To First Look or Not to First Look?

Let’s set the scene:
Your palms are sweaty (knees weak, arms are... ok maybe not that dramatic), you’ve spent months planning every tiny detail, and the moment has finally arrived. You’re about to see your partner all dolled up, looking like the actual heart-eyes emoji. But here’s the twist: do you want to do that reveal in front of 100 pairs of eyes during the ceremony… or do you want a quiet, intimate moment with just the two of you (and us, lurking nearby with cameras like emotionally-attached ninjas)?

Enter: the First Look.

As photographers who’ve seen hundreds of weddings unfold from behind the lens, we are huge fans of the first look. Why? Because it’s the secret sauce to an emotionally rich, stress-free, timeline-friendly kind of day. Let’s break it down.

Real Reactions, No Distractions

You know that epic moment when one partner turns around and their face crumbles with happy tears? That’s the stuff we live for.

In a ceremony, reactions are sweet but often a little… restrained. You’re in front of everyone. You’re standing still. You’re trying not to ugly cry in front of all your closest friends and family.

With a first look, it’s just the two of you. It’s raw, it’s real, it’s relaxed. You can laugh, cry, twirl, hug like no one’s watching (except us, with cameras and a zoom lens, capturing every glorious second).

Calm the Nerves (And the Sweaty Armpits)

Weddings are beautiful chaos. But there’s often a wave of nerves that creeps in before the ceremony. A first look is like a deep exhale. The second you see each other, the jitters melt away.
We’ve literally seen shoulders drop, smiles explode, and an entire vibe shift from "panicky Pinterest board" to "bring it on, let’s get married."

More Time, Less Stress

Doing a first look means you can smash out some of your portraits before the ceremony. Couple shots, bridal party snaps, maybe even family photos if you’re keen — all done before guests arrive.

Translation: you get to enjoy more of your wedding day. More time with friends. More time for champagne. More time to actually eat that expensive grazing table.

Golden Hour? Don’t Mind if We Do

When portraits are mostly ticked off early, it frees you up later in the day for a dreamy, relaxed sunset session. No rushing, no stressing, just golden light, a little romance, and some absolute magic.

Trust us: golden hour photos = screensaver material.

A Private Pocket in a Public Day

Weddings are busy. People everywhere. Questions flying. Canapés disappearing. But a first look? It’s just yours. It’s a rare pocket of peace on a whirlwind day. You get to check in with each other, breathe together, laugh about the chaos, and ground yourselves before the next chapter begins.

It’s romantic. It’s grounding. It’s honestly kind of sacred.

Final Zoom

We’re not saying a first look is for everyone — some people live for that down-the-aisle moment, and if that’s you, we are all in. But if you’re even a little tempted by the idea of a first look, we say: go for it. As photographers, we see firsthand the magic it creates — not just in the photos, but in the energy of the whole day.

And hey, if you cry a little early, that’s what waterproof mascara is for. We’ll bring the tissues and the lens wipes. You just bring the love.

Thinking about doing a first look on your big day?
Let’s chat about how we can sneak off, find a beautiful little pocket of light, and capture the moment your love story levels up.