Your wedding day will be filled with once-in-a-lifetime moments, but few are as emotional as the first time you and your partner see (or connect with) each other. While tradition says to wait until the aisle, many couples are now choosing a first look or first touch as a way to calm their nerves, soak in the moment, and capture beautifully intimate photos.
So, which one is right for you? Let’s break it down.
What Is a First Look?
A first look is a private moment before the ceremony where you and your partner see each other for the first time. It’s an intentional pause in the day, allowing you to fully take in the emotions without an audience.
Why You Should Consider a First Look
✨ Eases Wedding Day Nerves – The moment you see your person, everything else fades away. A first look helps you feel grounded and present before the ceremony.
📸 More Time for Photos – A first look allows us to capture couple portraits beforehand, so you’ll have more time to enjoy cocktail hour and celebrate with guests.
💞 A Private, Intimate Moment – Your wedding day moves fast! A first look is one of the only moments where it’s just the two of you, soaking in the excitement.
⏳ A More Relaxed Timeline – Doing a first look means we can capture bridal party and family portraits early, freeing up more time later.
🚀 Your Aisle Moment Is Still Special – Some worry a first look will take away from the emotional impact of the ceremony. In reality, many couples say it makes the moment even more meaningful because they feel more present.
What Is a First Touch?
If you love the idea of sharing a quiet moment but still want the big reveal at the altar, a first touch is a perfect alternative. You’ll hold hands around a door, stand back-to-back, or be on opposite sides of a corner—feeling the presence of your partner without seeing each other.
Why You Should Consider a First Touch
📝 Exchange Private Letters – Reading heartfelt letters to each other adds depth and emotion to this moment.
🤲 Feel Close Without Spoiling the Surprise – Holding hands and hearing your partner’s voice can be incredibly comforting while keeping the anticipation alive.
📷 Creates Emotional Photos Without a Full Reveal – A first touch allows for beautiful, storytelling images while still saving the grand reveal for the aisle.
⏳ A Quiet Pause Before the Ceremony – It’s easy for the wedding day to feel like a blur. A first touch creates a chance to slow down and connect.
Which One Is Right for You?
- A first look is perfect if you want to ease nerves, maximize time for photos, and have a relaxed timeline.
- A first touch is great if you love the tradition of waiting until the aisle but still want a meaningful, private moment.
- If you’re having a winter wedding, a first look ensures we capture your portraits in natural daylight before sunset.
- If you’re deeply sentimental, a first touch with a letter exchange can be one of the most emotional moments of the day.
The choice comes down to what feels most natural and meaningful for you as a couple. No matter what you choose, I’ll be there to document it in a way that feels true to your story.
Let’s Capture Your Wedding Day, Your Way
Whether you choose a first look, a first touch, or wait for the aisle, my goal is to capture every emotional, joyful, and unscripted moment so you can be fully present.
If you’re planning your wedding and want a photographer who will help create a timeline that feels stress-free and intentional, let’s chat!
📩 Contact me here to start planning your wedding photography experience.
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