Hey there, gorgeous! As your bubbly, hype-girl wedding photographer, let’s dive into one of the most exciting choices you’ll make for your big day—should you and your boo do a first look or wait for that epic aisle reveal?
I’m here to break it all down for you, with all the pros, cons, and feels, so you can decide what’s best for YOUR dream wedding!
What is a First Look Anyway?
A first look is a private (or semi-private) moment where you and your partner see each other before the ceremony. Cue the happy tears, laughter, and omg-I-can’t-believe-we’re-doing-this excitement! Your photographer (that’s me!) and videographer are there to capture every raw and emotional second.
Think of it as your little love bubble where time stands still, and you can truly be yourselves—no pressure, no audience, just pure love and joy.
The Pros of a First Look
1. Intimate Moments: You get a private moment to soak it all in. No crowds. No stress. Just you two and all the butterflies.
2. So Many More Photos! By doing a first look, you free up time later in the day. We can capture couple’s portraits, wedding party pics, and even family shots before the ceremony. That means more time to party during cocktail hour!
3. Nerves? What Nerves? Seeing your person before the ceremony can ease those pre-aisle jitters. It’s like a big calming hug to say, “We’ve got this.”
4. Golden Hour Ready: With portraits done earlier, you can fully enjoy golden hour—that dreamy, glowy time before sunset—without a rush.
The Cons of a First Look
1. Break with Tradition: If you’re a fan of keeping things traditional, seeing each other before the ceremony might not be your vibe.
2. Early Start: We’ll need to start your timeline a bit earlier to fit in all those first-look moments and photos.
3. Different Emotions: While first looks are super emotional, some couples worry that the aisle moment won’t feel as powerful if they’ve already seen each other. In my experience, this hasn’t been the case. If your partner is emotional….they’ll be emotional BOTH times. But again, you do you!
The Case for an Aisle Reveal
This is the classic, straight-from-a-romantic-movie moment. You’re walking down the aisle, your partner’s eyes light up, and boom—instant waterworks. It’s the moment everyone has been waiting for, and it’s beyond magical. This is perfect for classic couples who value tradition.
The Pros of an Aisle Reveal
1. Tradition, Baby! There’s something timeless and iconic about seeing your partner for the first time as you walk down the aisle. It’s a showstopper.
2. Build-Up of Anticipation: Waiting to see each other creates all the drama. Your heart is pounding, the music swells, and that first look happens in front of all your loved ones.
3. Ceremony Emotions Amplified: Because you’ve waited for this moment, it’s often super emotional—even for guests!
The Cons of an Aisle Reveal
1. Time Crunch: Without a first look, we’ll need to squeeze a lot of photos between the ceremony and reception. That can mean less time for mingling and cocktail hour.
2. More Nerves: For some couples, waiting to see each other can heighten the nerves. If you’re prone to anxiety, this might not be ideal.
3. Limited Private Time: Your wedding day will fly by, and the aisle reveal might be one of the only moments you get with your partner until later in the evening.
So, Which One is Right for You?
Here’s the deal: there’s no right or wrong answer! It all comes down to your personalities, priorities, and wedding vision. If you love the idea of sneaking away for a private moment, go for the first look. If you’re a hopeless romantic who dreams of that aisle reveal, stick to tradition.
No matter what you choose, I’ll be there to capture all the joy, tears, and OMG moments. This is YOUR day, and it’s going to be perfection.
Need help figuring out your timeline based on your choice? I’ve got you! Let’s chat and create a game plan that fits your dream wedding vibe. Craving more wedding tips for planning your magical day? Check out this blog on crafting the perfect timeline.
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