As a Colorado wedding photographer, one of the top questions I get from my couples while planning their wedding day is whether or not they should do a first look, or wait for the aisle to see each other for the first time. The short answer is, you should do whatever the heck you want because it’s your damn day. However, as a Colorado wedding photographer and someone who waited until the aisle on my own wedding day, I have a unique perspective on the topic. Let’s dive in!

What Is a First Look?

A first look is when the couple sees each other for the first time on their wedding day. Traditionally, this happens at the aisle. However, many couples are ditching tradition and scheduling this before the ceremony. But why?

The Pros of Doing a First Look

1. You get to enjoy your cocktail hour!! After your first look, we typically jump right into your portraits. We’ll get the majority of your couples photos, all of your wedding party shots, and any immediate family portraits done before your ceremony. That way, once you are officially married, all we’ll have to take care of are those extended family portraits before you can run off to mingle with your guests! This allows you to schedule in as much time as you’d like for photos, without feeling major FOMO as your guests devour all the hors d’oeuvres.
2. You get to spend more of your wedding day with your partner! Instead of waiting until your ceremony, which is typically in the late afternoon, you get to hang out with your boo thang and enjoy each other’s company much sooner.
3. Doing a first look can ease any pre-ceremony nerves. If you’re not one for being the center of attention, or you just know you’ll be a nervous wreck leading up to the ceremony, choosing to have a private first meeting on your wedding day might be for you! Maybe you want to exchange personal vows, but don’t love the idea of every single one of your guests being there to hear them, a first look is the perfect time to share these intimate words! 
4. That “aisle moment” is still emotional and special! Although you may have gotten all the tears out during your first look, nothing will replace the feelings you get walking down the aisle towards your soon-to-be spouse surrounded by all your friends and family knowing you are about to be a whole-ass WIFE!

The Cons of Doing a First Look

1. You have to get up earlier on your wedding day. Scheduling photos for earlier in the day means hitting the alarm earlier for hair & makeup to get started! However, it’s likely you’ll be so excited that you’ll be up before the birds anyways.
2. Lighting may not be ideal – Although your wedding photographer & videographer are experts and can navigate a variety of lighting scenarios, we can all agree that the absolute best lighting is when the sun isn’t directly overhead like it is in the middle of the day.

Vail Mountain Colorado Wedding First Look

Debating whether you should do a first look or not? Send me a message! I love helping couple’s decide what is best for them!