The First Look: A Debate for Columbia, Missouri Couples

Tips & Guides

Feb 22

First-Look-Emerson Fields-Wedding-Photographer

Weddings are a beautiful celebration of love and commitment, filled with traditions that vary across cultures and regions. A tradition that has sparked debate among couples and photographers alike is the "first look" – a private moment where the couple sees each other before the ceremony. As a Columbia-based photographer, I've witnessed both sides of this debate and believe it's worth exploring the pros and cons to help couples make an informed decision.

The Case for the First Look

Many couples are drawn to a first look because it creates an intimate and emotional connection between the couple on their wedding day. Sharing this private moment allows them to express their feelings without the pressure of an audience. As a photographer in Columbia, Missouri, I've seen firsthand how the first look can result in some of the day's most genuine and heartfelt images. The raw emotions captured during this moment often become cherished memories for years.

Additionally, opting for a first look can alleviate some pre-ceremony jitters. Seeing each other beforehand can provide reassurance and calm nerves, allowing the couple to enjoy the rest of their day fully. From a logistical standpoint, it also frees up time for portraits, family photos, and bridal party shots, ensuring a smoother flow to the day's schedule.

From a logistical standpoint, the first look allows for more formal portraits, time with your guests, and flexibility in your day.

Abby & Gavin Photos by Kiley Ann Photography-0303.jpg

Abby & Gavin Photos by Kiley Ann Photography-0308.jpg

The Case Against the First Look

Conversely, some couples prefer to uphold the tradition of seeing each other for the first time as they walk down the aisle. This moment embodies tradition and holds symbolic significance. For these couples, the anticipation and suspense leading up to the ceremony are integral to the wedding experience.

From a photographer's perspective, choosing to see each other at the alter means capturing the raw emotion of the couple's initial reaction in real time, without any prior staging. While this approach requires quick reflexes and keen observation, it can result in candid and authentic photos that capture the true essence of the moment.

However, from a logistics perspective, vetoing the first look can mean less portrait time and less time with family and friends, often leading to the couple skipping cocktail hour. Why does this happen to the timeline? Since couples cannot see each other until the ceremony, all formal portraits need to occur in the period after the ceremony and before the reception.

Ultimately, the decision to do a first look or not comes down to personal preference. As a photographer in Columbia, Missouri, I've had the privilege of working with couples who have chosen both paths, and each experience has been uniquely beautiful in its own right.

For some couples, sharing an intimate moment before the ceremony is irresistible, while others prefer to uphold tradition and save the reveal for the aisle. As photographers in Columbia, Missouri, it's our job to support our clients in whatever decision they make and to capture the magic of their wedding day in a way that reflects their unique love story. Whether you embrace the first look or wait until the ceremony, know that your wedding day will be filled with love, laughter, and memories to last a lifetime.