One of the very first questions we typically ask our brides when creating a timeline is, “Are you going to have a First Look?” This structures the day, determines what pictures can be done before and after the ceremony, and determines our recommendations on time and 2nd shooters. We recommend you do a First Look; however, when we ask this question there is never a right or wrong answer—you can do your big day however you want to do it! It is important to know what you and your fiance are wanting in terms of seeing each other before the walk down the aisle.

If you’re not familiar with what a First Look is—it’s a chance for you and your husband to see each other before your official wedding ceremony! It’s that magical moment when your soon-to-be husband first sets eyes on you, the beloved bride, and both your emotions come rushing out. I talked about the pros and cons of a First Look on a previous blog post, but today we’re going to talk all about why we, as photographers and videographers, recommend that you should do a First Look.

1. You’re less likely to become an emotional mess when you walk down the aisle.

If you know you or your fiancé are going to be blubbering all the way through the ceremony, then having a First Look can help to take some of the overwhelming emotion out of the important “I do” part of the day. You’ll also be more likely to calm any nerves that you have. There’s no doubt that your wedding day can be nerve-racking, especially if you don’t like standing up in front of a crowd or being the centre of attention, so having a private First Look might make the wedding ceremony not seem as overwhelming.

2. The photographer and videographer will have more chances to capture photos of you.

By having a First Look, you’re adding more time with your photographer to get those unique shots of just the two of you. This also means your photographer will have more time to get that perfect bridal portrait of you both. A First Look is a practical choice when it comes to photography especially. With most weddings, an aisle reveal will mean you’ll need to schedule more time between your ceremony and reception which can keep your guests waiting.

3. It’s your only private and intimate moment all day.

You’ll spend the majority of your wedding day surrounded by other people — getting ready with your bridesmaids, saying “I do” in front of all your guests, posing for lots of photos with your family and, of course, dancing the night away with your guests. The First Look session is the calm moment during what can feel a little chaotic day. It’s an opportunity to remind you both that when it comes down to it, it’s just the two of you, for as long as you both shall live.

This decision needs to be one that you and your fiancé feel confident on. That first look, whether it be a special separate moment or the moment when you walk down that aisle, will take your breath away, and your heart will want to explode with the overwhelming wave of love that you’re both feeling for each other in that single moment of time. You may forget to breathe, or burst into tears, or simply be grinning from ear to ear; however you both react, this is one of the most intimate moments of your life together, so deciding if this moment will be before the ceremony, or as you walk down the aisle, has to be the right call for both of you.