What are first looks?

A moment scheduled out prior to the hustle & bustle of the ceremony & celebration ahead. This is the opportunity to see your partner prior & get a start on photo-taking.

 

This creates a more relaxed atmosphere to slow down, relieve any overwhelming feelings of anticipation, and to remove pressures of time constraints that are typically followed by the ceremony.

 

White garden gazebo surrounded by green hedges and vibrant red roses along a grass pathway.
A wedding ceremony takes place in front of a white gazebo surrounded by lush green gardens and vibrant red flowers.

 

IS it important?

As weddings have developed over the decades, we began to lose sight of the importance of timing and scheduling out formal photos. What does this mean? With the pressures of societal demands, the yip-yapping of family & friends, never-ending trends, and overall noise of the wedding industry; formal photos can feel extremely daunting & often end up rushed.

A couple in wedding attire embraces near white gazebo surrounded by lush garden and red rose bushes.

What are the benefits?


  • ease of nerves
  • immediate family photos can be done
  • wedding party photos can be done
  • private reading of vows
  • private first looks with parents/children
  • being able to include your pet in photos
  • more time to enjoy cocktail hour later
  • release of pent-up emotions

 

The Common misconceptions

 

"It's bad luck!"

This dated mindset goes back to pre-18th century times; where marriages were primarily arranged. In the attempt to prevent the "groom" from fleeing (often due to visual displeasure), it was stressed to be "bad luck" for the couple to see each other. The "bad luck" being if the marriage falls through, so does the deal the families have pre-arranged.

"I don't want that special moment ruined!"

It is a conversation to be had between each other. It is not for everybody nor is it always natural to put oneself in a group of people and be expectant to cry. In a public setting with raw feelings, this can lead to people feeling vulnerable/uncomfortable.

A romantic outdoor wedding scene with a white dress and black suit against a gazebo and garden background.
Bride and groom share intimate moment in front of white garden gazebo during outdoor wedding ceremony.
Bride and groom share a tender moment by a garden gazebo with red roses in bloom on a verdant summer day.
Wedding couple shares romantic moment in lush garden setting with white gazebo and blooming red roses.
A tender wedding moment captured between newlyweds sharing kisses in a garden with greenery and red flowers.
Newlyweds pose outdoors with scenic coastal backdrop and flowing bridal bouquet.
Romantic wedding moment captured through ethereal veil against cloudy sky backdrop.
A wedding couple stands on a lawn in front of a beautiful white Cape Cod style house with dormers and Canadian flag.
A white colonial style house with a covered porch sits on a manicured lawn where several people gather outdoors.
A formal ceremony setting outdoors with pink fabric draping and floral decorations.
Two wedding attendants in dark suits standing outdoors with a floral-decorated arch and water view in the background.
Wedding ceremony at a grand white house with manicured lawn and beautiful landscaping on a sunny day.
A groom wearing a dark suit and emerald green tie stands at an outdoor wedding ceremony with pink decor visible.

It's all up to you two.


Whether or not you do a first look or opt out of it, it's never going to change this one thing... you're going to be marrying the person that makes you happiest in this world; your comfort for life. Do not let the outside noise push you into doing something that does not feel right to you & your partner.

 

Your love story, your way

 

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