The First Look
The Magic of a First Look
There’s a reason why “First Looks” are becoming so popular—they’re truly incredible! Yet, many couples hesitate to embrace them because they feel it’s “non-traditional” and immediately dismiss the idea.
Every bride dreams of that unforgettable moment when her groom sees her for the first time—overcome with joy, maybe even shedding a tear or two as she walks down the aisle. Isn’t that the reaction we all imagine? For some brides, sticking to tradition feels important, but let’s be honest—what every bride really wants is that perfect, heartfelt reaction.
Those who are unsure about a First Look often worry it will diminish the emotion or intimacy of the moment. They assume that seeing each other before the ceremony will make that moment less special. However, in reality, a First Look offers an intimate, private experience that allows you to share your emotions fully without the pressure of hundreds of eyes watching.
Let’s explore why a First Look might just be the magical moment you didn’t know you needed!
The Wedding Day Stress and the First Look
Let’s face it—wedding days can be a little stressful for the bride and groom. All eyes are on you, you need to look your absolute best, be on time, and navigate all the little details. Even something as small as figuring out which side the boutonniere goes on can add to the tension.
The morning starts off calmly enough, but as the ceremony approaches, the gravity of the day begins to sink in. That cool and collected groom, who was playing golf just hours earlier, suddenly starts to feel a little anxious.
Here’s how it often unfolds: the groom waits in a quiet room for his cue from the coordinator. Minutes feel like hours as he anticipates what’s next. Finally, the coordinator pops her head in, giving him the signal to get ready. With clammy hands and a racing heart, he steps out into the ceremony space and is met with a sea of 80 to 300 people—all looking directly at him.
What’s everyone waiting for? His reaction. All eyes are on his face as the bride makes her grand entrance. While this moment is undeniably magical and powerful, it’s also anything but private or intimate.
Walking down the aisle is one of the most cherished moments of your wedding day—it’s unforgettable! But it doesn’t have to be the only moment where emotions shine. A First Look can offer a private, meaningful experience for just the two of you, allowing you to soak in the excitement and joy without the pressure of an audience. It’s a beautiful way to complement the magic of your walk down the aisle.
The Calm Before the Ceremony
When you choose to have a First Look, everything changes. Instead of your fiancé being a bundle of nerves, he’s already spent part of the day with you, your best friends, and your bridal party. The pressure is OFF. By the time the ceremony begins, he’s ready to fully enjoy the moment, savoring the joy of the day without anxiety clouding his mind.
Here’s the thing—most grooms, no matter how cool and collected they appear, feel the nerves creeping in as the ceremony approaches. The moment they see their bride is when everything feels real, and those emotions can be overwhelming.
Now, imagine this: instead of keeping your groom in a secluded space until the ceremony, you meet in a private, quiet location. There are no onlookers, no distractions—just the two of you. You call his name softly, and as he turns around, he gets his first look at the love of his life.
In that moment, he can take it all in—your beauty, your dress, your radiance. He can embrace you, kiss you, cry with you, and truly enjoy that moment as long as the two of you want. He can tell you how stunning you look, hold your hand, and share those raw emotions in a way that’s completely intimate and unhurried.
As you show him your dress, maybe twirl a few times, and ask him what he thinks, you’ll see his nerves melt away. After all, you’re the person who makes him feel most at ease. A First Look allows you both to soak in the joy of the day together, setting the perfect tone for the ceremony ahead.
Why a First Look Can Be Magical
When there’s no rush, everything feels more relaxed. After sharing a First Look, couples can transition into their romantic portraits without a time crunch. It’s just the two of them and their photographer, capturing the joy and excitement of their wedding day. No coordinators announcing “15 minutes left,” no guests waiting, no distractions—just an intimate, unhurried moment together.
This is their chance to truly be together and be alone—a rarity on a wedding day. Without a First Look, these private moments simply don’t happen.
After the romantic portraits, they meet up with their bridal party, and the fun begins! The bride might touch up her makeup while the groomsmen joke around. Bridal party portraits become lighthearted and enjoyable because there’s no pressure to rush through them. There aren’t impatient guests waiting at cocktail hour or DJs checking in for timing updates. It’s a wonderful, stress-free experience.
