Should You Do A First Look? Pros & Cons from a Photographer
Pros & Cons from a Photographer Who’s Cool Either Way
One of the first questions couples ask me when we start planning their wedding day timeline is: Should we do a first look? And my answer? It’s 100% up to you.
I’m not a photographer who pushes for it either way. I love it when couples choose to do a first look, but it’s not because of the typical “you’ll save time” talking point. In fact, I rarely try to squeeze all portraits in before the ceremony—even when a couple does opt for a first look.
Let’s break down what a first look actually changes—and what it doesn’t—so you can decide what works best for your day.
What a First Look Doesn’t Mean
There’s this common idea that if you do a first look, you’ll be able to get all your photos done beforehand and head straight to the reception after the ceremony.
Truth? That’s not usually how I structure the day.
Even when couples see each other before the ceremony, I typically leave family photos and a second round of couple portraits for after the ceremony. Why?
Family is almost always running late.
I'd much rather have them be late for the ceremony than late for portraits, because that way it doesn't derail the whole flow of the day.Lighting is usually better later.
Evening golden hour light > early afternoon sun. I like giving us two chances to get bride & groom portraits, especially if weather or nerves affect the first round.
What a First Look Does Help With
That said, there are a few real perks to doing a first look—especially when we use it strategically.
We can get all bridal party photos done before the ceremony.
This definitely saves time and can make the post-ceremony flow feel a bit more relaxed.It creates more time in your day for portraits of just the two of you.
Which is helpful if you’re working with limited coverage time or navigating unpredictable weather.It gives you a backup plan for rain.
Having two portrait windows (before and after the ceremony) means more flexibility if we need to work around showers.
Emotional Pros of a First Look
You get a private moment together before the day kicks off.
This can take a ton of pressure off the ceremony. You’ll still get emotional down the aisle—but with fewer jitters.It gives you more freedom to be vulnerable.
If one or both of you aren’t excited about crying in front of 150 people, a first look creates a space to feel all the things in private.You can save your veil for the aisle and basically have two first looks.
One without it, one with it. Trust me—groom tears can still show up twice.
What Are the Downsides?
Honestly, not many. Some couples feel like a first look breaks with tradition, or they’re worried it’ll take away from the emotion of the ceremony. But in my experience? You’ll still feel all the things when you walk down that aisle—even if you’ve already seen each other.
If you're someone who values tradition or wants to hold out for that big reveal, that’s totally valid. And I’ll help you build a timeline that gives you the breathing room you need, even without a first look.
Final Thoughts
Whether you decide to do a first look or not, I’m here for it. My job is to help make your day flow smoothly while capturing all the moments that matter—no pressure, no awkward posing, and no rushing.
You don’t have to follow the “typical” timeline to get beautiful photos. We’ll build something that works for you.