Should You Do a First Look or Not?

Whether the first look between two people getting married happens at the beginning of the day so they can get ready together, after getting ready so they can share an intimate moment before the ceremony, or when one person starts walking down the aisle and they see each other for the first time, it's an emotional moment. And it should be up to you and your partner - and only you and your partner - to decide what works best for you two. But as a wedding photographer, here are the things that I consider the PROs of each option. (I'm leaving out the cons because I feel like they're implied in the pros of the other two options).

First Look at the Beginning of the Wedding Day

Pros

• You can spend the ENTIRE day together without worrying about hiding from one another

• You can enjoy each other's company/keep each other calm during the getting ready process

• Both of you can give each other positive feedback as you get ready and build each other up

• Your photos will be together all day

• You can do formal family portraits before the ceremony, which cuts down on time you're away from your guests at the reception

First Look After Getting Ready, Before Ceremony

Pros

• Intimate moment before ceremony

• See each other as OFFICIAL spouse and OFFICIAL spouse for the first time when you're all ready, alone in your own moment

• Take couple portraits before the ceremony which means you don't have an audience and don't have to sneak away from your guests

• Without interference, you get to see each other in your wedding day best, for the first time, and spend a few moments alone (with your third wheel photographer)

• You can do formal family portraits before the ceremony, which cuts down on time you're away from your guests at the reception

First Look As One Partner Walks Down the Aisle

Pros

• You have the suspense of the day building up to your ceremony

• There's ONE amazing moment when you see each other for the first time all day

• All the people you love get to experience this moment together

• You can each spend your mornings enjoying your closest friends' company before the big moment

• You have acknowledged the tradition of partners not seeing each other before their ceremony

• Partners can do first looks with their parents if they want

First Look before the ceremony

First Look at ceremony

First Look with parent