A first look is one of the most personal calls you’ll make about your wedding day — and there’s no universally right answer.
Here’s how I think about it, and the questions I ask every couple before deciding either way.
What a first look actually gives you
Seeing each other privately before the ceremony does a few practical things: it takes the edge off the nerves, it gives us a relaxed window for portraits while the light is still soft, and it frees up your cocktail hour to actually enjoy your guests instead of disappearing for photos.
The case for skipping it
For a lot of couples, walking down the aisle and seeing each other for the first time in front of everyone they love is the moment of the day — and no amount of practical benefit is worth giving that up. If that's you, we simply build the portrait time in afterwards, and it works just as well.
Questions worth asking yourselves
Do you want that big reveal in front of your guests, or somewhere private, just the two of you?
Are either of you the type to get overwhelmed by nerves — and would seeing each other early help?
How important is having relaxed, unhurried portrait time before the reception?
Is your ceremony at a time of day with good light for photos afterwards, or would you lose that window?
There's no wrong answer
I've photographed weddings both ways, and both can be beautiful. My job is to help you figure out which one actually fits the two of you — not to push you towards whichever is easier for me.
Still deciding? Happy to talk through your timeline and help you weigh it up.