The first look
Should you add a first look to your wedding photography?
Why You Should Consider a First Look on Your Wedding Day
Your wedding day is filled with unforgettable moments—but few are as intimate, emotional, and meaningful as the first look. While tradition says the couple shouldn't see each other until the ceremony, more and more modern couples are choosing to have a private moment together before the aisle. And honestly? It’s one of the most beautiful decisions you can make for your wedding day.
Here are my top-five reasons why you should consider doing a first look: (If your not sold on doing a first look, stick around until the end of this article for some bonus tips and other wedding photographer advice for an alternative to the first look).
1. It Calms the Nerves
Let’s be real—wedding day jitters are a thing. A first look gives you a quiet moment with your partner to breathe, hug, and center yourselves before the ceremony. That “we’ve got this” energy can turn nerves into excitement and help you both feel more grounded for the remainder of your wedding day.
2. You Get Genuine, Private Emotions
Unlike the ceremony, where all eyes are on you, the first look is just the two of you (and your photographer, quietly capturing the moment). It’s raw, real, and deeply personal. I've seen grooms tear up, brides laugh with relief, and couples simply melt into each other—moments that would never happen in front of a crowd. It’s just another chapter to add to your wedding photography story.
3. More Time for Photos, Less Stress Later
Doing a first look opens up your timeline. This is more often the single reason why I recommend first looks. Since you two have already seen one another during the first look, we can then knock out portraits, bridal party photos, and even some family shots before the ceremony. That means after the "I do’s," you’re not rushed or pulled in a dozen directions—you’re free to enjoy cocktail hour, your guests, and more of your celebration. If you have a super tight wedding day timeline, you might want to consider a first look.
The first-look
“A special wedding photography moment before the ceremony.”
The Bryan Museum wedding.
4. It Doesn’t Take Away From the Aisle Moment
This is a big one. Many couples worry that a first look will steal the magic of walking down the aisle. I promise—it doesn't. That moment is still powerful, emotional, and full of meaning. If anything, it enhances it, because the pressure is off and you're fully present.
5. It's One of the Only Private Moments You'll Have
Your wedding day flies by. You’re surrounded by friends, family, vendors, and excitement. The first look is one of the few quiet, just-the-two-of-you moments you’ll get. It gives you a chance to connect before the whirlwind begins and have another private moment to bulk up your wedding day photos.
Final Thoughts
A first look isn’t for everyone, but for couples looking to slow down, connect, and create space for real emotion—it’s worth considering. As a photographer, I can honestly say it often leads to some of the most heartfelt, frame-worthy images of the entire day.
If you're not sure what feels right, let’s chat about it! Every couple is different, and your day should reflect your story.
Bonus Thought: Not Sold on a First Look? Try These Alternatives
If you're still on the fence about doing a first look with your partner—no worries! It’s your day, and it should feel right to you. But here are a couple of meaningful alternatives that still give you those emotional, once-in-a-lifetime wedding photography moments without breaking tradition:
Father-Daughter First Look
Watching a dad see his daughter in her dress for the first time? Instant tear-jerker. It's one of the most emotional moments of a wedding I get to photograph, and it gives you and your parent a quiet space to connect before the ceremony. Trust me, it's something you’ll both remember forever and will add a special chapter to your wedding day photos.
First Touch
Not ready to see each other before the ceremony? A first touch might be the perfect compromise. Stand back-to-back or around a corner, hold hands, exchange letters or a few quiet words. You get the emotional connection without the full reveal—and it makes for some seriously powerful wedding photos.
