“Should I Have A First Look At My Wedding?”

It’s a question I have heard over and over, again!

“Should I do first look?”

I believe the reason it is frequently asked is because brides are worried that if they do a first look, that their groom won’t be as emotional when they walk down the isle, as they would be doing photos before. Which I totally get! It is normal to get anxious that your groom may not be “emotional” while walking down the isle. Which is why a lot of brides opt to do a first look. They also choose to do them simply because they want to have an intimate moment with their groom before the wedding. Yet, when I answer this question I say: There is no right or wrong answer, just follow your intuition.

A first look is a special moment that is shared between a bride and groom that you will remember forever. Personally, I think that is why I love them so much. I have always been able to capture true, raw emotions. And I believe it’s because there isn’t an audience like there is in the ceremony! Now, that is not to say a couple who decides to not do a first look won’t have those same reactions or emotions. It’s just something I have noticed in my work.

A huge reason I lean towards doing a first look is because it helps with the timeline of your day! Sometimes you don’t know how crazy a wedding day can be until you’re in one. With a first look, your photographer is able to also get photos of your bridal party and groomsmen before the ceremony verses after. This allows more time to enjoy the reception for longer! It can also help with a bride with feeling like she can truly enjoy her reception without having to break for photos.

Say you’re thanking, “Sarah, I don’t want a first look with my husband!” Don’t worry, friend! A first look with your husband isn’t for everyone. Instead, I have seen brides do first looks with someone else. I love when brides decide to do a first look with their dad…

…or their bridesmaids!

There are so many special moments during your wedding day and a first look can provide some of the purest and deepest emotional moments. Moments that will have you and your family (and your photographer) crying for years to come!

So, should you do a first look? That is up to you. Like I said, follow your intuition and do what you feel most comfortable doing. I will be here ready to shoot either way!