The First Look Can Save Time and Stress

There are no wrong answers and no wrong ways to celebrate your wedding day.
At the heart of it all, what matters most is that you feel joy, comfort, and authenticity in every choice you make.
My role as your photographer isn’t to tell you what you should do, but to share what I’ve learned over the years so you can make decisions with clarity and confidence.

One of the most common questions couples wrestle with is whether or not to do a first look.
Many hesitate, worried it might take away from the magic of walking down the aisle. But in reality, a first look can be one of the most thoughtful and practical choices you make.

Seeing each other before the ceremony creates a calm, unhurried moment that’s just for the two of you. It eases nerves, sets a comforting tone for the rest of the day, and—most importantly—it gives you more time together. Without a first look, you’ll actually spend nearly half your wedding day apart. With a first look, you begin your day side by side, sharing laughter, tears, and excitement long before the formalities begin.

There’s also a practical benefit: portraits. Instead of squeezing them into your cocktail hour, a first look allows us to capture the most important photographs earlier in the day, when everyone is fresh and present. This frees up your evening so you can be fully immersed with your guests—mingling, celebrating, and soaking in every moment without feeling rushed.

And let’s talk about the magic. Far from ruining it, a first look often amplifies the emotion. In private, without the eyes of a crowd, reactions are often even more raw and heartfelt. It’s a moment that belongs only to you two, and it often becomes one of the most cherished memories of the day.

Extra Tip: A first look also gives you the opportunity to exchange vows privately, away from the noise of the ceremony. It’s intimate, grounding, and incredibly meaningful.

In the end, whether or not you choose a first look, know that your day will be beautiful and uniquely yours. But if you’re looking for a way to ease stress, maximize time with your partner, and truly enjoy every minute, a first look is worth considering.