Many couples wonder if having a first look before the ceremony is something they should include in their wedding day. I am 100% team “first look”, although I also understand and respect when couples choose to forego it!

Here are my reasons for why I encourage couples to include a first look in their wedding day:

Including a first look will allow more time for photos and therefore you generally receive more photos overall.

When including a first look in your timeline more formal posed portraits will take place before the ceremony. During this time you can often plan to do formal portraits as a couple, the full bridal party, and immediate family photos. Not only will you have more time for photos, you’ll also get to do them while everyone is still freshly “done up” and frankly, not sick of getting their picture taken yet.

First looks can help get the best lighting for formal portraits, especially if you’re getting married in the fall or winter.

Depending on the time of year (and your ceremony time), including a first look in your photography timeline might allow for better lighting to do photos before the ceremony. If you’re planning on a fall or winter wedding in Minnesota sunset happens ridiculously early. This definitely makes it a bit more difficult to work with natural light if your timeline is pushed later into the day.

You’ll have more time to enjoy your wedding day!

By having a first look and getting the majority of your photos taken before the ceremony, you and your spouse will be able to just enjoy cocktail hour and your reception without being pulled away from guests to complete your photos. As a wedding photographer it’s important to me to photograph all the images that are important to you, but I also don’t want you to feel burnt out or annoyed by the amount of time spent getting your picture taken. Your wedding day should be enjoyed by you, not just your guests!

Most importantly:

First looks help to get rid of your pre-ceremony nerves, and better yet – it’s a special, private moment between you and your fiance. Wedding days can be filled with hustle and bustle, high emotions, and stress. Having time to connect with your fiance can be a very calming experience that allows you to relax and really enjoy the rest of your day.  I often photograph the initial first look and then step away for a few minutes so you have some time to yourselves before we move on to anything else.

While I’m all for a first look, it’s important you plan your wedding day around the way you want to celebrate your love and marriage. If you don’t want to do a first look with your fiance on your wedding day some other options to consider would be: 

• A first touch. You two can stand together, back to back or around a corner. You don’t see one another, but you’re able to hold hands and speak with each other which can also help to calm your nerves before your ceremony.
• Do a first look with your parents or bridal party. These are extremely emotional and it’s so fun to have a “grand reveal” of you all done up in your wedding attire!

There’s no right or wrong way to do it. Regardless of what you choose to do, the first time you and your fiance see each other on your wedding day will be special and memorable!