Let's talk about the pros, the cons, and whether it's right for you!
I get this question A LOT as a wedding photographer, and my answer is always the same: It really comes down to who you are as a couple!
If you've always dreamed of that big reveal happening as you walk down the aisle, then honestly? Don't do a first look! There's something incredibly special about seeing your person for the first time at the altar, surrounded by all your favorite people.
BUT, if you're on the fence about it, let me give you a few reasons why a first look might actually be a great idea!
Reason 1: Let's Talk About Those Emotions!
Weddings are emotional. I mean, REALLY emotional.
You're about to marry the love of your life, you've spent months (sometimes years) planning this day, and suddenly it's all happening!
A first look can be a great way to get some of those pre-wedding jitters out of your system.
Let's be real. Depending on who you are, walking down the aisle can be a little intimidating! You have all these beautiful, loving faces staring at you, and while that's incredibly special, it can also be overwhelming.
A first look gives you the opportunity to see your partner without an audience.
Just the two of you (and me hiding somewhere with my camera, of course!).
You can hug, laugh, cry, talk to each other, and really take in the moment without feeling like everyone is watching.
And no, seeing each other beforehand doesn't necessarily make walking down the aisle any less emotional!
Reason 2: It Can Save You SO Much Time!
Okay, let's talk logistics because this is a BIG one.
When you do a first look, we have the opportunity to knock out some of your wedding portraits BEFORE the ceremony even begins!
And trust me, this can make a huge difference depending on what the rest of your wedding day looks like.
Let me break it down for you.
Couple portraits: Ideally, I like to set aside around 30 minutes for these.
Wedding party portraits: If we've already photographed each partner with their respective wedding party during the getting-ready portion of the day, we can usually get the entire group photographed in about 10 minutes. If not, I'd recommend allowing at least 20 minutes.
So, right there, we're looking at approximately 40–50 minutes of photography! And we haven't even gotten to family portraits yet! Family portraits typically happen after the ceremony, and depending on how many combinations you want, those can take a while too.
Now imagine trying to squeeze all of that into cocktail hour.
See where I'm going with this?
By doing a first look, we can get a good portion of your portraits done before the ceremony, leaving you with a much more relaxed timeline afterward.
Less rushing, more celebrating!
Reason 3: More Time to Enjoy Your Cocktail Hour!
Okay, this one goes hand in hand with reason #2, but I think it deserves its own moment.
You spent all this time planning your wedding. You picked the venue, chose the food, created the signature cocktails, and invited all your favorite people.
Wouldn't it be nice to actually ENJOY some of it?!
Without a first look, couples often spend a large portion of cocktail hour taking portraits. And while I absolutely love photographing those moments, I also want you to experience the wedding you worked so hard to plan!
By getting your couple and wedding party portraits done beforehand, there's a good chance you'll have more time after the ceremony to mingle with your guests, grab a drink, and enjoy yourselves.
Now, this doesn't mean you'll automatically get your entire cocktail hour back. We may still need to take family portraits or sneak away for a few golden-hour photos. But having that extra flexibility can make a world of difference!
But What If I DON'T Want to Do a First Look?
Then don't!
Seriously!
I never want my couples to feel pressured into doing something just because it makes the photography timeline easier. If you've dreamed of seeing your partner for the first time as you walk down the aisle, I fully support that! There's something so beautiful about the anticipation of that moment.
And if you decide to skip the first look, we'll simply plan your photography timeline accordingly.
We may need to set aside more time after the ceremony for portraits, but that's something we can absolutely work around.
You can also consider doing a first touch instead!
This is where you and your partner stand on opposite sides of a door or corner, hold hands, exchange letters, or say a few words without actually seeing each other.
You still get that intimate moment together while saving the big reveal for the aisle.
Best of both worlds!
So should you do a first look?
Here's my honest advice….
If you're someone who gets nervous in front of crowds, wants a little extra time with your partner, or has a packed wedding day timeline, a first look might be perfect for you!
But if you've always envisioned that emotional aisle reveal, don't feel like you have to give it up.
At the end of the day, your wedding should reflect YOU.
Not what Pinterest says, not what your family expects, and definitely not what makes your photographer's job easier.
My job is to help you create a timeline that allows you to enjoy your wedding day while capturing all those beautiful moments along the way.
Whether you see each other before the ceremony or wait until you're walking down the aisle, I promise there will be plenty of beautiful moments worth remembering. And I'll be there to capture them!