What Is a First Look?

A wedding first look is a beautiful, intimate moment where couples choose to see each other before their ceremony, typically captured through meaningful first look photos. Usually, both partners get dressed and ready for their wedding day. Then, a photographer captures the moment they see each other for the first time. During a first look, couples see each other in a private setting, creating beautiful memories captured forever. Couples are able to personalize their first look; they may decide to have a first look with their bridal party and even their parents. Having a first look opens up precious time on their wedding day; they can use this time however they may choose. As experienced wedding photographers, we at Turnquist Collective recommend our couples have a first look. This allows us more time for photos and for couples to spend more time together on their special day. Here are some of the upsides you might consider about having a first look on your wedding day:

Why Have a First Look on Your Wedding Day

You gain more time together on your wedding day.

Choosing to have a wedding first look gives you more time with your fiance/soon-to-be spouse on your wedding day. If you wait to see each other at the ceremony, most of the day passes by before you get to spend time together. When you finally see each other, that precious moment could feel less intimate because it will likely take place in front of a large crowd. Many couples enjoy having a first look because they get to spend quality time together, creating beautiful memories during these quiet, more private moments.

If you have a first look, you can see each other for the first time in the morning as soon as you are both dressed and ready. Then, you can prepare for your ceremony together and fully enjoy all of the time at your cocktail hour and reception! Instead of feeling like you haven’t had a moment with your new spouse until all of the festivities have died down and the day has passed you by, you can spend time together earlier in the day and have your spouse close by until you exit the reception!

You get to share an intimate moment before your ceremony.

Your wedding day will go by faster than you can imagine. Having an intimate moment together, before you say your vows to each other, allows you to share quiet time alone that will leave you both feeling centered and more ready for the day’s activities. Waiting to see each other until your ceremony means you will likely have a very public first look in front of your family and friends. Many couples prefer having a private moment where you can enjoy the other person’s company without so much attention. You might not get another intimate moment together until your wedding day ends. In addition to feeling more relaxed and prepared for your big day, your photographer and videographer can discreetly capture the first look, ensuring those special moments are preserved without interrupting the intimacy! That way, you will have photos of that special moment forever.

Earlier photos mean you get to savor your cocktail hour!!

As a wedding photographer & videographer duo, we see countless wedding timelines. When couples choose to have a first look, the entire timeline shifts. If you would like to, you will have time to choose to take photos at multiple locations. You can schedule family portraits and bridal party portraits earlier in the day before your ceremony instead of waiting until the cocktail hour to take portraits. That gives you more photos of the two of you together, more time for photos overall, and more time to enjoy your cocktail hour, your guests, and each other! 

The Emotional Impact of a First Look

One of the most important reasons we recommend a first look is the emotional intimacy it creates for our couples. Sharing a special moment before the ceremony allows you both to connect, without pressure, easing nerves and allowing you to be more present. This quiet moment often results in genuine reactions and heartfelt photos that capture the raw emotions of your wedding day. Our couples cherish these memories, and first look photos are frequently among our favorites in wedding galleries.

How to Make Your First Look Photos Extra Special 

Whether you want a traditional wedding first look or a more creative twist, there are so many ways to personalize your first look. You could choose the classic “touch and turn around to see each other for the first time.” here are other unique ways to make your first look even more special. Here are some of our favorites:

Looking for a wedding photographer to capture all of the special moments on your wedding day, including your first look photos? At Turnquist Collective, we are a husband-and-wife wedding photography and videography team based in Hudson Valley. Contact us today!