what’s the deal with first looks?

Let’s start with the basics - what is a first look?!

Traditionally, the first moment a the groom sees the bride is when she walks down the aisle at the beginning of the ceremony. A first look is when you and your partner take a moment to see each other before the ceremony. There are pros and cons to both options - let’s chat and see which is the best option for you and your partner!

reasons couples choose a first look

Here are a few reasons a couple may choose to see each other before the ceremony.

Schedule wise, it often creates more space in the timeline to get photos of the bride and groom and the wedding party.
More space in the timeline creates the opportunity to get more creative portraits because there is less rush, and it takes one thing off the agenda after the ceremony so the couple can start the reception sooner!
It creates a private moment for the bride and groom. There can be a lot of eyes on you during the bride’s procession down the aisle and for some people, that makes it harder to show your true emotions!
There can be a lot of jitters on a wedding day morning, and I’ve had a lot of couples say that their nerves immediately calmed down for the rest of the day once they saw their partner, which allowed them to enjoy the rest of the day even more.

here’s why I chose a first look!

I know first looks are not for everyone, but it is a game changer for some people and I am one of them.

Despite your best laid plains, you are the only thing you’re really in control of once you get to the day you get married. I had made schedules and I had dreamed dreams but I couldn’t force anyone to be on time or in a good mood.

But the moment when we saw each other for the first time? That moment was ours. To take deep breaths, feel our feelings, hold hands and soak it in. It felt like stealing back the day, pausing the spinning, and being free before jumping back into the rest.

I wrote Ben a sentimental letter that would’ve made me feel very exposed if I read it in front of all our guests but truly expressed what I wanted to share with him on our day, and I am so grateful I had that sacred moment to read it in.

That’s why having a private first look before the ceremony was the best decision for us. But like I said, I know it’s not for everyone!

reasons couples choose the “aisle moment”

The biggest reason couples choose not to see each other before the ceremony is because they want to save the moment for seeing each other when they walk down the aisle!

A lot of people have dreamt of that experience on the day they get married for years, and I believe you should have the moment that you dreamt of.
If you tend to have a more extroverted personality, having that moment in front of your guests might make it more special for you.
There’s no denying that the build up of suspense and the emotions of the music playing while you walk down the aisle can add to the magic of the moment!

If this sounds like you, save it! It’s your day - your photographer will work with you to make sure you have time for portraits other times in the schedule. I would rather you make decisions based off of how you want to remember your wedding day rather than the photos you’ll get, ya know?

that being said

- if you do choose a first look, the aisle moment will still be special. You might not get the same reaction, or it might be even more emotional, like this aisle moment below!

at the end of the day,

it’s between you and your person.

I know it seems like I have more “reasons” for a first look than not - but that doesn’t matter. No, really. Picture the day you get married the best you can - which makes you the most excited, the most peaceful?

At the end of the day, what you want is what matters and as your photographer, I work hard to make sure that you feel supported no matter what you choose!