GET MY WEDDING QUOTE
Bride surprising groom before first look on wedding day.
Bride and groom standing on porch holding hands, with a floral garden and brick building in the background.
Bride with floral tattoo and groom in suit having a candid moment on porch with potted plants and flowers.
Person in a navy suit with a boutonniere being touched on the arm by another person in a wedding dress with floral tattoos on their arm.
Bride and groom during a first look moment outside a Victorian-style house, surrounded by plants and flowers.
Man in a navy suit with pink tie, covering his mouth with hands, standing outside near a decorative building with flowers.
A couple holding hands and smiling in front of a brick house, surrounded by plants and flowers, on their wedding day.
Man in a suit and woman in a wedding dress embracing, emotional moment, flowers in the background.
A bride and groom embrace outdoors, with the groom wearing a dark suit and the bride in a wedding dress featuring tattooed birds on her shoulder. They are standing near a garden with greenery and birdhouse decorations.
Bride and groom embracing outdoors, bride with bird tattoos on her back.
Wedding couple embracing with emotional expressions, standing closely together outside. Bride with floral tattoo and hair decoration, groom in blue suit with watch. Text describing their special pre-ceremony "first look" moment.
Bride in wedding dress embraces groom in burgundy suit amidst green foliage.
Bride in white gown playfully places finger on lips behind groom in burgundy suit, standing outdoors in leafy background.
Bride in white wedding dress and groom in dark suit standing back-to-back in outdoor setting with greenery and autumn leaves.
Bride and groom standing back-to-back, holding hands in a garden setting, with greenery and red leaves in the background.
Groom in maroon suit and bride back-to-back in garden with fall foliage
Bride in white lace dress and veil smiling outdoors next to groom in maroon suit, green foliage background.
Bride and groom standing outdoors, holding hands, bride wearing a white dress and veil, groom wearing a maroon suit, surrounded by green foliage.
Bride and groom in a garden, looking at each other with expressions of surprise and happiness.
Bride in white wedding dress with a veil, looking concerned against a green, leafy background.
Man in burgundy suit with boutonniere standing outdoors
Bride and groom hugging outdoors, surrounded by greenery and colorful leaves.
A couple kissing outdoors with autumn foliage in the background.

The First Look: A Moment Just for You

A first look is a private moment shared between the two of you before the ceremony—no guests, no expectations, just presence and connection. It’s a chance to see each other for the first time in a calm, intentional way, allowing emotions to unfold naturally.

From a photography perspective, first looks create space for unhurried portraits, softer light, and a more relaxed timeline overall. From a human perspective, they often ease nerves, deepen connection, and set the tone for the entire day.

Couples can worry that a first look will take away from the ceremony moment, but in my experience, it enhances it. You’ve already shared that initial wave of emotion, allowing you to be fully present when you walk down the aisle—focused, grounded, and truly soaking it all in.

A first look isn’t about breaking tradition; it’s about choosing what feels right for you and creating room for meaningful moments throughout your wedding day.

How a First Look Helps Your Wedding Timeline

One of the biggest benefits of a first look is how smoothly it allows your wedding day timeline to flow. By seeing each other before the ceremony, we can complete a large portion of your portraits earlier in the day—without rushing or feeling pulled in different directions.

This means a shorter gap between your ceremony and reception, so your guests aren’t left waiting while photos happen behind the scenes. Instead of a long break, your day transitions naturally and comfortably for everyone involved.

It also allows you to actually enjoy your cocktail hour. Rather than disappearing for extended photo time, you can mingle, laugh, and celebrate with your guests—while still having already captured beautiful, intentional portraits.

A first look creates breathing room in the timeline, keeps your guests engaged, and gives you more freedom to be present and fully enjoy every part of your day.

A Thoughtful Choice, Not a Requirement

Choosing a first look isn’t about changing tradition—it’s simply one of many ways to shape your wedding day in a way that feels comfortable and intentional. If the idea of seeing each other before the ceremony feels right, a first look can create a relaxed timeline with more time for photos, a shorter wait for your guests between events, and the freedom to truly enjoy cocktail hour together.

If you’ve always dreamed of seeing each other for the first time down the aisle, that moment will still be just as powerful—and we’ll build your timeline to honor that instead. There is no “right” or “wrong” choice, only what feels most meaningful to you.

My role is to guide you through the options, help you understand how each choice impacts your day, and support you in creating a timeline that allows space for connection, celebration, and presence—no matter which path you choose.