When considering which portraits you would like to have of your wedding day there is one that is highly debated. That is the idea of doing a ”first look”. If you’re not familiar with this, it is simply an opportunity for the bride and groom to see each other for the first time without the pressures of an audience. Now, don’t get me wrong, the moment the bride walks down the aisle and the groom sees her for the first time, it’s nothing short of powerful; depending on the bride and groom, getting the first look in a private setting may be a more powerful moment. 

“First look” portraits also gives an opportunity for the bride to touch up any make up due to any tears; something she wouldn’t be able to do standing at the altar. I personally enjoy capturing that moment organically as the bride walks down the aisle, however, I can see the benefit of a bride and groom choosing to do a “first look”. This gives me the chance to work with the bride and groom on their portraits before the ceremony even takes place and gives more time to do group photos in between the ceremony and cocktail hour. 

Hopefully I haven’t made the decision harder with this post and I hope that you make a decision based on what the both of you want.