With love,
maryanna rose
One of the biggest decisions couples make when planning their wedding timeline is whether or not to share a first look. It’s a moment filled with anticipation, emotion, and intention — and it can completely transform the flow of your day.
There is no right or wrong answer. Some couples love the tradition of seeing each other at the ceremony, while others want the intimacy and calm that a first look brings. What matters most is choosing what feels true to you.
Here’s a helpful breakdown of what a first look is, why many couples choose one, and what it adds to your wedding experience.
1. A First Look Gives You a Quiet Moment Together
Wedding days move fast. Between getting ready, greeting guests, and navigating your timeline, it’s surprisingly rare to have a private moment alone.
A first look creates that space.
It’s a chance to breathe, reconnect, and settle into the day together before everything officially begins. For many couples, this becomes one of the sweetest memories — a moment of calm before the celebrations.
2. You Get More Photos (And More Variety)
A first look opens up your timeline, allowing us to take:
• Bride & groom portraits
• Bridal party photos
• Potentially even family photos
....before the ceremony.
This means more time, more creativity, and more relaxed, natural portraits. It also gives you the flexibility to capture a wider variety of images without feeling rushed.
3. It Helps Create a Stress-Free Timeline
Without a first look, all family, bridal party, and couple portraits typically need to happen during cocktail hour — which can feel packed and chaotic.
With a first look, your post-ceremony timeline becomes smoother and far less stressful. You get to join cocktail hour earlier, enjoy your guests, and be fully present rather than rushing through photos.
4. Your Emotions Are Just as Real During the Ceremony
Many couples worry that seeing each other beforehand “ruins the moment.”
But here’s the truth: emotion doesn’t have an on/off switch.
You still feel everything when you walk down the aisle — the music, the energy, the people you love, the gravity of the moment. A first look doesn’t replace that. It simply adds another meaningful moment to your day.
In fact, many couples become more emotional at the ceremony because the nerves have settled and they’re fully in the moment.
5. It Maximizes Natural Light for Portraits
If you’re having a fall, winter, or evening ceremony (or if Michigan weather decides to surprise you), natural light may be limited afterward.
A first look ensures we capture your portraits in the best, softest, most flattering light of the day — which leads to consistent, elevated images across your entire gallery.
6. It Lets You Truly Enjoy Your Reception
Sharing a first look means nearly all portraits are taken before the ceremony, leaving the reception to be exactly what it’s meant to be:
a celebration, not a rush.
Instead of stepping away for photos, you get to enjoy:
• Your cocktail hour
• Your reception entrance
• Time with guests
• More time on the dance floor
Your timeline feels intentional rather than tight.
So… Should You Do a First Look?
A first look isn’t required — and it’s not for everyone.
But for couples who want a smooth timeline, more portraits, emotional connection, and a relaxed day, it’s one of the best decisions they can make.
The most important thing is choosing what feels meaningful and natural to you.
Even If You Skip the First Look
It’s important to remember: a first look isn’t required, and many couples choose to wait until the ceremony to see each other. No matter what you decide, I’ll be there to help your day run smoothly. From guiding family and bridal party photos to keeping your timeline on track, I make sure every important moment is captured while you can focus on enjoying the day. My goal is to reduce stress, keep things organized, and make your wedding day flow seamlessly—so you can relax, celebrate, and create memories that last a lifetime.
