So this just might be the hottest topic in the modern-day wedding industry - first looks on wedding days. What are they? When did this start? Is this something that me and my partner should do on our big day? Consider this blog post the ultimate guide to one of my favorite moments on a wedding day - first looks!

What even is a first look?

So let’s start with the basics - a first look between a couple typically happens before the wedding ceremony. It’s typically a completely private moment (with the exception of your media team) between you and your partner where you are each dressed in your wedding attire and you have the chance to see each other before all of the major formalities happen. Sometimes during a first look, couples will choose to exchange private vows or even gifts with one another during this special, and intimate moment.

Pros of a First Look

There are many reasons why first looks have become such a talked-about topic in the industry, and why wedding photographers love them so much! From an easier timeline to helping you ease any nerves, there are a lot of perks of having a first look with your partner on your big day. Let’s dive in, shall we?

The Luxury of Privacy

With a first look, it really IS private. This moment shared between you and your partner can be highly emotional. If you know that the tears will be flowing/want the moment when you see your partner for the first time to be just you two together without the obstructions of other people, a first look would definitely be something to consider.

Additional Images of You and Your Partner

When looking at a wedding day timeline, there are things I like to call “moments.” Stepping into your dress, wedding party photos, the ceremony, sunset photos, your exit - these are all examples of “moments.” If photos of you and your partner together are valuable to you two, I highly recommend adding a first look to your wedding day timeline. It’s just another opportunity for you two to get even more photos with just one another.

Bye-Bye Jitters

The anticipation of seeing your partner on your special day is truly insane - I mean, you two are literally walking into a major life moment together, of course, you’ll have some nerves. First looks allow you to ground yourself in the day and release some of those jitters - seeing your partner, soaking in the day together, and realizing that you are both nervous in the best way can truly work wonders. As someone who had a first look herself, I resonate with this perk the most!

First Looks are A Timeline Lifesaver

Couples who opt for a first look tend to have a more relaxed day-of timeline. When you do a first look with your partner, you have a chance to knock out so many of your “formal” photos (aka wedding party, some family, and even couples portraits) before the ceremony even begins. This opens up the opportunity for you and your lover to mingle with your guests at cocktail hour or have some relaxed, private time together following your “I Dos.”

A First Look Might Be for You If…

• You don’t mind seeing your partner before you walk down the aisle.

• You want additional photos of you and your partner on your wedding day.

• You want to say your vows in private.

• Attending cocktail hour is important to you and your partner.

• You want to knock out a large portion of photos before your ceremony so you can remain present the rest of the night.

keeping the tradition

That being said, I completely understand wanting to keep the tradition alive and waiting for your partner to see you at the altar. For some, this is the moment that you’ve been waiting for. This would mean that there would have to be additional time in your timeline for all full wedding party photos, family photos, AND bride and groom portraits following your ceremony. What’s most important is that you do what is true to you two as a couple.

A first look might NOT be for you if…

• You like the anticipation of waiting to see your partner for the first time at your ceremony.

• You’re more on the traditional side.

• It doesn’t work within your timeline.

Below I’ve mapped out what your pre-ceremony and post-ceremony photos might look like for you on your wedding day in both scenarios - with and without a first look!

Without A First Look

Pre-Ceremony Photos

Bridal Portraits

Bride + Bridesmaids Photos

Groom Portraits

Groom + Groomsmen Photos

Immediate Family Photos - Without Your Partner

POST-Ceremony Photos

Immediate Family Photos - With Your Partner

Extended Family Photos

Full Wedding Part Photos

Couples Portraits

With A First Look

Pre-Ceremony Photos

Bridal Portraits

Bride + Bridesmaids Photos

Groom Portraits

Groom + Groomsmen Photos

Full Wedding Party Photos

Couples Portraits

Immediate Family Photos

POST-Ceremony Photos

Extended Family Photos

Additional Couples Portraits

Alternatives to a first look

If you decide that a first look with your partner isn't quite the move for you, you might consider another "first" option to add another moment to your wedding day!

First Touch with your partner

Think of this as a first look, without the looking! You and your partner are essentially backed up to where you cannot see one another but still have the chance to touch and hold hands and chat before your ceremony. You can even share vows during this moment if you wanted.

Private Letter Readings

You and your partner will remain separate for these but you will each have written each other a letter that you will read in full privacy - allowing you to feel as though your partner is there with you.

First Look with Siblings, Parents or Bridesmaids

You can still have a first look with others on your wedding day but don’t feel like this is something you HAVE to do. Some of my couples have opted for first looks with their siblings, parents, or even bridesmaids/groomsmen!

I hope that this blog post gave you a little more insight into whether or not a first look might be something you want on your wedding day! All in all, the choice is yours. First looks have become increasingly popular in the modern-day wedding industry and for good reason! They help save time, allow couples to spend more time with one another, and they make for some very sweet and emotional memories with your lover! But if you and your partner are more on the traditional side and want to save the first look for the aise, hats off to ya. That’s the beautiful thing about your wedding day - it’s YOURS and you get to choose what’s right for you.