First Look? First Touch? Which one did you choose?

I’m so up in the air about this! I think a first look would make for some great pictures and a beautiful moment alone before the ceremony. It would also free up time after the ceremony since there would be less pictures to take. But I’m also feeling traditional about it, and would love for that moment coming down the aisle to be our first moment seeing each other. I think I’m leaning towards a first touch and exchanged letters, which would also make for beautiful pictures and a great moment alone together without ruining the surprise of walking down the aisle.

View Quoted Comment Hey Alyssa!
I totally understand. I have no regrets with choosing a first touch, we are very traditional in the fact that we are old lol.

After seeing some of my wedding photos during the ceremony, I'm so glad we didn't have a first look.... I'm not a graceful crier at all ha ha. With the first touch I was able to calm down, just being in his presence and if I had cried then, I wouldn't have had time to touch up my makeup.
It was just such a good feeling to see him after almost 24 hours apart. For us it was exactly what we wanted.
Good luck in your decision! I can't wait to see what you decideCongratulations!

View Quoted Comment That makes it even better! When men show emotion, by getting choked up, it gets me every time

View Quoted Comment Thank you!!

View Quoted Comment Thank you for sharing your picture. I love it ❤

View Quoted Comment Thank you!

Excellent advice and beautiful pictures!


A friend of mine got married last year and said that even though she is very traditional, she's glad they trusted the photographer with first look pictures (and all formal posed pics) before the ceremony because not only did it alleviate all the nerves, it allowed them extra time to enjoy their cocktail hour and visit longer with guests. She said it didn't take away any magic of walking down the aisle.

View Quoted Comment Thank you Jana!
That's awesome! I think there are no wrong answers. To each their own. ❤❤
I'm so happy that your friend had such a great experience (and a pre-covid wedding, who knew the world would turn upside down this year!😱)

We are also a "traditional" couple (read: older) and we're not doing a first look. I'm not sure if we'll do a first touch either, but it's not out of the question. I never thought I would get married -- didn't even want to get married -- but now that I AM, I'm a bit on the traditional side. Actually, we're doing a sort of first look as I am walking down the aisle. I'm going to have him keep his back turned until I get to a certain point then someone will tap him on his shoulder for him to turn around. This is a bit selfish on my part because I wear glasses for distance vision and I don't want to wear glasses on my wedding day. So by him having his back turned, when he turns around, I will be able to see his face when he first sees ME. I AM planning a first look with my son, with whom I am very close and who is also escorting me down the aisle.

I have to admit though, that the first look and being able to take a lot of pics before the ceremony and then be able to enjoy the cocktail hour is very tempting, so I suppose there is a chance I could change my mind. FH and I have had a conversation about doing a first look, and by that, I mean I told him I didn't want one. LOL. But maybe I should discuss it further and see if he has any feelings on the matter one way or the other.

View Quoted Comment Ha we are a traditional (old ha ha ) couple too. I don't think you are being selfish at all...I think it's sweet! I think your fiancee would have already spoken up if he didn't want to go the traditional route.


When he turns around and sees you, that will make a fantastic picture!!Let me know what you decideCongratulations! ❤

View Quoted Comment

Thank you, Anna. I actually did ask him, the other day, if he had any thoughts on the matter. I told him there are pros and cons to each direction and told him what they were. His response? "Whatever you want to do." LOL. That doesn't help me at all. So, at this point, I'm still going the traditional route, but our wedding isn't until next June so there's plenty of time for me to change my mind. LOL. I'll come back next year and update.