October 22nd, 2025

💍 Why First Looks Are Totally Worth It (and Might Be the Best Decision You Make for Your Wedding Day)

If you’ve been debating whether or not to do a first look on your wedding day, this post is for you. As a professional Indiana wedding photographer and videographer, I’ve seen both sides — couples who choose the traditional aisle moment and those who opt for a first look. And while there’s no “wrong” choice, first looks have some serious perks that couples don’t always realize until after the day is over.
Let’s talk about why first looks are absolutely worth considering.

✨ Your Hair & Makeup Look FlawlessOne of the biggest perks of a first look? You’re seeing each other right after hair and makeup are freshly done — everything is still picture-perfect, from your lashes to your lipstick. You’ll look and feel your absolute best for those emotional, once-in-a-lifetime reactions.

🕊 It’s the Only Quiet Moment You’ll Have TogetherWedding days move fast. Between getting ready, the ceremony, portraits, and reception — you’ll blink and it’s over.
A first look gives you a rare moment of calm, quiet, and connection before the whirlwind begins. It’s often the only time all day that it’s just the two of you.
I like to hang back and be a fly on the wall during this part — capturing those natural, raw emotions as they happen. The tears, the laughter, the whispers — it’s pure magic.

💞 The Reaction Is More GenuineWhen it’s just the two of you (instead of a room full of guests), the emotions tend to flow more freely. There’s no pressure, no stage fright — just your person standing in front of you, taking it all in. Those are the moments that make for the most powerful photo and film captures — the ones that truly tell your love story.

📸 You’ll Get All Your Photos Done EarlyBy doing your first look before the ceremony, we can get through most (if not all) of your portraits early — including couple, wedding party, and even family photos. That means once you say “I do,” you’re free to actually enjoy your day instead of spending the entire cocktail hour taking pictures.

🍸 You Get to Enjoy the Cocktail Hour You’re Paying ForYes, you read that right. When we finish photos before the ceremony, you actually get to join your guests during cocktail hour! You worked hard to plan every detail of your wedding — from the food to the drinks to the decor — and this lets you be present for it all. The day flies by faster than you can imagine, so this extra time with your family and friends is priceless.

❤️ The Bottom LineYour wedding day is one of the most emotional, joyful, and fast-paced days of your life. Doing a first look doesn’t take away from the ceremony moment — it adds to your experience by giving you calm, connection, and time together that you’ll never regret.
If you’re on the fence, talk with your photographer and videographer about building your timeline around a first look. Most couples who choose it say it was one of their favorite parts of the entire day.

Ready to plan your dream wedding timeline?
I help my couples craft timelines that make the most of their day — while keeping it fun, relaxed, and full of heart.
📸 Visit www.capturingmoorememories.com to learn more about my Photo + Film wedding packages and check out The Moore Journal for more planning tips and inspiration.