A couple getting married has a first look on their wedding day, and the groom holds the bride's hands out to look at her whole dress.

5 Reasons to Include a First Look on Your Wedding Day

Within the last several years, having a first look on a couple’s wedding day has become wildly popular, and for good reason. A first look is a sweet modern-day tradition for couples getting married that takes place after the couple is completely ready for their wedding day. This is the first time they will see each other in their wedding attire on the biggest day of their lives. Here are 5 reasons you should include a first look on your wedding day and why it will benefit you.

A Moment For Just You Two

Away from the activity of the rest of your big day, having a first look is a chance to take in and fully embrace your wedding and your future spouse. It gives you a quiet moment for you two to spend with each other and remember that this is the beginning of forever with your favorite person in the world. This moment creates some of the fondest memories for you both to look back on for years to come.

Tyler turns around to see Karina for their first look, and Karina holds her arms out to twirl around for him.
Karina turns around to show Tyler the back of her dress during their first look.

Photos Together You Wouldn’t Have Otherwise

With having a first look comes photographs of you two that wouldn’t be possible at any other time. The reaction of seeing each other on your wedding day for the first time is so special, and deserves to be preserved in more than just memory. Seeing each other before the ceremony is the best way to guarantee that this moment will be captured in photos for you to forever remember.

Taylor turns around to see his bride, Dyllin during their first look.

Alleviate Wedding Day Jitters

Getting married is a big milestone! And with big milestones like this one, there can be a lot of nerves and excitement that come with it. Seeing your future spouse before your wedding ceremony can help ease some of those feelings and help you to relax and be able to fully enjoy your day. I know after every first look I’ve photographed, couples will say “I am so glad we did this! I’m feeling so much better!”

Noah has a huge smile on his face as he sees Kindsay for the first time on their wedding day.
Kindsay and Noah hold hands in front of the pond after seeing each other.

Your Wedding Timeline

Unfortunately, your wedding day doesn’t last forever, and it goes by fast. Why wouldn’t you choose to be with each other as much as possible? Because you’re able to spend more time together by having a first look, the rest of the day won’t feel rushed. You are able to accomplish more earlier in the day, such as formal group photos with your wedding party and family, and photos of the two of you. Because the bulk of your photos will be done before the ceremony, you’ll have more time later to be at your reception and partying with your guests!

Karina and Tyler hug after seeing each other.

Spend More Time With Your Guests

Because you accomplished so much before your ceremony, you now have more time to spend at your reception with your people! You won’t be making your guests wait for you to finish taking family or wedding party photos while they sit around during cocktail hour waiting for dinner or dancing to begin. After signing your marriage license, you can go right into your reception and get the night started with all of your favorite people.

Aimee and Johnny hug each other during their first look on their wedding day.
Aimee smiles and wipes her tears with a tissue with Johnny in the wine cellar of their wedding venue.

To see more weddings that included a first look, check out my wedding blogs here! I’d love to be a part of your special day, and capture your first look with your favorite person ever. Contact me to photograph your wedding and help you plan the perfect day.

9/13/2024

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5 Reasons to Include a First Look on Your Wedding Day

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About Morgan

Morgan is a traveling wedding and couples photographer based in Spokane, Washington. 

On this blog, you can find galleries of weddings and sessions with the coolest clients ever, and helpful information about wedding planning.

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