Why Consider a First Look on Your Wedding Day? ​

While the "first look" has become a popular choice among modern couples, it’s not without its downsides. This private pre-ceremony moment can be a beautiful and practical option, but it may not suit everyone.


The Benefits of Opting for a First Look Session at Your Wedding​


  • Private Moment Together: A first look allows you to share a quiet, personal moment before the hustle and bustle of the ceremony. It’s a chance to connect and savor the day’s significance.


  • Reduced Anxiety: Seeing your partner beforehand can help calm nerves, making you feel more relaxed and focused for the ceremony.


  • Beautiful Photos: Your photographer will be there to capture this private moment that is so significant to you as a couple, resulting in more intimate and unique photos. By scheduling this moment earlier in the day, you might take advantage of better lighting or scenery for your photos.


  • Capturing Raw Emotion: A first look provides an opportunity for your photographer to capture genuine, intimate reactions in a more controlled setting. This modern tradition can become one of the most memorable moments of your day, as it’s focused solely on the two of you. Some couples use this moment to exchange personal vows or words they may not share during the public ceremony.


  • Efficient Schedule: A first look allows you to take many of your couple and wedding party photos before the ceremony, leaving more time for you to enjoy the reception. Getting photos done earlier minimizes post-ceremony delays, helping the rest of the day stay on schedule. By taking care of photos beforehand, you can spend cocktail hour mingling and enjoying the company of your loved ones.


Drawbacks to a First Look


  • Preserving Tradition: If you cherish the traditional moment of seeing each other for the first time at the altar, you might prefer to forgo a first look. 


  • An Earlier Start: Incorporating a first look requires adjusting your timeline, which may mean getting things started earlier in the day. If you’re not a morning person or prefer a leisurely start to your wedding day, a first look could not be for you. By starting earlier, your wedding day becomes longer, which could lead to fatigue before the reception even begins. A longer day might be especially challenging for couples who want to stay energized for dancing and celebrating late into the evening.


  • Myth: Less Authentic Emotion at the Ceremony: Some couples worry that seeing each other before the ceremony might dilute the emotional moment at the altar but I haven't seen that to be the case. However, if you dream of a heart-stopping reaction and your partner seeing you for the first time walking down the aisle, then do what you feel most happy with. Part of the magic of seeing each other for the first time at the ceremony is sharing that moment with family and friends. A first look takes away this communal experience, which some couples and guests may find disappointing.


  • Pressure to "Perform" for Photos: While a first look creates an intimate setting, it’s captured by photographers and videographers. This can create pressure to have a “perfect” emotional reaction, which might feel less spontaneous or genuine for some couples.


  • Increased Complexity in the Timeline and Weather Challenges: Incorporating a first look adds another layer of logistics to your wedding day. It requires coordinating with your photographer, ensuring your wedding party is ready early, and sticking to a strict timeline to avoid delays. If you’re planning an outdoor first look, weather or lighting conditions earlier in the day might not be ideal. For instance, harsh midday sunlight can create unflattering shadows, and cloudy or rainy weather may dampen the mood.


Ultimately, the decision to have a first look or not should reflect your personal preferences and the atmosphere you wish to create on your wedding day, but it's worth considering the unique emotional and logistical benefits it brings. Whether you opt for a romantic moment captured by your wedding photographer or prioritize a stress-free morning, a first look can beautifully enhance the magic of your wedding day. From the initial glances to the laughter and tears, capturing these moments before saying "I do" can truly be a highlight in your wedding photography journey. Discussing this option with your partner and consulting with your photographer can help ensure that your choice aligns with your overall wedding vision.