A FIRST LOOK

Are one of you filled with big emotions?

Sometimes it's nice to let them out in private when everyone you invited isn't staring at you. A first look is a perfect opportunity to distance yourself with the love of your life and let it out. You could even take it one step further and ask your photographer (even if it is me) to step aside and come back when you are collected if it's not something you want to be photographed.

Are you someone that feels anxious with your partner when doing big things?

I get it. You're used to being with the person you love when you are getting ready for most things. Just because tradition has you separated doesn't mean you have to take that route. I've had couples do hair and make-up, shave and get almost all the way ready together before parting ways to get dressed. You make the rules on your wedding day. If you want them there with you that's also ok.

Are you having a late ceremony?

Depending on the time of year this could really put a limit on the number of hours your wedding day has sunlight. Not only that but there is a lot to fit in. If you want to maximize the time between the ceremony and being announced into the reception this may be a time saver. This also applies if you are getting married in the fall. This past November I had exactly 1 hour for family, wedding party and the couple's photos outside because it was dark per the season. We got creative and did some flash photos in the hotel lobby and elevator since they opted out of a first look.

Alone time

Here's a big one for me because I hear it so often. I wish I would've had more time alone. Your day is so filled with guests, vendors, plans, places` ` to be, things to do... the entire reason you are there is to celebrate your love. Your union. Your marriage. Even if you don't do a first look at some point take at least 10 minutes and be together where you can just look into each other's eyes and take a breather. It's not a lie when you hear it went by in the blink of an eye.

Cocktail hour

Sometimes guests travel from all over the country to celebrate a wedding day. Speeches, dances, cake and dinner eat away at time that sometimes my couples want to be spending with their favorite people. There's not a lot of down time, so I love it when we are done with photos on time to freshen up or join in on cocktail hour to have actual conversations with family and friends.

A bride in a white gown and veil touches the shoulder of a groom in beige suit before a manicured garden hedge.

A couple in wedding attire shares a lighthearted moment on a stone walkway beside a garden wall.

A couple shares a joyful first look moment in their wedding attire on a stone path next to a garden wall.

Black and white photo series showing a bride getting ready on her wedding day, captured from different angles in a hotel room.

A black and white photograph shows a vintage kitchen with a stove, cabinets, and various appliances from the 1950s era.

A black and white photo collage showing candid moments at a vinyl record store.

A couple in wedding attire poses in a garden setting with lush green ivy-covered walls.

A couple shares a romantic moment in a lush garden setting with ivy-covered walls and natural greenery.

A couple shares their first look moment in a lush garden setting with green vines and foliage.

A couple shares a romantic moment in a lush garden setting with flowering vines and greenery.

A couple shares a tender embrace outdoors with lush greenery in the background during a special occasion.

A black wrought iron staircase railing with decorative scrollwork curves along a stairway in an interior space.

Black and white wedding photos showing intimate moments of preparation and anticipation in a classic venue setting.

A black and white wedding photograph capturing a tender moment between a couple in formal attire.

A couple shares their first look moment in a garden courtyard with stone walls and manicured landscaping.

A romantic wedding moment captured in a garden setting with stone walls, manicured hedges and a decorative stone path.

A romantic first look moment between newlyweds in a garden setting with stone walls and blooming flowers.

FAMILY MEMBER INSTEAD

Ok so the reasons above don't apply to you... totally fine. I don't pressure or try to insist on a first look if my couples know they don't want to do one. We will still make the day work. I've had plenty of brides and grooms do first looks with their family. Takes the edge off and shakes away some of the jitters just the same. I've seen some VERY emotional parents that were also happy to have the time with their kids before walking down the aisle.