Thinking about whether or not to do a first look on your wedding day? Let me make it easy for you—yes, you should! A first look is one of the best ways to make the most of your big day, and I’m here to tell you exactly why.

More Time to Celebrate!

Do we even need another reason? The sooner you wrap up photos, the sooner you get to enjoy the best parts of your wedding—eating, drinking, and partying with your favorite people! When you do a first look, you don’t have to spend your cocktail hour taking photos. Instead, you can head straight from your ceremony to the celebration.

A Moment to Breathe

Let’s be real—your wedding day will fly by. Between nerves, excitement, and a packed schedule, you may barely have a moment to take it all in. A first look gives you a private, intimate pause in the day where you can actually be present with your partner before the whirlwind begins. It might even be the only moment you get alone together!

More Photos (And Less Stress)

Without a first look, your couple’s portraits usually get squeezed into a short, high-pressure time frame right before the reception—when you know your guests are waiting on you. A first look means you get more time for portraits, with no rush, no pressure, and no distractions. Let’s make sure you get those stunning, frame-worthy shots you deserve!

Look Your Absolute Best

Between happy tears, sweat from dancing, and the unpredictability of the day, your hair, makeup, and dress will take a hit. When you do a first look, you’re getting photos while everything is still fresh—before the wind, heat, and emotions have had their way with you.

A More Relaxed Timeline

Without a first look, wedding day timelines can feel tight. My general rule for formal photos is 20 minutes for family, 20 minutes for the wedding party, and 20 minutes for the couple—leaving no room for delays. And let’s be honest, things always take longer than planned. Ever heard horror stories of guests waiting hours to eat? A first look helps prevent that by giving you more time for photos earlier in the day.

Soak in the Emotion (Without the Crowd)

Walking down the aisle is incredible, but it’s also a lot. With dozens (or hundreds) of eyes on you, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. A first look gives you a chance to have that emotional, heartfelt moment together—without an audience—so you can truly savor it.

Better Lighting, Better Photos

If you’re having an evening ceremony or getting married in the winter, natural light can be a thing of the past by the time your ceremony is over. A first look ensures you have plenty of gorgeous, natural light for those dreamy portraits.

Final Thoughts

A first look is about so much more than just photos—it’s about creating a wedding day experience that’s more relaxed, more fun, and more you. If you’re getting married in Louisville, Kentucky, and still debating a first look, let’s chat! I’d love to help you plan a timeline that makes the most of your big day.