aisle feeling more present and joyful, rather than stressed or overwhelmed.

Less Pressure on the Ceremony

The ceremony is a sacred moment, and for many couples, it’s the emotional highlight of the day. By doing a first look, you won’t feel pressured to have all your emotions bottled up for that one moment during the walk down the aisle. You can have a more relaxed and intimate ceremony because you’ve already shared a private moment together. This can help you focus on the vows, the emotions of the ceremony, and the celebration that’s about to take place, without feeling overwhelmed by the anticipation of seeing each other for the first time.

Ultimately, whether or not you choose to have a first look is a personal decision. Some couples
will stick to tradition, while others might love the idea of a private, quiet moment before the
ceremony. Either way, the most important thing is that you choose what feels right for you.
As a wedding photographer, I’ve witnessed firsthand how a first look can transform the
dynamics of a wedding day. It allows for more relaxed, emotional, and memorable moments that
can be captured beautifully in a private setting.

If you’re still on the fence, consider how much more enjoyable and at ease your wedding day might be with a first look in the mix.