First Look?
First Look or No First Look? Let’s Break It Down (Without the Drama)
If you’re planning a wedding and find yourself stuck in the do we or don’t we spiral about having a first look—take a deep breath. You're not alone. It’s one of the most common questions I get from couples. And while I’m all for helping you get the timeline running smoothly, I’m even more about making sure your day feels right for you.
Let’s chat about what a first look really is, what it isn’t, and why either choice is the right one—depending on your vibe.
First Look: The Lowdown
A first look is when you and your partner carve out a quiet moment before the ceremony to see each other. It’s often emotional, private(ish), and yes—photographers love it (but not just because we get more time to shoot).
The perks of doing a first look:
Calms the nerves: You get to hold hands, hug, maybe ugly cry a little, and actually breathe before the whirlwind begins.
More portrait time: We can knock out your couple photos, wedding party pics, and sometimes even family shots before the ceremony, meaning more time to mingle later.
Golden light, optional: If your ceremony is later in the day, a first look helps guarantee daylight portraits.
It’s your moment: No one watching. No audience. Just the two of you.
Skipping the First Look: Also Totally Valid
Some couples want that gasp-at-the-aisle moment. And listen—it’s classic for a reason. If you’ve dreamed of that exact moment since you were a kid, or if you’re leaning into tradition, this is your green light.
Why skipping it might be right for you:
Keeps things traditional: Seeing each other for the first time during the ceremony can be powerful and emotional in its own way.
You like suspense: Some couples love the build-up. The anticipation. The “OMG this is it” feeling when you lock eyes down the aisle.
You have a later ceremony? Cool. Just know we’ll be a bit more strategic with the schedule to make sure you still get dreamy portraits (hello golden hour).
So... What Should You Do?
This decision isn’t about what you should do—it’s about what will make you feel the most relaxed, excited, and you on your wedding day.
Ask yourselves:
Do we want a quiet moment alone before the day really starts?
Do we care about doing as many portraits earlier in the day?
Is that walk-down-the-aisle-first-look moment something we’re dreaming of?
You truly can’t make a wrong choice. I’ve seen couples glow during a first look and I’ve also seen tears fall (in the best way) during aisle reveals. Your day, your way.
And no matter what you choose—I’ll be there to guide you, hype you up, fix your veil, hand you a tissue, and capture it all exactly as it unfolds.
TL;DR
First look = chill time before the ceremony, more photos early, less nerves.
No first look = traditional aisle moment, more suspense, possible tighter timeline.
Both = beautiful, emotional, and right in their own way.
Whichever you choose, I’ll make sure the moments are honest, heartfelt, and totally you.