Theresa Elizabeth photography

If you’re expecting poor weather on your wedding day, it might be best to plan on a first look because it gives you more options for pictures. If it’s pouring rain after the ceremony, you’ll be thankful you had pictures done in advance.
And reason 3b is for all you cryers out there. If you know the tears are going to fly the first time you see your other half the day of your wedding, a first look will give you time to freshen up before the ceremony.
First look or not, the first time you see each other on your wedding day will be special. When you walk down the aisle, it will still be special and just as dramatic as your envision in your head. It might even be more exciting because you are not nervous and can just enjoy seeing each other around family and friends!

3. Avoid possible bad weather and/or have time to freshen-up after crying

When there is no first look, all of your formal pictures have to be taken after the ceremony. Family pictures and full wedding party are first and then couples portraits. This generally runs into cocktail hour and/or your reception. I almost always get rushed by the time we finally get to your couples pictures because you are just eager to get to the party (I don't blame you boo!). The only sad part about this is that you don't get a full set of wedding photographs which ultimately is the ones you would want to print and hang in your home!

A first look opens up time prior to the ceremony for all of your formal portraits including couples portraits so you can enjoy the rest of your day hassle free! You will feel less rushed and more relaxed. 

2. IT MakeS more time for Pictures without sacrificing the rest of your reception.

Once the ceremony begins, the rest of the night passes quickly and involves your family and friends for a big portion of it. A ‘first look’ is an opportunity to enjoy some quiet time alone, enjoy each other’s company, and reflect on all this day means before your I dos.

Wedding days can be a whirlwind and they tend to fly by as soon as I arrive. That saying "things to do people to see" is so freaking true when it comes to your wedding. Sadly, that saying goes for everyone but your the person your are marrying. There’s so many group portraits to take and a lot of people to catch up with. We always encourage our couples to take a few minutes every so often during their wedding to stop and soak in everything that’s happening.

1. A first look cuts through the chaos of the day.

That moment you and your lover see each other for the first time on wedding day is magical. And this is true whether you two choose to wait until the walk down the aisle or choose to do  a “first look’ prior to the ceremony.

First looks—a private moment you can choose to spend together prior to the wedding ceremony—have become more popular over the last few years. More than half of our couples this year have chosen to do a first look.

We are all lucky enough to live in an age where tradition is what you make of it. It is your wedding and you should do what you want! There are definitely a few good reasons to consider a first look.
Here are 3 reasons to consider a ‘first look’:

If you're wondering whether a first look is right for you, stop here.

Is a First Look Right for You?