The First Look is one of my favorite new wedding day traditions, but because they have only become popular in the last few years, I get a ton of questions about them! Because of this, I’ve come up with a little FAQ to answer all of your questions in one place!

What is a first look?

A first look is when the bride and groom choose to see each other before the wedding ceremony in a very beautiful, special way. It is typically a private, and special moment since there are not hundreds of guests watching you. You can soak each other in and take in the day as you see each other for the first time.

Why should I do a first look?

My couples do First Looks for a few reasons.

1- They want to see each other for the first time privately, so they can really soak it in without an audience.

2- They are able to get all their photos done before the ceremony so that they can join their cocktail hour with their family and friends.

3- They typically end up with more photos and less stress since we can start earlier and don’t have the time constraint of getting all the photos done (bride and groom portraits, bridal party portraits and family portraits) within the 1 hour cocktail hour window.

4- Doing a First Look means that after the ceremony, the couple can always choose to either join cocktail hour or have even more bride and groom portraits taken.

What does my timeline look like if I do a first look?

A first look happens after your getting ready photos and before your ceremony. If your ceremony takes place at the same venue as your getting ready photos, we just choose a beautiful and private location at the venue. If not, you can choose to arrive early to the ceremony space to do your first look there. Sometimes the couple will choose a different location altogether to meet and have their first look. Once the first look is done we can always go to a second location for your couples portraits!

Will the first look take away from the tradition and big moment when I see her for the first time?

Many couples think this, as the first time the groom sees the bride walking down the aisle is such an revered moment, but first looks don’t take away from that magic. The private first look can help calm the couple down, as well as take the pressure off the aisle walk. You’ll still get that big moment of entering the aisle and seeing your soon to be spouse waiting at the other end. I’ve never had a couple regret it and only hear about how it was the best decision they made because it made the wedding day much more relaxed.

Who is there for our first look?

Typically, only the bride, groom, and photographer. Though some couples choose to have the bridal party, and/or some family members included as well. It is totally your choice as to who is there for your first look.

First looks can be amazing, but they aren’t for everyone! Whatever tradition you choose will be perfect for you and your big day!