To have a first look or not have a first look, that is the question: whether it is better to be traditional and see your partner walked down the aisle or be modern and have an intimate moment before the ceremony.

First looks have become very popular in recent years. Many of my couples have been torn between being traditional or having a first look. I get asked this question a lot so I wanted to give some helpful tips and pros and cons to help you decide. 

FAQ

What is a first look?

A first look is an intimate moment when the couple sees each other for the first time before the ceremony. First looks don’t have to just be for couples, it can be with anyone else. Below I have some alternatives.

Where to have it?

This depends on your venue and what time you are able to be on the property. If you cannot be on the property, I will look for a nearby park (the image above was at a park close to the venue).

Why do vendors recommend a first look?

Vendors will typically recommend a first look when it will be better for the timeline. Many weddings run late and having the extra time helps a lot. This is the reason most photographers recommend having one. Having shot so many weddings, I have learned that having a first look makes it a bit less stressful. When you have a first look, you can take some romantics after and then take either family photos or wedding party photos. By doing this, you will have less photos to take after your ceremony and will be able to enjoy cocktail hour with your guests.

What if you are having a winter wedding and still don’t want to have a first look?

If you are set on not having a first look, you don’t have to. You can always have separate wedding party photos before the ceremony and the whole wedding party after your ceremony.

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Pros and cons

Here are some pros and cons to having one:

_PROS

• You get to spend more time alone together
• It calms your nerves
• You’ll get more photos
• Spend more time with your guests during cocktail hour
• You can get your wedding party or family images out of the way
• Your timeline will be less stressful.
• You don’t have to hide from each other.
• You will get the same reaction from your partner as you walk down the aisle. This is one of couple’s biggest concerns. Oftentimes, your partner will get the same reaction when they’re seeing you walk down the aisle.

^CON

• The only con is it goes against tradition.

No matter what you choose, I am here to celebrate with you and I will capture it beautifully.

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Alternatives

Here are some alternatives to having a first look with your significant other:

• Having one with a parent or both
• Having your wedding party see you for the first time
• A funny one with your best man or maid of honor
• One with your children
• One with your dog (here’s a viral tik tok)

Here’s a wedding that my couple decided to have a first look with their parents. And another wedding that had a beautiful first look.

I hope you found this information useful, head to this blog to get some wedding timeline tips.