Once the portraits are complete, the couple and their party separate to prepare for the ceremony. Guests begin to arrive, ushers take their places, and the energy builds. Soon, the processional music begins. One by one, the bridesmaids make their way down the aisle.
The groom, standing at the front, clasps his hands—not from nerves, but from excitement. As the music swells and the mother of the bride stands, signaling everyone to rise, he looks up. And there she is—the bride, his best friend, his partner, his love—looking absolutely stunning. The closer she gets, the bigger his smile becomes.
Why It’s Worth It
There’s a reason why so many couples choose to do a First Look on their wedding day—it’s truly an incredible experience. However, not everyone realizes how meaningful and beneficial it can be because they get caught up in the idea that it’s “non-traditional.” Many brides dream of their groom being overcome with emotion when they walk down the aisle, and they worry that seeing each other beforehand will take away from that special moment. But let’s take a closer look at the magic of a First Look and why it might be the perfect choice for your big day.
More Portraits for Bride and Groom
Your wedding photography is a significant investment, and with a First Look, you can maximize it. By seeing each other before the ceremony, you’ll have 30% more portraits of the two of you—beautiful images that you’ll cherish and decorate your first home with. A First Look allows you to make the most of your photography and ensure you’re getting the best value for your investment.
Enjoy the Surprise Freely
Imagine this: you walk down the aisle, and your groom is totally blown away by how gorgeous you look. But in that moment, he can’t tell you how amazing you are, touch you, or even embrace you. You have to wait until after the ceremony for his reaction, and by then, the initial excitement has settled.
With a First Look, the two of you can enjoy that moment privately. He can tell you how stunning you are, hold you close, and truly soak in the emotions without an audience or a timeline. It’s an intimate moment just for the two of you.
Extend Your Wedding Day
A First Look extends your wedding day in the best way possible. Instead of waiting for the ceremony to begin, you can start enjoying your day earlier. Without the rush of squeezing in portraits between the ceremony and reception, you’ll have time to relax, have fun with your bridal party, and soak in every moment of the day.
Your Only Alone Time
Wedding days are a whirlwind, and you’re constantly surrounded by people. A First Look offers the only opportunity for you and your fiancé to have a quiet, private moment together. This is your time to laugh, cry, and enjoy each other’s company without distractions. Afterward, you’ll feel relaxed and ready to take your romantic portraits with all those “just seen each other” emotions shining through.
Diminishes Nerves
Wedding days can be nerve-wracking, especially for grooms. While they may seem calm and collected, the nerves often build as the ceremony approaches. Instead of waiting in a room full of expectations and pressure, a First Look allows the groom to see his bride in a private, calming setting.
Picture this: in a quiet place, free from distractions, the bride softly calls the groom’s name. He turns around to see her for the first time—his stunning bride, the love of his life. In that moment, they can embrace, cry together, and simply enjoy being with each other. The nerves fade away, and the groom is ready to fully enjoy the rest of the day.
A Relaxed Timeline
With a First Look, you’ll have more time to enjoy your day. After your romantic portraits, you can transition into bridal party portraits without feeling rushed. There’s time for fun, candid moments with your friends, and no pressure to race against the clock before cocktail hour begins.
When the ceremony starts, your groom will no longer be a bundle of nerves but instead filled with excitement to see you walk down the aisle. The moment is still magical—he’s still blown away, smiling from ear to ear, and ready to marry his best friend.
A Note from Me
Of course, a First Look isn’t for everyone, and it’s not a requirement! Some couples prefer to stick to tradition, and that’s completely okay. My goal is to create the best experience for you. If you decide a First Look isn’t for you, I’ll work with you to create a timeline that fits everything in seamlessly while still capturing all the special moments of your day.
That said, I’ve seen the benefits of a First Look time and time again, which is why I share this option with my couples. It’s a wonderful way to create intimate, meaningful memories and enjoy your wedding day to the fullest.
Whether you choose a First Look or not, your day will be magical and uniquely yours. If you’re considering this option, let’s chat more about how we can make it the perfect addition to your wedding day!