Should we have a first look? It’s the question many couples ask themselves as they start planning their wedding days… And today, I hope to share a little insight about first looks from a wedding photographer’s perspective!
But before I go any further with this blog post, I want you to know that I love all wedding days – first look or no first look. I promise I’m not sharing this blog post to tell you that you have to have a first look by any means… I want you to know that it’s your wedding day. It should always come back to what you envision as a couple on your wedding day!
It’s true, I love first looks… Though you might be surprised to find out that I was a bride that chose to forego a first look on her wedding day. And now, after photographing 160+ wedding days, I know I would choose to have a first look with my husband Kyle if we got married again. Walking down the aisle on our wedding day was a moment that I will treasure forever, but I wish I would have considered a first look…
Some couples love a more traditional order of events for their wedding days, and first looks are out of the question (that’s okay!). While others choose to spend the extra time together on their wedding day with a first look. First looks allow the nerves to disappear, stress to diminish, and for the day to begin on a more relaxed note. So many of our couples have shared that first looks take away the nerves and stress of the wedding day.
“When planning our wedding, we decided together to do a first look before the ceremony. It was one of the best moments of our day! Seeing each other for the first time before the ceremony gave us time to enjoy a special moment together without all eyes on us. Being alone allowed us to react truly in the moment without expectations or pressure. We were glad we did the first look and wedding party pictures before the ceremony so we had time to mingle with friends and family during cocktail hour. Our first look was a moment that only the two of us will share forever – very special and meaningful.” – Emily
Emotions can be freely expressed at the first look and the couple can take all the time they need. This special time together allows the couples to embrace… Cry together, steal a few kisses, and ENJOY that moment together. These tender moments set the stage for enjoyment throughout the rest of the wedding day!
The biggest misconception about first looks is that it “ruins” the moment when the couple sees each other walking down the aisle. In my professional and personal opinion, this is absolutely not true! I promise that there will never be another moment in your life like the one when you’re walking down the aisle to your future spouse… A first look never replaces that moment!
What it does is this – it gives you two a special, intimate moment to see each other, embrace, and talk to each other. Most couples don’t realize that when you come down the aisle and see each other in that moment during your ceremony… You can’t even tell each other how amazing you look! You can’t often touch, embrace, or even really talk to each other. A first look gives you time to be in the moment, gush over one another, and get more excited for the day ahead; together.
So no matter what you choose when it comes to a first look, do what works for you as a couple. Whatever you choose will be perfectly fitting for your day. The timeline will work out (your vendor team will guide you here!), and best of all? You will be MARRIED!
P.S. – Want more wedding planning advice + encouragement? Read more 
