First look or no first look? The question many brides wonder.
A first look can be a very private, special moment for the groom to see his bride for the first time on their wedding day. Traditionally, this moment happened when the bride walked down the aisle. Now, more often than not, brides and grooms are choosing to have a moment set aside before the wedding ceremony to have a first look.
So, should you have a first look?
As a wedding photographer, I think yes!!
First and foremost, it is completely up to you and your groom. My answer comes from being a wedding photographer and after photographing many weddings, I’ve witnessed the pros and cons firsthand.

Reasons you should do a first look:

1. You have a moment with just you and your groom.

Wedding days can be chaotic and there are many people around and involved. Having a sweet and quiet moment with your groom is one way to make sure you are enjoying every part of the day. You can even ask your photographer and videographer to actually leave you two alone for a moment.

2. It will put your nerves at ease.

Nine times out of ten a bride feels nervous butterflies as she is getting dressed. She feels jittery and not able to eat because of the excitement of the day. And then, once she sees her groom, she feels calm and ready to walk down the aisle. If you are worried about people seeing you emotional, having a first look can give you a private moment for those emotions to be released.

3. Your photos can be knocked out and finished before the ceremony.

If you have a first look with your groom, then you are able to take care of portraits of you two together, full bridal party portraits, and all of your family portraits before the ceremony. That gives you plenty of time after the ceremony to enjoy the celebration!

And although I believe having a first look is the way to go, not doing a first look and the groom seeing his bride for the first time as she walks down the aisle is one of the sweetest moments on earth. It is perfectly okay if that is what you decide to do at the end of the day! It is your wedding and it can be captured in any way that you like.

I would like to add, if you do decide not to do a first look, then try to have a cocktail hour planned between your ceremony and reception. It will give you plenty of time to take care of all your family and bridal party portraits all while keeping your guests entertained until you return!

Want to see more images from the weddings shown in this post?
Check them out here:
https://jacquelineps.com/2023/04/08/tyler-julie-wedding-at-the-white-home-rock-hill/
https://jacquelineps.com/2023/03/13/boho-intimate-beach-wedding/