One of the biggest decisions couples face when planning their wedding day timeline is whether or not to do a first look or staying traditional for their wedding day. I get asked the First Look vs Traditional question all the time! While tradition says wait until the aisle, more and more couples are opting for a private moment before the ceremony. Each option has its perks, and as a wedding photographer, I’ve seen firsthand how either one can beautifully shape your wedding day experience. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose what works best for you.

First Look vs Traditional

First Look: Reasons It Might Be Right for You

1. Private, Intimate Moment Before the Chaos

• The First Look is like hitting pause before the big show. It’s just the two of you. No guests, no chaos, just sharing a private moment before things get busy. It’s a beautiful way to calm your nerves and take in the day, together.

2. More Time for Photos

• Capturing portraits before the ceremony (together, wedding party, and sometimes even family) allows for a more relaxed timeline of the wedding day and often more daylight. This is especially helpful in winter or for early evening ceremonies.

3. You Can Enjoy Cocktail Hour

• Because many photos are done before the ceremony, you’re more likely to join your guests at cocktail hour to mingle, grab a drink, and actually enjoy time with your guests instead of disappearing after “I do.” for the whole hour.

4. Eases Nerves

• For some couples, walking down the aisle in front of everyone can feel a little overwhelming. Seeing each other beforehand helps settle those butterflies and brings a sense of calm, so when the ceremony starts, you’re fully present and soaking it all in.

5. More Emotional Freedom

• Without the crowd watching, couples often feel more free to express their true emotions during the First Look. They feel more themselves and at ease. It’s raw, real, and one of my favorite things to capture as a photographer.

6. Uninterrupted Couple Time

• It’s one of the only moments during the day where it’s just the two of you, and simply just BE with each other before the ceremony starts (and me quietly capturing it from a distance).

7. Flexibility with Timeline

• Having flexibility before the ceremony can help in case of delays. It also gives breathing room for unexpected things (like weather or travel hiccups).

View more of this beautiful wedding here!

Traditional: Reasons It Might Be Right for You

1. Keeps the Moment Sacred & Symbolic

• There’s a powerful emotional build-up in seeing each other for the first time as one walks down the aisle. For many, this is the moment they’ve dreamed of.

2. Carries Cultural or Religious Significance

• For some couples, not seeing each other before the ceremony isn’t just preference, it’s part of their culture or faith. Choosing the traditional route can carry deep personal and symbolic meaning.

3. It Feels More Like a Grand Reveal

• Walking down the aisle to see your partner’s face light up, in front of everyone, can feel like the most cinematic moment of the day.

4. Adds to the Anticipation

• Delaying the moment builds a sense of anticipation and emotion that can be incredibly special, for you and your guests. The room tends to feel the moment right along with you.

5. Captures a Powerful Reaction at the Ceremony

• One of the most iconic wedding photos? The look on your partner’s face as you walk down the aisle. It’s raw, emotional, and made even more powerful by the setting and the presence of your loved ones. The “aisle reaction” can be unforgettable!

6. Traditional Structure Can Feel Simpler

• Keeping the day in the classic order (getting ready, ceremony, then portraits) can feel less complicated. It’s a tried-and-true flow that works beautifully, especially if you’re not keen on switching things up.

I get asked the First Look vs Traditional question all the time. At the end of the day, there’s no “right” choice—only what feels right to you as a couple. Whether you choose a quiet first look or the powerful emotion of seeing each other at the altar, your wedding day will be filled with love, excitement, and memories that last a lifetime. My job is to capture that magic no matter how you choose to experience it.