Your wedding day is full of unforgettable moments, and one of the most meaningful is the first time you see your partner. While the tradition of waiting until the ceremony to see each other is beautiful, more and more couples are choosing a first look—and they’re loving it.
At K Herman Photography, we’ve worked with countless couples, and the ones who choose a first look consistently tell us it was one of the best decisions they made. Here’s why we find most of our couples prefer this special moment—and why you might, too.
1. A Private, Intimate Moment Together
One of the biggest perks of a first look is the privacy it offers. It’s just the two of you (and your photographer, capturing every sweet moment) without the pressure of an audience. You can laugh, cry, and share your emotions freely—something that’s harder to do in front of all your guests at the ceremony.
This private moment often becomes one of the most treasured memories of the day. It’s a chance to ground yourselves in each other before the whirlwind of celebrations begins.
2. Calming the Nerves
The excitement of the wedding day can come with a few jitters. Seeing your partner before the ceremony is the perfect way to ease that nervous energy. Many of our couples tell us they felt instantly relaxed and ready to enjoy the day after their first look.
Plus, taking this moment early in the day allows you to step into the ceremony feeling calm, centered, and fully present.
3. More Time for Stunning Photos
With a first look, you can maximize the best lighting and locations for your couple portraits. Instead of squeezing everything into the time after the ceremony, we have the opportunity to capture beautiful, unhurried photos that showcase your connection.
It also means we can knock out family and wedding party photos before the ceremony, leaving you free to enjoy more of your cocktail hour and reception. This gives you more time to celebrate with your guests—and who doesn’t want that?
4. A Smoother Wedding Day Timeline
Wedding days can be busy and fast-paced, but a first look creates breathing room in the schedule. With many of the portraits completed before the ceremony, the rest of the day flows more seamlessly.
Couples who choose a first look often find their day feels more relaxed and enjoyable, with fewer rushed moments and more time to savor each part of the celebration.
5. Amplifying the Ceremony Moment
Some couples worry a first look will diminish the magic of seeing each other at the altar—but trust us, it doesn’t. If anything, it enhances it. You’ve already had time to process the emotions of seeing each other for the first time, so you can focus entirely on the moment you say “I do.”
We’ve seen it time and again—our first-look couples still experience all the joy and emotion of the ceremony moment, with the added bonus of having already shared something truly personal and meaningful.
Why We Recommend the First Look Experience
At K Herman Photography, we’ve had the privilege of photographing hundreds of weddings, and we’ve seen firsthand how a first look transforms the day. It creates more time for photos, a relaxed timeline, and an intimate moment just for the two of you.
We believe your wedding day should be as stress-free and memorable as possible, and a first look is one of the best ways to make that happen.
Let’s Plan Your Dream Wedding Day Together
Still on the fence? Let’s chat about your vision for your wedding day. Whether you’re all-in on a first look or prefer the traditional ceremony reveal, we’ll craft a timeline that ensures every moment is captured beautifully.
Reach out today to start planning the day you’ve always dreamed of!
