Should We Do A First Look?

Let’s be real. Your wedding day is one of the best days of your life, but it can also be a little overwhelming. That’s why I always recommend considering a first look. It gives you a chance to have a private, intimate moment with your partner before the ceremony, away from all the eyes on you. You get a few quiet minutes to step out of the chaos and just be together, soaking in all the love and excitement.

I totally get the appeal of waiting until the aisle moment. That emotional reaction when your partner sees you for the first time is something so many couples dream about. But picture this: you’re standing up there in front of everyone, and it’s easy to feel distracted. You might be so focused on the people watching or remembering what to do next that the moment passes by before you can really take it in.

What I’ve seen over and over again is that a first look creates space for those emotions to actually land. When it’s just the two of you (and me, quietly third-wheeling in the background), there’s no pressure. You can cry, laugh, hug, kiss, and just breathe together. There’s no timeline stress or audience. It’s one of the rare moments on a wedding day where you actually get to be alone and really connect before everything else begins.

Another bonus of doing a first look is that it opens up your timeline in such a helpful way. We can knock out couple portraits, bridal party photos, and even some family shots ahead of the ceremony. That means once you’ve said your vows, you don’t have to disappear for an hour while everyone else starts the party. You can join them right away, glass of champagne in hand.

That said, I’m never here to push anything on you. I really do love first looks, but this is your day. If keeping things traditional feels more like you, then that’s exactly what you should do. My job is to support whatever choice feels best to you and help make the experience feel good either way.