Should You Do a First Look? Why We Love Them (and How to Make Yours Magical!)

You’ve got your venue, your dream outfit, and your favorite people. Now you’re staring down the timeline and wondering: should we do a first look? As a photo + video team, we’ve seen first looks transform wedding days from “rushed” to “relaxed,” and from “hope we make cocktail hour” to “we actually got to be with our guests.” Let’s talk about what a first look is, why couples love it, and how to make it feel magical (and totally you).

What Is a First Look?

A first look is a sweet, private moment before the ceremony where you two see each other for the first time… just the two of you (and us, quietly capturing it!). You can hug, breathe, cry happy tears, read letters, share private vows, then roll right into portraits while you’re fresh and glowing.

Think of it as your own little bubble in the middle of a big, beautiful day.

Why Couples Love First Looks

1.) It gives you your cocktail hour back

By doing your portraits (you two, wedding party, and immediate family) before the ceremony, you’re not cramming everything into a single hour afterward. Translation: more time to clink glasses, snack, and actually mingle.

2.) It melts away the jitters

Seeing your person early is the best deep breath. Nerves settle, shoulders drop, and by the time the ceremony starts, you’re excited, not anxious.

3.) The aisle moment still hits (promise!)

This is the #1 worry we hear: “Will the ceremony feel less emotional?” In our experience, nope! The emotions are different, not lesser. The walk down the aisle still lands, now with the bonus of that earlier private connection.

4.) Better light, better photos

First looks give us flexibility to chase the prettiest light and locations. If the sun sets early or the weather turns, you’ve already got gorgeous portraits in the bag.

5.) Your timeline breathes

A first look spreads the “must-do” moments across the day. That means fewer sprints, fewer schedule dominoes, and more genuine, candid time.

6.) Space for personal vows

Want to share private vows without a microphone? A first look is the perfect, intimate setting, and your video will love you for it.

7.) A built-in weather or logistics buffer

If travel runs late or a sprinkle passes through, your core portraits are safe. You’ll thank yourselves later.

Myth-Busting

• “It ruins the aisle moment.”
  Pinky promise, it doesn’t. The ceremony is public; the first look is private. Both carry different, beautiful emotions.

• “It’s not traditional.”
  Plenty of traditions have wiggle room (and lots of modern couples are rewriting the rules). You can still honor family customs and design a timeline that fits you.

• “Our families will be upset.”
  Most families are thrilled when they realize a first look means less rushing and more time together during cocktail hour. We’re happy to help you explain the perks!

First Look Variations (Pick Your Vibe!)

• Classic First Look: Just you two + reactions + portraits.

• First Touch: Hold hands around a corner, read letters, but skip the full reveal.

• Private Vows: Layer your vows into the first look for all the heart-eyes footage.

• Parent First Look: A sweet, tear-worthy moment with a parent or special person.

• Wedding Party Reveal: Let your crew see the full look at once… instant hype team!

How to Make Your First Look Feel Extra Special

• Choose a tucked-away spot. Quiet beats crowded every time.

• Build in 5 “buffer minutes.” Breathe, soak it in, read a letter, hold hands.

• Bring tissues & touch-up kit. Your future self says thank you.

• Keep the audience small. Just you two (and us). Save the hype for the party!

• Add private vows or gifts. It elevates the moment and the story in your film.

• Mind the light. We’ll help pick a pretty, flattering backdrop, and a backup plan.

• Protect the moment. Ask your coordinator to keep curious eyes at bay so you can be fully present.

When a First Look Might Not Be Your Thing

If the traditional aisle reveal is a lifelong dream, honor that instinct. You’ll still get beautiful portraits and a moving ceremony; we’ll simply design a timeline that prioritizes efficiency (and snacks) after. There’s truly no wrong choice, just the choice that fits you best.

SOME FAQ’S:

Will doing a first look shorten portrait time overall?
Often yes, because we’re not racing daylight or a hard transition into reception. It’s paced and efficient.

Can we include family in the pre-ceremony portraits?
Totally. Doing immediate family before the ceremony saves time later and keeps everyone fresh.

What if it rains?
We scout covered locations and bring clear umbrellas. With a first look, we also have more flexibility to dodge showers.

Can we keep it private from guests?
Absolutely. We’ll coordinate with your planner to keep the location and timing discreet.

Does it work with cultural or religious timelines?
Usually, yes. We’ll adapt around customs and build a plan that respects your traditions.

At the end of the day, a first look is about protecting the feelings you care about most… calm, connection, and room to actually live your wedding day. If maximizing time with your people, easing nerves, and getting dreamy portraits without the rush sounds lovely…a first look is a beautiful yes.

And if your heart wants that classic, down-the-aisle reveal? That’s a beautiful yes, too. We’ve photographed incredible weddings both ways! The magic is you two, not the timeline.