The "first look" in the context of a wedding refers to a pre-arranged, private moment between the couple before the actual ceremony begins. During the "first look," the bride and groom see each other for the first time on their wedding day, often in their wedding attire, away from the eyes of the guests. The intimate encounter is typically orchestrated by the wedding photographer to capture the genuine emotions and reactions of the couple. Couples opting for a "first look" often weigh the desire for a special, personal moment against the traditional custom of seeing each other for the first time at the altar during the ceremony.

Navigating the intricate decisions of a wedding day involves careful consideration of traditions, emotions and logistical choices. Among these considerations, the "first look" has emerged as a pivotal moment for couples about to be married. This pre-ceremony encounter brings forth a myriad of perspectives. While some couples swear by the magic of this intimate encounter, others remain committed to the tradition of seeing each other for the first time at the altar. In this Spotlight feature, two wedding experts weigh in on the pros and cons of opting for a first look on your wedding day – shedding light on the nuanced factors that contribute to creating a memorable and meaningful wedding experience.

Olivia Simon, Liv + Remember

Relax & Enjoy — Wedding day jitters and excited nerves are absolutely real! Sharing laughs, hugs, and chats before exchanging "I do's" with your favorite person often helps calm those nerves and creates a more relaxed day for everyone. I often hear many couples say, 'Ahh, now I feel so much better — I'm so glad we did that,' after their first look.

More Time Together (& with Guests) — You've probably heard this a million times, but it's so true — your wedding day truly flies by. With a first look, couples get to see each other earlier in the day, which means more shared special moments! This also often means more time to spend with guests, like joining the cocktail hour because you've already wrapped up most of the formal photos before the ceremony. 

Fun Guest Experience — While the day revolves around the couple, it's also about providing a fun, memorable experience for your favorite people. By not having to disappear for hours between the ceremony and reception for photos, the party can keep going, and the bride and groom can mingle with all their guests — after all, they're there to celebrate you!

The "first look" in the context of a wedding refers to a pre-arranged, private moment between the couple before the actual ceremony begins. During the "first look," the bride and groom see each other for the first time on their wedding day, often in their wedding attire, away from the eyes of the guests. The intimate encounter is typically orchestrated by the wedding photographer to capture the genuine emotions and reactions of the couple. Couples opting for a "first look" often weigh the desire for a special, personal moment against the traditional custom of seeing each other for the first time at the altar during the ceremony.

Navigating the intricate decisions of a wedding day involves careful consideration of traditions, emotions and logistical choices. Among these considerations, the "first look" has emerged as a pivotal moment for couples about to be married. This pre-ceremony encounter brings forth a myriad of perspectives. While some couples swear by the magic of this intimate encounter, others remain committed to the tradition of seeing each other for the first time at the altar. In this Spotlight feature, two wedding experts weigh in on the pros and cons of opting for a first look on your wedding day – shedding light on the nuanced factors that contribute to creating a memorable and meaningful wedding experience.

Olivia Simon, Liv + Remember

Relax & Enjoy — Wedding day jitters and excited nerves are absolutely real! Sharing laughs, hugs, and chats before exchanging "I do's" with your favorite person often helps calm those nerves and creates a more relaxed day for everyone. I often hear many couples say, 'Ahh, now I feel so much better — I'm so glad we did that,' after their first look.

More Time Together (& with Guests) — You've probably heard this a million times, but it's so true — your wedding day truly flies by. With a first look, couples get to see each other earlier in the day, which means more shared special moments! This also often means more time to spend with guests, like joining the cocktail hour because you've already wrapped up most of the formal photos before the ceremony. 

Fun Guest Experience — While the day revolves around the couple, it's also about providing a fun, memorable experience for your favorite people. By not having to disappear for hours between the ceremony and reception for photos, the party can keep going, and the bride and groom can mingle with all their guests — after all, they're there to celebrate you!