Planning a wedding introduces you to many new things and concepts, and one of the biggest ones is the first look, that quiet, private, and intimate moment between the two of you before the craziness of the day begins. You may be tossing with the idea of having one and that is what brought you here.


And the answer is, it completely depends on you and what feels truly right in your heart.


I'm sorry for giving you what feels like a shitty answer but there's truly no right or wrong way to do it. Some couples love the idea of having a quiet moment together before it becomes super full on, while others have been dreaming about seeing each other for the first time walking down the aisle.


Having photographed both, here are my thoughts.

A groom in a navy suit presents a floral bouquet to his bride in a white lace gown during a romantic wedding moment.
Black and white photo of bride in lace gown holding bouquet approaching groom at window during wedding first look.
Groom reacts with joy seeing bride in lace wedding dress holding pink and white bouquet during first look.
Black and white wedding photo of a smiling bride holding a bouquet embracing her groom in a tender romantic moment.

The Pros


1. It can calm your nerves


This is probably one of the biggest things I’ve noticed with my couples.


I’ve had brides who have been incredibly nervous and anxious throughout the entire morning. They’re getting ready, everyone is asking them questions, there are a million things happening around them, you feel the nerves building up.


Then they have their first look and suddenly, they’re holding hands with their partner, talking, laughing, and just… chill again. I checked on one of my anxious brides after the first look and she said to me "oh i'm fine now, now that i've seen him"


And I completely understand why. Your wedding day can feel like a lot. There are people everywhere, timelines to stick to, photos to take, and so many little things happening at once. And your person, the one that is usually there to guide you through the storm is unavailable due to traditions.


So i get it, and i root for it.



Black and white photo of a bride in a flowing gown walking on a wooden bridge surrounded by tropical trees.
Bride in white lace gown and groom in gray suit share a joyful moment outdoors surrounded by lush tropical greenery.
Black and white photo of bride and groom exchanging vows outdoors, framed by tropical palm leaves and bamboo.
Bride and groom exchange rings surrounded by lush green bamboo in an elegant outdoor wedding ceremony.

Nadia & Mitch at their Bethells Beach photoshoot, in linen and bare foot.

2. You can get some photos done before the ceremony


Another huge benefit is that you can get a decent chunk of your portraits done before you even walk down the aisle.


Depending on your timeline, we can do your couple portraits and even some bridal party photos after your first look. Then once the ceremony is over, you'll have a lot more freedom. You can go straight into cocktail hour and actually hang out with your guests, grab a drink, enjoy some food, or just take a breather.


Orrrrr, if photos are really important to you, you can use that extra time to explore more of the venue and get some more beautiful portraits in different locations.


It’s completely up to you.

Bride in white gown and veil faces smiling groom in black suit on lush green farm with mountain backdrop.
Black and white photo of bride and groom walking through a grassy field with rolling hills and trees in the background.
Bride in white gown holding colorful bouquet stands behind groom in navy suit at outdoor farm wedding venue.
Black and white photo of a bride and groom sharing a romantic moment outdoors with rolling hills in the background.

3. You get a private moment together


Your wedding day is going to be full of people.


Your parents, your bridal party, your friends, your family, your photographer, your videographer, your celebrant… everyone wants a little piece of you.


A first look gives you a few minutes where it’s just you and your partner.


You can hug, cry, laugh, fix each other’s outfits, tell each other how good you look, some couples do their private vows during this time, or if you had a surprise or gift, this is also a great time to do it. It gives you a chance to take a moment for it to truly kick in, that "holy shit we're getting married" feeling.


And I think that can be really special.

Bride in white gown and groom in black suit stand apart outdoors near wooden fence for wedding first look.
Bride pinning boutonniere on groom in black suit with glasses outdoors at wooden fence wedding ceremony.

The Cons


1. You need to make time for it


The biggest practical downside is simply the timeline.


A first look isn't something you can really squeeze into five minutes. I’d usually want around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how much we’re trying to photograph afterwards.


That means you’ll need to get ready slightly earlier and build that time into your wedding schedule.


And if you already have a very packed morning, that might not be something you want to add.

Groom in navy suit smiles at bride in lace wedding dress and veil during romantic first look indoors.



2. It changes the moment you see each other for the first time


It is a tradition that you see other each other for the first time down the aisle, and i think there's something really special in that too!


I'm all for breaking traditions and doing things your way, but the beauty of autonomy is to have the choice, and for some brides, it may be important that some traditions stay.


There’s a bit of drama to seeing each other for the first time down the aisle.

You walk in.


Everyone turns around.


You see each other.


And suddenly, after months (or years) of planning, it’s actually happening.

Black and white photo of a bride in a white gown and veil holding a bouquet, standing among lush garden greenery.
Bride in white gown and veil walks with two escorts at outdoor wedding ceremony, holding yellow and white bouquet.
Groom in white tuxedo with mustache smiles at bride during outdoor wedding ceremony.
Black and white outdoor wedding ceremony with bride in flowing gown and veil, officiant, and guests holding parasols.

So… should you have a first look?


Honestly?


Do whatever feels true to you.


And i hate to give you what feels like a bullshit answer but it really is the only responsible answer i can give you!


If you’re someone who gets really anxious and thinks seeing your partner beforehand would help you relax, I think a first look can be incredibly meaningful. If you love the idea of spending cocktail hour with your guests and getting most of your photos done before the ceremony, it can also make your timeline feel much more relaxed.


But if you’ve always imagined walking down the aisle, seeing your partner for the first time, and having that big emotional moment in front of everyone you love…


Do that.


You don't need to have a first look just because Pinterest says you should.


Your wedding day doesn't need to follow a formula.


At the end of the day, the best decision is the one that makes you both think:

“Yep. That's exactly how we wanted it.”