Choosing whether or not to have a first look before the wedding ceremony is a deeply personal decision, and there’s no right or wrong answer! It ultimately depends on your preferences, traditions, and the overall vibe you want for your big day (not to mention, at times, the timeline itself). Truthfully, I used to always recommend a first look, but the more I’ve thought about it, my reasons might have been somewhat selfish. Admittedly, sometimes first looks do allow for a more flexible timeline, but are they really necessary? Does the first look take surprise and emotion away from that grand processional down the aisle to your future spouse?

Mainly, I question if recommending a first look, just for first looks’ sake, is actually making my clients nervous due to possible pressure put on them to “perform” for the camera. While I do everything in my power to make it a great experience and give them space to be intimate, I wonder if, somewhere in the back of their minds, they are more worried about the first look being “pretty” or “perfect” rather than just letting their emotions take hold. Having witnessed weddings with and without a first look throughout my 10+ year career, I’ve seen everything. Some clients are outwardly emotional, and some aren’t, and that’s okay! I still think it might be a possibility that I could be enhancing their experience by letting these moments happen organically, rather than setting up a “scene” for them to see each other. It’s a theory I’m excited to test out, and I’m really looking forward to learning how my current and future clients feel about the subject.

Here are just a few more considerations for why some couples might choose not to do a first look before the ceremony

1. Tradition: For some couples, the tradition of not seeing each other until the ceremony holds sentimental value. It adds to the excitement and anticipation of the moment when you first see each other walking down the aisle.
2. Emotional Impact: Seeing each other for the first time as you walk down the aisle can be an incredibly emotional and powerful moment. For many couples, sharing that raw emotion in front of their loved ones during the ceremony is important and unforgettable.
3. Symbolism: The moment of seeing each other at the ceremony symbolizes the start of your journey together as a married couple. It marks the beginning of a new chapter in your lives, witnessed by your family and friends.
4. Personal Comfort: For some couples, the idea of a first look feels too staged or orchestrated. They prefer the spontaneity and authenticity of seeing each other for the first time in the natural flow of the wedding day.

Ultimately, whether or not to do a first look before the ceremony is a decision that should reflect your values, desires, and what feels right for you as a couple. I am here for you from the beginning to talk through all of these lingering questions and concerns, and guide you through what might be best to elevate your wedding experience.