First Look or No First Look? Here's What I Tell My Couples:

By SJDalton Photography

When you’re planning your wedding, one of the first big photography questions that comes up is:

“Should we do a first look?”

It’s one of the most common decisions my couples ask me about — and the truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But after photographing dozens of weddings across NYC, I’ve seen both options bring so much emotion, joy, and beauty to the day.

So let’s talk through both sides — the pros, the things to consider, and how to make the decision that feels right for you.

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💫 What Is a First Look, Exactly?

A “first look” is a private moment before the ceremony when you and your partner see each other for the first time.

It’s quiet, intimate, and often one of the most emotional parts of the day. You can hug, cry, laugh, and take it all in — without all your guests watching.

Some couples love that it gives them a little breathing space before the whirlwind begins.

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🌿 The Pros of Doing a First Look

1. You get to calm your nerves together.

That first look moment often melts away the anxiety and anticipation. You can take a deep breath, hold hands, and share a private moment before walking down the aisle.

2. You get more time for photos.

Doing portraits before the ceremony gives us flexibility — beautiful daylight, relaxed timing, and no rush before cocktail hour. We can capture couple photos, wedding party, and even family portraits early on.

3. You can actually enjoy your cocktail hour.

If you do your portraits beforehand, you get to mingle, eat, and celebrate instead of disappearing for photos right after “I do.”

4. The emotion is still so real.

Some couples worry it’ll take away from the ceremony moment — but it never does. You still get that emotional rush when you walk down the aisle; it just feels deeper because you’ve already shared that private connection.

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💞 Reasons to Skip the First Look

Of course, there are also totally valid reasons to keep it traditional!

1. You love the anticipation.

If you’ve always imagined that cinematic “aisle moment,” nothing can replace that. It’s powerful, emotional, and breathtaking.

2. You want to keep your timeline classic.

If your ceremony is earlier in the day or you’re having a winter wedding (when it gets dark fast), sometimes skipping the first look just works better with lighting and logistics.

3. You want your first moment together to be witnessed by loved ones.

For some couples, sharing that first emotional look with everyone around is part of what makes it so special.

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📸 My Honest Take as a Photographer

There’s truly no wrong choice.

What matters most is how you want to experience that moment. My job is to make sure, whichever you choose, it’s photographed beautifully and stress-free.

If you’re unsure, we can always walk through your timeline together to see what works best for light, venue, and what feels true to you as a couple.

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✨ Final Thoughts

Whether you choose to do a first look or wait for the aisle, both moments are filled with magic — just in different ways.

You can’t make a wrong choice, only the one that feels right for your story.

If you’re still deciding and want help visualizing your timeline, I’d love to chat!

📩 Let’s connect → contact me!

Let’s plan a day that feels relaxed, intentional, and full of emotion — every step of the way.