Let’s be real—deciding whether or not to do a first look can feel like a big deal. Maybe you’ve always dreamed of a traditional aisle moment, where your partner sees you for the first time and gets all the feels. Or maybe you love the idea of sharing a private, intimate moment before the ceremony to shake off some of those nerves.
Either way, there’s no right or wrong choice—just what feels most like you. As a wedding photographer, I’ve seen firsthand how a first look (or skipping one!) can shape the flow of your day. So let’s break it down: the pros, the cons, and what might work best for your wedding.
Pros of Doing a First Look
More Time Together – This by far is my favorite reason to do a first look. Your wedding day flies by, and a first look gives you a quiet, private moment together before everything kicks off. It’s a chance to just be with each other without an audience.
Eases the Nerves – If you’re feeling anxious about walking down the aisle, seeing your partner beforehand can help calm those jitters. You get to soak in the moment together rather than feeling all the pressure in front of your guests.
More Flexibility with Photos – A first look means we can knock out a chunk of portraits before the ceremony—couple photos, wedding party, even some family shots—giving you more time to enjoy cocktail hour later.
Cons of Doing a First Look
It’s Not as “Traditional” – If you’ve always imagined that dramatic first look at the aisle, skipping this moment beforehand might be important to you.
The Timeline Starts Earlier – Since we’ll be doing portraits before the ceremony, you’ll likely need to start getting ready a little earlier in the day.
You Might Need Touch-Ups – Depending on the weather (looking at you, summer heat), you may want to freshen up before the ceremony—especially if there are tears involved!
You Won’t Have That “Aisle Moment” in the Same Way – While many couples still get emotional during the ceremony, seeing each other beforehand can take a bit of that intensity away.
So… Should You Do a First Look?
At the end of the day, there’s no right or wrong choice—just what feels best for you. If you want a private, intimate moment together before the ceremony and more flexibility with your timeline, a first look might be the way to go. But if you’ve always dreamed of that traditional aisle moment, then skipping it might be the better fit.
Either way, I’ve got you! Whether you choose a first look or not, I’ll make sure your day flows smoothly, your photos feel authentic to you, and that you get to soak up every moment.
