Weddings are filled with moments you’ll remember for a lifetime—from the words you say during your vows to the little details that make the day uniquely yours. Throughout this series, we’ll talk about timelines, things to remember, and all those meaningful moments in between. But today, we’re starting with one of my favorite wedding-day moments: the first look.
Your wedding day is one of the most amazing days of your life—but let’s be honest, it can also be a little stressful. There are so many moving pieces, so many people, and so many emotions. And somehow, the whole day seems to fly by in a blur.
All eyes are on you. You want everything to be perfect. You’re about to commit your life to another person. And then, as you’re waiting to walk down the aisle, the nerves can really start to kick in.
That’s one of the reasons I highly recommend that my couples consider having a first look.
A first look doesn’t take anything away from the moment you see each other walking down the aisle. In fact, I think it can make your wedding day even more meaningful.
It Takes Some of the Pressure Off
Walking down the aisle can be nerve-wracking. There are so many eyes on you, and everyone is waiting to see your reaction when you see your soon-to-be spouse.
With a first look, you get the opportunity to see each other before the ceremony in a much more private and intimate setting. You can hug, laugh, cry, hold each other, and simply take a breath together.
And then, when you see each other at the end of the aisle, all those good emotions are still there.
The first look doesn’t replace that moment. It simply gives you another beautiful moment to share.
It Gives You More Time on Your Wedding Day
One of my favorite things about a first look is that it can actually make your wedding day feel longer.
Without a first look, it often feels like the day doesn’t really begin until the ceremony—and then suddenly, you’re racing to get family photos, bridal party photos, and portraits finished before the reception.
A first look allows us to move many of those portraits earlier in the day.
Instead of squeezing everything into that small window between the ceremony and reception, we can take our time. You can enjoy your portraits, spend more time with the people you love, and actually enjoy your wedding day instead of feeling like you’re constantly rushing to the next thing.
You Get More Portraits
As a photographer, I love having extra time for portraits.
When we aren’t trying to fit everything into a tight post-ceremony timeline, we have more freedom. We can take the classic portraits, capture the little in-between moments, explore beautiful locations, and create images that feel natural and relaxed.
And because we’re not racing against the clock, you don’t have to feel like your portrait time is taking you away from your celebration.
It’s about having more photographs without feeling like you’re spending your entire wedding day taking photographs.
Your Reaction Can Be More Genuine
There’s something incredibly beautiful about a first look because it’s just the two of you.
When you see each other for the first time at the aisle, there are so many people watching, waiting, and anticipating your reaction. For some couples, that pressure can be a little overwhelming.
During a first look, there’s no audience.
It’s just you and the person you’re about to marry.
And honestly? That’s when I see some of the most genuine reactions. The tears, the laughter, the giant hugs, the nervous excitement—it all comes out naturally.
There’s no pressure to react a certain way.
You can simply be together.
You Get a Little Alone Time
On your wedding day, you are going to be surrounded by people.
You’ll have your family, your bridal party, your photographer, your guests, and so many other people who are there to celebrate you. From getting ready to family portraits to the reception, there may be very few opportunities when it’s just the two of you.
A first look gives you that time.
And I think that’s incredibly special.
You’ve spent so much time preparing for this day, and suddenly, you’re standing there with the person you’re going to spend the rest of your life with.
No guests. No timeline for just a moment. No one asking you to pose.
Just the two of you.
And after spending all morning apart, you are probably going to be more than ready to love on each other.
A First Look Doesn’t Take Away From Your Wedding Day—It Enhances It
I know that some couples worry that having a first look will somehow take away from the magic of walking down the aisle.
But after photographing weddings, I can tell you this: it doesn’t have to.
Your ceremony will still be emotional. Walking down the aisle will still be incredibly special. You’ll still get that moment of seeing your partner standing there, surrounded by the people you love, knowing that you’re about to say, “I do.”
A first look simply gives you another moment.
Another chance to see each other.
Another chance to breathe.
Another chance to soak it all in.
Another memory that belongs just to the two of you.
So, as you’re planning your wedding and creating your timeline, I encourage you to seriously consider a first look with your partner.
Your wedding day will go by faster than you can imagine. Give yourselves permission to slow it down, spend a little more time together, enjoy your portraits, and take in the day you’re working so hard to create.
A first look won’t take anything away from your special day. I truly believe it will only make it even more meaningful.