Ahhh, the infamous “first look” question. You’re planning your wedding day, and someone (probably your planner, your best friend, or your late-night Pinterest scroll) has brought it up:

Should you do a first look?
Or stick with tradition and wait until the aisle moment?

The truth? There’s no right answer—it’s all about what feels good for you. I’ve photographed weddings where the first look was the sweetest, most tear-filled moment of the day… and others where the big aisle reveal had everyone (including me behind the camera 👀) bawling.

So let’s break it down—here are the pros and cons of each, from a photographer’s perspective, with a little real talk sprinkled in.

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The Case for a First Look

Pro: Private, stress-free time together
The wedding day flies. Like… blink and suddenly it’s midnight. A first look gives you this quiet pocket of time where it’s just you two. No one else, no pressure. Just “holy crap, we’re getting married today” energy.

Pro: More photos (and a smoother timeline)
Doing a first look means we can knock out couple portraits and some wedding party photos early. Translation: more candids during cocktail hour because you’re not stuck taking group shots.

Pro: The nerves melt away
I can’t tell you how many couples tell me, “I didn’t feel nervous anymore after seeing them.” If you’re the type who gets jittery, seeing your person before walking down the aisle can be a total game changer.

Con: Less of a traditional “aisle moment”
If you’ve been dreaming about that big gasp when the doors open and everyone sees you for the first time—including your partner—doing a first look might take away some of that dramatic reveal.\

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The Case for Waiting Until the Aisle

Pro: The Big Cinematic Moment™
There’s nothing like that classic aisle moment. The music swells, your people stand, and your partner sees you for the first time in front of everyone. Goosebumps. Every. Time.

Pro: Family + guests get the moment too
If you want everyone (grandma, your BFF, your dog if they’re invited) to witness that first look reaction in real time, waiting until the ceremony delivers.

Pro: Keeps with tradition
Sometimes it just feels right to do things the classic way—and that’s beautiful too.

Con: Timeline can get tight
If you wait until the ceremony, that means family photos, wedding party shots, and couple portraits all need to fit between the ceremony and reception. Totally doable, but you’ll be sacrificing some cocktail hour or might feel rushed.

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So… what’s the verdict?

Honestly? Do whatever makes you two feel like you. If you’re craving intimacy, calm vibes, and bonus time together, a first look could be your best friend. If you’re all about that dramatic reveal and can’t wait to see your partner’s reaction in front of everyone, then wait until the aisle.

Here’s the real photographer tip: Either way, I’ve got you covered. We’ll make the timeline work, we’ll capture the feels, and your photos will tell the story of your day exactly as it unfolds.

Because at the end of the day—it’s not about when you see each other. It’s about the fact that you get to.