It’s pretty common for couples to expect a huge reaction from their partner when walking down the aisle. But this isn’t always the case and may be why a first look with each other is the perfect thing for you! There are so many emotions swirling around and let’s face it – wedding days can be overwhelming. For one, as a photographer I am a big advocate for this, but two, there are SO many reasons as to why this can make your wedding day go smoother.

1. Take the Pressure Off of You and Your Partner

There are so many eyes on you expecting you to perform, which can add a ton of pressure – especially on grooms. Seeing your partner before everyone else might be just what you need. Doing a private first look together can help ease those nerves, allowing you an intimate moment alone to share all your emotions with your partner before walking down the aisle. Who better to soak it in and take a deep breath with you than your forever person?

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Venue: McNay Art Museum | Photographer: Indy Pop Photo | Groom’s Attire: Mens Wearhouse | Wedding Gown: Enchanting by Mon Cheri // Mayfair Bridal | Hair: Casey Lee | Florist: A Dreamweaver Florist

2. Opportunity for More Photos

Wedding photography is a huge investment. A first look is an opportunity not only to get more photos but a greater variety of them. There is so much excitement getting ready to see your partner and share a moment between just the two of you (and your photographer and videographer, of course). The excitement from seeing each other is able to be documented in the sweetest, most intimate way. And then when you get to see each other from across the aisle while everyone is present to celebrate and support you two? Oh. My. GOSH! It’s an entirely new swirl of butterflies and emotions all over again. And here are some photos to prove it! Just look at Ryan’s reaction from his first look with Taylor AND to her walking down the aisle.

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Venue: Lionsgate Event Center | Photographer: Indy Pop Photo | Wedding Dress: Something New Boutique | Hair & Makeup: Elegance by Design | Florist: Painted Primrose

3. Get Most of Your Photos Done BEFORE the Ceremony

Doing a first look does mean you’ll have to start photos earlier. However, it also gives you more time to enjoy being with all your friends and family after the ceremony. By doing a first look and building a timeline with your wedding planner and photographer, you can get wedding party photos and/or family photos done before the ceremony. This cuts down the time your photographer will need for photos post-ceremony, meaning you get to eat, drink and party with your people that much sooner! Not to mention, you AND your family and friends will get to enjoy the cocktail hour you have planned since photos will already be finished.

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Venue: Canyon Springs Golf Club | Photographer: Indy Pop Photo | Wedding Gown: Bella Bride Boutique | Groom’s Attire: Men’s wearhouse | Hair & Makeup: Vixen

4. Intimate Time with Your Partner

It might surprise you that you don’t get a lot of alone time with your partner on your wedding day. The day is a whirlwind of getting ready with your besties and visiting with all your friends and family. You’re surrounded by people you love all day, which is AMAZING! But this doesn’t leave a lot of time for you and your spouse to enjoy each other’s company privately. Taking time to have an intimate moment with your partner while your hair and makeup is still super fresh (bonus!) is well worth it. You get to take your time, soak in the emotions together, embrace and love on each other privately. My goal as a photographer is to always be a fly on the wall, to use a longer lens so I can stay back without being distracting and let you and your partner take as much time as you want and need with each other. It’s your wedding day and you deserve some privacy with each other.

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Venue: Cacciatore at Hellers Kitchen | Photographer: Indy Pop Photo | Wedding Dress: The Blushing Bride | Hair & Makeup: Lauren Miller at Facetté The Hair Experience

5. Guaranteed Daylight for Portraits

This is huge, especially for winter weddings. The sun sets so much earlier in the winter and if you don’t do a first look, you might not have enough time after the ceremony for natural light portraits. Unless you want to schedule your ceremony for 3:00PM, I would strongly consider doing a first look if you’re having a winter wedding.

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Venue: Windsor Mill | Photographer: Indy Pop Photo | Wedding Dress: Dani West Bridal Boutique | Hair & Makeup: April Franklin | Florist: Four Seasons Custom Florals

It’s common for people to think if you do a first look that there won’t be any reaction or emotion to walking down the aisle. I am telling you from experience, that’s incorrect. I’ve seen couples express just as much excitement and emotion during the ceremony after doing a first look.

Overall, you want your day to be true to you. If doing a first look still isn’t your vibe, that is OKAY! It doesn’t make your wedding any less wonderful. These are just some tips I would recommend as a photographer that would benefit you and how you experience your day. If you have any other comments or suggestions on why you did or are going to do a first look, I’d love to hear them!