Why You Should Be Doing a First Look for Your Wedding Day

Belle & Mike’s The Maxwell Raleigh Wedding

There are a few big decisions that come up when planning a wedding day, and one of them is whether or not to do a first look—it’s not for everyone. But after over a decade as a wedding photographer, I’ve seen just how much of a difference it can make (in the best way).

Now, I’m not here to tell you there’s a right or wrong choice. Every couple is different. But if you’re even a little curious about what a first look could bring to your day, I want to share a few reasons I’ve seen it work so well. These aren’t just from my perspective behind the camera. They’re moments I’ve watched couples experience and appreciate in real time.

Reasons Why You Should Consider Doing a First Look

Shamir & Keegan’s The Meadows Raleigh Wedding

1. You get a private moment just the two of you

Weddings are beautiful and chaotic at the same time, and they tend to move fast. Once the ceremony kicks off, you’re being pulled in so many directions that you barely get five minutes to yourselves. Then it’s straight into portraits, usually with the clock ticking and your planner reminding you, “Come on, we’ve got to keep it moving!” All before the party starts and the reception takes over.

But with a first look? Everything slows down. It’s more quiet. It’s more personal. You get to take each other in without all your guests watching (just the two of you). Some of my favorite photos come from this part of the day, because it’s so real. You laugh, tear up, hug, spin around to show off the dress and you get to do all of it without a schedule or a crowd pulling you away.

Milena & Lanier's Madison Hotel Wedding

2. It takes the pressure off (for both of you)

It’s normal to feel nervous on your wedding day. I’ve photographed so many couples who were visibly nervous right up until that first look and then the second they see each other, everything changes. The nerves drop. Shoulders relax. You start laughing, maybe even tearing up, and suddenly it all feels real in the best way. It’s one of the most grounding parts of the day, especially if you’re not someone who loves being the center of attention. And honestly, it shows in the photos. The connection feels effortless, the smiles are genuine, and nothing feels forced. And that energy carries through the rest of the day too. Your candid moments after the first look are going to be 10x better and your wedding photos even more.

3. You have more time for photos

Doing a first look opens up your timeline so much. You can knock out your couple portraits early in the day while everything still feels fresh and while the energy is still high and that first-look magic is still fresh.

Most of the time, we can even get a bridal party and some groomsmen photos done too, which seriously takes the pressure off later. Instead of cramming everything in after the ceremony, you get to enjoy more of your day without feeling like you're racing the clock. And from my side of the lens, I get more time to create intentional, relaxed photos without the usual time crunch.

4. You get better lighting options

One thing I always look out for when building a wedding photography timeline is the light. And let me tell you, it disappears fast, especially in the winter months. If your ceremony is late in the afternoon or you're getting married in autumn or winter, a first look can be a game-changer. It gives us the chance to do your portraits earlier in the day when there’s still plenty of natural light to work with. That means soft, flattering tones, and not scrambling for flash photos after the sun’s gone down. Even in summer, it gives us more flexibility to shoot in beautiful, even light.

5. Your wedding timeline flows way smoother later

Out of all the reasons to do a first look, this one’s probably the most practical. And honestly, it makes a huge difference. When you’ve already done the bulk of your portraits before the ceremony, everything afterward feels way more relaxed.

Ashley & Anthony's Morris Peaceland Farm Wedding

You’re not rushing off right after you say “I do” or trying to wrangle your wedding party for photos when they’d rather be heading to cocktail hour. You actually get to enjoy that part of the day. Have a drink, hug your people, take it all in. And from a photography perspective, that breathing room lets me focus on capturing all the good stuff: those real, candid moments that happen naturally when you’re not being pulled in five different directions.

Why a First Look Might Be Exactly What You Need

At the end of the day, your wedding should feel like you. Whether you stick with tradition or shake things up, what matters most is that the experience feels genuine, connected, and meaningful.

But if you're leaning toward a first look, or still weighing it up, I hope these reasons gave you a better picture of what it could add to your day. From easing nerves to giving you more breathing room, more time, and more natural light, I’ve seen first looks completely change the energy of a wedding (in the best way possible).

Whether you’re doing a first look or saving that moment for the aisle, I’m here to make sure the photography fits seamlessly into your timeline, and you get the wedding photos you truly deserve.

Let’s talk about what that could look like.