There’s something magical about that moment when you finally lock eyes before walking down the aisle. It’s intimate, emotional, and completely yours.
While tradition says to wait until the ceremony, recently, many couples have discovered that doing a first look can make the day even more meaningful.
As a wedding photographer, I’ve witnessed countless first looks over the years and each one tells its own beautiful story. If you’re still deciding whether it’s right for you, here are five heartfelt reasons to consider it.
1. It Calms the Nerves
The excitement of your wedding morning will bring so many emotions- joy, excitement, nervousness and maybe even a few happy tears.
A first look gives you a quiet moment together to breathe and simply be with each other, to say a few sweet words and get in a quick hug or kiss. Most couples say it instantly melts the nerves and helps them feel grounded before walking down the aisle.
2. You’ll Get More Time Together
Your wedding day moves quickly, and it’s easy to feel like it’s over in a blink.
Doing a first look lets you stretch out those special moments together and helps to put your mind at ease by stealing some one-on-one time before the festivities begin and blur into the wedding reception fun. Some couples even opt for a “first touch” to check in with one another or read private vows and still get that wow moment down the aisle.
3. It Gives You More Flexibility With Photos
A first look gives you more freedom in your wedding day timeline.
After the first look and some portraits of you together (which will be the best time to get creative!), we can then capture group photos of the bridal party, and possibly even family portraits before the ceremony, so you can spend more time celebrating. If you have a later wedding ceremony time (anytime after 5-6pm) this gives us the chance to use daylight for softer, more flattering light during these important portraits and also a chance to capture your ceremony at sunset (if outdoors) or some fun & creative night photos.
4. The Emotions Are Just as Real (If Not More)
Some couples worry that a first look will take away from the emotion of the aisle moment – but it doesn’t.
If anything, it deepens the experience since you have already gotten a chance to express your feelings freely and privately, without the crowd watching. Later, when you see each other at the ceremony, that second reaction is just as full of love and connection.
5. It Creates Space for Authentic Moments
A first look is about connection, not just the photos.
This is where you get those raw, real moments. The chance to capture a whisper, the groom taking a moment to appreciate all your planning that has finally come together (honestly it’s really worth at least a few solitary moments cause you’re going to look AMAZING!) possibly some happy tears + a bit of laughing through the nerves. Some couples choose this time to read private vows that will not be said during the ceremony or just have a first touch, this can be such a very sweet experience.
These are often the most emotional images from the entire day, and they tell your story better than any pose ever could.
A Moment That’s Truly Yours
There’s no one right way to design your wedding day — only what feels most true to you.
Whether you choose a first look or the traditional walk down the aisle, the goal is the same: creating a day that feels authentic, intentional, and beautifully you.
If you’re still deciding, I’d love to talk through your vision and help you plan a timeline that feels effortless and true to your story.
Ready to plan your first look timeline? [Schedule your Wedding Day Review Assistance Call here.]
"Where elevated artistry meets genuine emotion"
