Here are some ways of thinking about a first look and how you and your partner might choose to navigate this.
You might already know that you want to see your partner before your wedding ceremony. Or you might know you definitely don’t. That is great! Many people aren’t sure how they want to navigate a first look.
What is a “first look”?
If you see your partner before your wedding ceremony, that moment when you see each other is the “first look”. It can be traditional for people to wait and see their partner until their wedding ceremony, and many people choose that. But many couple choose for logistical or emotional reasons to see each other before the ceremony. Perhaps you want to start family photos before your ceremony, perhaps you want a good cry and laugh with your partner, perhaps you are took scared of freezing at the ceremony – whatever your reason, a first look can be a lovely part of your day.
It is really common for couples to choose to have a first look and I often document this as the start of formal photos. But that doesn’t mean its the right choice for you and your partner, and many couples choose to see each other for the first time during the ceremony.Â
So, before you get too worries about what is right for you, know this: We can get your photos finished either way. And you will be just as married regardless.
Here are some false ideas people have around doing a first look
False ideas about a first look: we need to see each other to get photos
TRUTH: you can get great photos with or without a first look, you just need to adjust your timeline to make space. You will often have more time with your guests if the photos are finished before the wedding ceremony. That might be a big consideration if your ceremony and reception are in the same place, or if you have a huge photo list or a large family.
False ideas about a first look: We will just start with family photos, a first look would be too contrived.
TRUTH: seeing each other can be emotional, make time for that emotion. A “first look” is less about photos and more about taking a few minutes to check in with your partner. You might not be a crier, but seeing each other for the first time, if its on the aisle or at a first look, is pretty emotional. You should plan for that.
False idea about first looks: We will save time if we do some photos before and some after the ceremony.
TRUTH: generally this will not save time. Most of the time of taking formal photos is getting everything set up – the lighting, the location, the people – all in one place. For example, you might want a photo of you and your parents. Adding in your partner will take 30 seconds. Getting all those people together again after the ceremony will take a few minutes. Multiply that by lots of groups, and it adds up! It makes the most sense to focus on formal photos when partners are together, either before or after your ceremony.
False idea about first looks: it won’t feel special to see each other at the ceremony if we’ve already seen each other
That might feel true for you. And also seeing your partner at your wedding ceremony will feel emotional and special and a little wild no matter if you spent the whole morning together or haven’t seen each other in 12 hours. For some people, the stress of the ceremony keeps them from noticing their partner, it is really up to what you and your partner want your moments to be like.
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