Should you do a first look & what is a first look anyway!?
Engaged and wondering if a first look is right for your big day? Maybe you’ve seen those tear-filled photos of couples seeing each other before the ceremony and wondered, Is this for us? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! Here’s everything you need to know about first looks, plus five compelling reasons to consider one for your wedding day.
What is a first look?
A first look is one of the most intimate and special moments you can have on your wedding day. It’s that magical, private meeting between you and your partner before the hustle and bustle of the ceremony kicks off. Away from the flurry of guests, final details, and all the “OMG, it’s happening” nerves, a first look gives you both the chance to soak in each other’s presence, just the two of you, in total peace.
And guess what? A first look can actually make your day feel more chill. Whether it’s saying a quiet prayer together, exchanging heartfelt gifts, or just holding hands and grounding yourselves, this time helps settle any pre-ceremony jitters. It’s a special pause before the party starts, setting the tone for what’s to come.
5 Reasons Why You Should Do A First Look
1. Calm Your Nerves and Savor the Moment
Wedding days come with all the feels. Nerves? Check. Excitement? Double-check. And let’s not forget the mini panic about whether every tiny detail will come together. You’re about to marry your soulmate, so naturally, a lot is happening inside your head—and heart.
A first look creates a little bubble of calm amidst the whirlwind. It’s just you and your partner, away from the hustle and bustle, sharing a quiet, intimate moment. Hug them. Take a deep breath. Steal a kiss (or five). Take it all in.
Feeling nervous? Totally normal. Those jitters often come from anticipation. Those butterflies tend to settle once you see the person you’re promising forever to. Honestly, there’s no better cure for pre-wedding nerves than holding the love of your life. I know that whenever I feel overwhelmed, hugging Justin immediately makes my heart lighter.
Most couples we’ve worked with tell us the same thing after their first look—”Whew, I feel so much better. LET’S DO THIS!”
Bonus tip: After your first look, you’ll also have about 20-30 minutes for touch-ups, final deep breaths, or a celebratory sip of champagne (or a sneaky shot of whiskey—we’re not judging).
2. Calm the Chaos and Make More Time for What Matters
Picture this: You’ve just tied the knot, and instead of rushing to grab post-ceremony photos, you’re heading straight into celebration mode. Taking a first look before your ceremony gives you precious time to enjoy the party you worked so hard to plan!
At first glance, most of your portraits are done beforehand, so once the vows are exchanged, you and your wedding party can make a beeline for the fun. Your best mate might even snag a drink for you at the bar (bonus points if it’s your favorite cocktail). Your guests? They’re already mingling over appetizers, stress-free and happy. The entire vibe is easygoing, just how it should be.
Any last-minute post-ceremony photos will only take 30–40 minutes, meaning you get to enjoy more of the cocktail hour. That’s extra time to hug your closest crew, chat with guests planning to leave early, and sneak some hors d’oeuvres before they’re gone. Oh, and there’s absolutely time for a glass (or two) of champagne to celebrate. Cheers to making timeless memories and having a blast!
3. Photo Fatigue? It’s a Thing.
Yep, photo fatigue is totally real. Even with our candid-style approach, you’re still spending some time “posing” for those gorgeous wedding shots—with your family, your bridal party, and, of course, each other. By the time you’ve hit photo #47, you might just be ready to drop the bouquet and sprint toward the cocktail bar (we’re with you on this one).
Here’s the deal: We don’t want to be in your space all day, making you feel glued to endless photo ops or dragging you all over the venue. A First Look can be a game-changer if you’d rather eat your hors d’oeuvres (fancy sliders? Yes, please) or sip that signature cocktail without stressing about a camera.
If you’re not used to being in front of a camera, or you already know you’ll want to kick back and focus on the fun after exchanging vows, scheduling a First Look might be the best decision you make (you know, next to saying “I do”).
Pro Tip: When you’re relaxed and unhurried, your photos reflect it—and that’s the kind of magic worth capturing.
4. Say Goodbye to Stressing Over the Sun
If you’re planning a summer wedding, this tip is huge! And for our winter couples, timing the golden hour can be even trickier—think Wisconsin sunsets as early as 4 PM in December. We’re talking limited time to capture those dreamy, natural-light moments you’ve dreamed about.
Couples book us because we’re pros at working with natural light (it’s our superpower), but we can still rock those flash and artificial light shots when the sun doesn’t play nice. That being said, a first look might be your only chance to grab gorgeous natural light photos of you and your partner—especially if you’re planning a sunset ceremony.
We hear clients thank us over and over for helping build their timelines to include a first look. It’s not just about the pictures; it’s about easing stress and giving you more time to soak up that once-in-a-lifetime connection with your favorite person.
Of course, here’s the thing—a first look isn’t for everyone. And that’s 100% okay! This day is yours, and it should feel just as unique and meaningful as your love story. We’re here to help capture whatever vision you dream of (and ensure you know all your options).
Want to chat about how a first look can fit perfectly into your wedding day? We’re ready to help you plan it—just reach out!
5. Capture Those Genuine, Intimate Reactions
You’ve probably pictured it a thousand times—the moment your partner turns to see you for the first time in the dress or that amazing suit you picked out. Why not make it even more unforgettable?
A first look lets you soak in that breathtaking moment together—just the two of you. No crowds, no distractions, and no Aunt Linda trying to document everything with her 2015-era phone camera. It’s a rare chance to connect privately and really feel the magic.
And here’s the cherry on top—it’s a photographer’s dream. Those raw, unfiltered emotions? The looks of sheer love, joy, and maybe even a few happy tears? That’s the magic your photographer can capture during a first look, and you’ll cherish those photos (and the memories) forever.
We’ll say it louder for the people in the back…
If you want to wait until the ceremony to see each other for the first time, that’s exactly what you should do—and we are 100% behind it. Picture this moment in your head: the doors swing open, or you turn the corner, and there they are—your future spouse, seeing you for the first time in all your aisle-walking glory. It’s cinematic. It’s emotional. It’s everything you’ve always dreamed of. We’d never dream of stepping on your vision or forcing a “first look” to capture photos on our terms. That’s just not how we roll.
But hey, we get it. You’ve invested in a pro photographer (and maybe a cinematographer) because you want photos and videos that don’t just document the day—they capture everything. The love, the nerves, the excitement. That’s where a “first look” might make sense for you. It’s a chance to steal a few extra moments together before the whirlwind kicks off, share an intimate connection, and walk away with some truly stunning, heartfelt imagery (trust us—they’re always next-level magical).
Whether you’re all about that traditional aisle moment or leaning toward a private “first look,” rest assured, we’re here to make sure your day reflects you. Whatever you choose, it will be beautiful, meaningful, and oh-so-you.
What feels more like YOUR vibe? Traditional first glance or sneaky pre-ceremony “I do” moment? Drop a comment or reach out—we’d love to hear what makes your heart skip a beat!
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