Whether to do first look wedding photos is one of the biggest timeline decisions you'll make, and couples go back and forth on it all the time. Some people love the idea. Some feel like it takes away from the moment at the aisle.
I've photographed a lot of both, and I'm not here to talk you into one or the other. I'll tell you what a first look actually is, what it changes about your day and your photos, and how to decide.
What Is a First Look at a Wedding?
A first look is when the two of you see each other for the first time before the ceremony, in a private moment away from your guests. Usually one of you waits with your back turned, the other walks up, taps a shoulder, and you turn around.
It's just the two of you (and me, hiding behind a column). No guests, no music, no aisle. You get to react however you want.
First Look Pros: Why a First Look Is Worth It
You get a real moment, just for the two of you
At the aisle, you're in front of everyone you know. A lot of people hold it together because they feel watched. At a first look, there's nobody to perform for. That's where I see the biggest reactions.
At Allie & Dillon's Ancient Spanish Monastery wedding, they did a quiet first look in the cloisters, and Dillon's reaction when he turned around is one I'll never forget. Georgette & Christian did theirs in the cloisters too, and you can see every emotion of it in their gallery.
It takes the pressure off the rest of the day
Once you've seen each other, the nerves usually go away. You get to spend time together before the ceremony instead of being apart all morning. In my experience, it ends up being one of the calmest parts of the day.
You get more portraits, and you get to enjoy cocktail hour
This is the practical reason. With a first look, we can do your couple portraits and a lot of your wedding party photos before the ceremony. After the ceremony we only need family photos and a quick golden hour session, so you can actually go to your cocktail hour.
It helps a lot in the winter
In Miami, the sun sets around 5:30 pm in November and December. If your ceremony is at 5, there's almost no daylight left for portraits afterward. A first look gets your portraits done while the light is still good. Check the sunset time for your own date, since it shifts through the season.
First Look Cons: Why Some Couples Skip It
There are good reasons to wait for the aisle too.
The aisle moment matters to you
For some couples, seeing each other for the first time at the ceremony is the moment they've always pictured. If that's you, do it. That reaction in front of your family is special in its own way.
Tradition or family
Some families feel strongly about it. That's a good enough reason.
You want one big moment, not two
Some people feel a first look takes a little of the surprise out of the aisle. I don't usually see that, because walking down the aisle still hits differently with everyone you love there. But if you feel that way, trust it.
How a First Look Changes Your Wedding Timeline
Here's the short version.
With a first look:
Plan about 30 to 45 minutes before the ceremony for the first look and couple portraits.
Wedding party photos can happen before the ceremony too.
After the ceremony: family photos, then a 15 to 20 minute golden hour session.
You get to enjoy most of cocktail hour.
Without a first look:
Couple portraits and wedding party photos all happen after the ceremony.
Plan a bigger portrait block, and you'll likely miss most of cocktail hour.
Your ceremony time matters a lot more, because the light after it is all we'll have for portraits.
Either way, I'll help you build the timeline around your sunset. My guide on how much coverage you really need has a sample timeline with a first look built in.
Other Ways to Do It
A first look doesn't have to be the classic tap on the shoulder. A few other options:
A first look with your dad (or mom)
At Pat & Tori's Biltmore Hotel wedding, Tori did a first look with her dad in the loggia. Watching a dad see his daughter in her dress for the first time is one of my favorite things to photograph.
First touch vs. first look
If you want to keep the aisle moment but still have a quiet minute before the ceremony, you can stand on opposite sides of a door or corner, hold hands and talk without seeing each other. You still get the private moment, and the aisle stays a surprise.
Letters or gifts
Some couples exchange letters before the ceremony instead. It's a great way to have a private moment and it makes for beautiful getting-ready photos.
Tips for Great First Look Wedding Photos
If you're going for it, a few things help:
Pick a spot with good shade. In Miami, a covered spot like a cloister, loggia or courtyard keeps you out of the harsh sun and keeps you from sweating through your outfit. Big venues like the Biltmore and the Ancient Spanish Monastery have perfect spots.
Keep it private. Ask your wedding party and family to give you space. It's your moment.
Don't rush it. Take a minute. Talk, laugh, cry, whatever happens. I'll stay back and let it play out.
Have your videographer there too, if you have one. Their angle and the audio of what you say to each other are worth having. More on that in my post on wedding videographers vs. content creators.
So, Is a First Look Worth It?
For most couples, I think it is. You get a real private moment, more time together, more portraits in better light and a calmer day overall. But it's your day. If the aisle moment is what you've always wanted, keep it, and we'll plan the timeline to protect your portrait time after the ceremony.
FAQ
What is a first look at a wedding?
It's a private moment before the ceremony where the two of you see each other for the first time, away from your guests. Your photographer captures your reactions.
Is a first look bad luck?
That's an old tradition, and plenty of couples still follow it. If it matters to you or your family, skip the first look or do a first touch instead. If not, a first look is a great way to spend time together before the ceremony.
What are the pros and cons of a first look?
The pros: a private moment, a calmer day, more portraits in good light and more time at cocktail hour. The cons: you give up the surprise at the aisle, and some families feel strongly about tradition.
Does a first look ruin the aisle moment?
In my experience, no. Walking down the aisle in front of everyone you love still feels big. But if the aisle reveal matters to you, there's nothing wrong with waiting.
How long does a first look take?
Plan about 30 to 45 minutes for the first look and couple portraits together. The first look itself only takes a few minutes.
When should we do a first look if we have an evening ceremony in winter?
Before the ceremony, while there's still daylight. In Miami the sun sets around 5:30 pm in November and December, so a first look is often the only way to get portraits in natural light.
Can we do a first look with a parent?
Yes, and I love it. A first look with your dad or mom is a sweet moment and makes for some of the most emotional photos of the day.
Let's Plan It Together
Not sure yet? That's fine. Once I know your venue, ceremony time and sunset, we'll figure out whether a first look makes sense. See my wedding collections or reach out here.