One of the first big questions I ask my couples when we start building their timeline is: “Are you planning on doing a first look?” There’s no right or wrong answer here—just what feels best for you and your day.

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Below, I’ll walk you through the benefits of a first look, why some couples skip it, and a few questions to help you make the call.

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What Is a First Look, Anyway?

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A first look is a private moment where you and your partner see each other for the first time before the ceremony. It’s just the two of you (plus me and my team, discreetly capturing it from a little distance), and it often becomes one of the most emotional, grounding moments of the entire day.

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Why Couples Love First Looks

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• • You get to spend more of your day together. Instead of waiting until the ceremony to see one another, you share a moment just the two of you—often the only private moment all day.

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• • It calms the nerves. So many couples tell me that seeing each other beforehand helped ease their anxiety and let them actually enjoy the ceremony.

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• • You get more photos, with better light. Doing a first look allows us to get couple portraits, wedding party photos, and even some reception details before guests arrive. That means more daylight and fewer things squeezed in post-ceremony.

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• • You’ll have more time post-ceremony. We can usually head straight into family photos and then let you actually enjoy cocktail hour!

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Why Some Couples Skip It

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• • You want that traditional aisle moment. For some couples, nothing compares to locking eyes at the altar for the first time. That emotional moment feels sacred, and a first look might dilute that for them.

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• • You’re keeping things more spiritual or symbolic. For religious or cultural reasons, some couples prefer to wait until the ceremony to see one another.

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• • The logistics just don’t allow for it. If you're getting ready far apart or only booked a shorter amount of coverage time, a first look may not be practical.

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How to Decide

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Ask yourselves:

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• • Do we want more time together on the day?

• • Are we hoping to attend cocktail hour?

• • Is an aisle reaction more important to us than privacy beforehand?

• • Would seeing each other earlier help calm nerves?

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And if you're torn—there’s a middle ground, too.

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Some couples opt for a “first touch” instead. This could be holding hands around a doorframe, reading letters back-to-back, or sharing a quiet moment without actually seeing each other. It still gives you a sense of calm and connection, without breaking tradition. Plus, we can capture a few beautiful portraits from this moment that feel just as meaningful.

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If you're still unsure, I'm always happy to walk you through a few timeline options so you can see what works best with your vision. No pressure—just what feels right for you two.

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Whether you go with a first look or wait for that walk down the aisle, I’ll be there to capture it all with intention. Either way, it's going to be unforgettable.