Is a first look right for YOU?

Your wedding will be here before you know it! Soon, I’ll send you a wedding questionnaire to help create a timeline that fits your day perfectly. But before you get to that, there’s one important choice to consider: will you include a first look?

 If you’re not sure about this tradition, no worries! We’re here to share why it could be a romantic (and stress-reducing!) addition to your day. Of course, there’s zero pressure—this is 100% your call.

Our job is to help you weigh the pros and cons so you can make the best decision for your day.

One of our past brides said it best:  

"I realized that if we didn’t do a first look, we would’ve spent most of our wedding day hiding from each other! I wanted to spend as much time together as possible."

Growing up, maybe you pictured that classic aisle moment—your partner tearing up as you walk down, like in every romantic movie ever. That’s beautiful and timeless, and if that’s your dream, we love it and here for it! But…what if we told you there’s another option just as romantic?  Enter: the **First Look**

In case you’re new to the idea, a First Look is a private moment where you and your partner see each other before the ceremony. It’s an opportunity to share an intimate, unbrushed moment—just the two of you—before everyone else joins in. It’s different from the traditional aisle reveal but can be just as emotional and meaningful.

  • It might be hard to believe but it really doesn’t!

    In fact, in every first look that the groom cried during the first look (not all cry and that’s ok!), he ALSO cried during the aisle moment.

    (Pro tip: skipping the veil for the First Look lets you surprise them all over again later!)  

We’ll never push you to do a First Look, but we’ve seen so many benefits that we feel it’s worth sharing:

Your ONLY alone time

Surprise! Your wedding day will be BUSY. A First Look is one of the few moments you’ll have alone together. It’s a chance to connect, breathe, and enjoy each other before the whirlwind of family and friends.  

This is also a GREAT time to exchange private vows.

More time for photos

Let’s be real—you’ve invested a lot in your wedding photos. A First Look gives us 40% more time for portraits of the two of you, which means more gorgeous, emotional shots you’ll treasure forever.

Join + enjoy cocktail hour

By doing a First Look, we can knock out most of your portraits,  wedding party photos AND family photos before the ceremony! 

That means you get to actually enjoy your cocktail hour with your guests instead of rushing through photos. Who doesn’t love more time to celebrate?  and who doesn’t look

Helps calm the nerves

Even the chillest couples get nervous. The buildup to the ceremony can be nerve-wracking and who helps you feel more calm than your fiancé?

“just seeing him and hugging him made me feel relaxed and helped me stay in the moment”

Honestly, half our grooms weren’t into the idea at first but later told us it was their favorite part of the day.

Share a Private Reaction

A First Look lets you sneak away to a quiet spot and share a private moment where the two of you can really take it all in—without a hundred pairs of eyes watching. You can hug, kiss, cry, and just *be*.

During the ceremony, there’s a lot happening at once: vows, guests watching, and sometimes nerves about standing in front of a crowd. AND he can’t even tell you how beautiful you look or share what he’s feeling because the ceremony has to continue.

While a First Look has its perks, it’s not for everyone.

For some couples, the tradition of waiting to see each other until the ceremony is deeply meaningful. If you’ve always dreamed of that classic, heart-stopping moment when your partner sees you for the first time as you walk down the aisle, then embrace it! Please don’t feel pressured to change it.

Your wedding is about celebrating your love in a way that feels authentic to you. Whether you choose to do a First Look or not, trust that your day will be PERFECT!

We’re here to support you, capture every meaningful moment, and make sure your love story shines.

Still unsure? Let’s chat about it! We’d be happy to help you figure out what works best for your vision and timeline.

No matter what you decide, we can’t wait to document your beautiful day! <3

xoxo,

Kristina + Jerico