One of the biggest questions couples ask while planning their wedding is whether they should see each other before the ceremony. After photographing more than 700 weddings throughout Palm Beach and South Florida, here’s my professional perspective.

Should You Do a First Look?

The short answer?

There isn’t a right or wrong answer, only the right choice for the two of you.

I’ve photographed beautiful weddings with first looks and equally beautiful weddings where the couple waited until the ceremony.

Both create incredible moments.

But after photographing hundreds of weddings over the past decade, there are certain situations where I almost always recommend a first look because it simply allows couples to experience more of their wedding day.

What Is a First Look?

A first look is a private moment before the ceremony where the couple sees each other for the first time.

Instead of meeting at the aisle, you share an intimate moment away from your guests, giving you the opportunity to slow down, embrace one another, and take it all in before the excitement of the day unfolds.

For many couples, it becomes one of their favorite memories.

Why I Often Recommend a First Look

As a Palm Beach wedding photographer, my job is about much more than taking beautiful photographs.

It’s about helping couples actually experience their wedding day.

One thing I hear again and again after weddings is:

“The day went by so fast”

A first look helps slow things down.

It creates space in your timeline to breathe, connect, and enjoy each other before the celebration begins.

1. You’ll Enjoy More of Your Cocktail Hour

This is probably the biggest reason I recommend a first look.

Without one, most family portraits, wedding party photos, and many couple portraits happen immediately after the ceremony.

That often means spending much, or even all of cocktail hour taking photographs.

With a first look, many of those portraits can be completed before guests arrive.

After the ceremony, we usually only need a few family photos and a handful of newlywed portraits before you can head straight to cocktail hour.

Instead of wondering what your guests are doing, you’ll be laughing, hugging family members, and making memories together.

And those candid interactions often become some of the most meaningful photographs in your gallery.

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2. You Can Have Both Golden Hour and Night Portraits

This is especially important for couples planning a late afternoon or evening ceremony.

If your ceremony begins close to sunset, there simply isn’t enough daylight beforehand to capture portraits unless you choose a first look.

A first look allows us to photograph you together in beautiful natural light before the ceremony.

Later in the evening, we can step away for just 10–15 minutes during the reception to capture romantic sunset portraits if timing allows, or dramatic night portraits once the venue is glowing with beautiful lighting.

Instead of choosing between daylight or evening images, you can enjoy both.

It’s truly the best of both worlds.

3. It Gives You Flexibility During South Florida’s Rainy Season

Summer weddings in South Florida are beautiful but they’re also unpredictable.

Afternoon showers are part of life here.

Building extra portrait time into your day with a first look gives us flexibility if weather briefly interrupts the schedule.

Rather than feeling rushed or worried, we can simply adjust our timing and continue creating beautiful images once the rain passes.

4. You’ll Have Quiet Time Together

That extra cushion often makes the entire day feel much less stressful.

One of my favorite things about a first look has nothing to do with photography.

For a few precious minutes, it’s just the two of you.

No guests.

No timeline.

No distractions.

Just a chance to hold hands, laugh, cry, pray together if you choose, or simply take a deep breath before the celebration begins.

Those quiet moments often become some of the most treasured memories of the entire day.

Does a First Look Take Away From the Ceremony?

This is the question almost every couple asks.

In my experience, the answer is no.

Walking down the aisle is a completely different experience.

You’re surrounded by the people you love most.

Music is playing.

Your family and friends are witnessing one of the biggest moments of your lives.

The emotion is different because the moment is different.

I’ve photographed countless weddings where couples had a first look, and there were still tears, smiles, and overwhelming emotion as the bride walked down the aisle.

One doesn’t replace the other they simply give you two unforgettable moments instead of one.

When I Recommend Waiting Until the Ceremony

While I often recommend a first look, there are times when waiting is the perfect choice.

If you’ve always dreamed of seeing each other for the very first time as you walk down the aisle, honor that vision.

The anticipation, the emotion, and the tradition are incredibly meaningful.

We’ll simply build your timeline around that choice and make the most of every minute afterward.

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My Professional Advice

After photographing more than 700 weddings throughout Palm Beach, South Florida and Nashville, TN. my advice is simple:

If your goal is to enjoy more of cocktail hour, create a relaxed timeline, have time for beautiful portraits in different lighting, and spend a few quiet moments together before the ceremony, I believe a first look is one of the best decisions you can make.

If your dream has always been the traditional aisle reveal, don’t feel pressured to change it. Your wedding should reflect what feels most meaningful to you.

The best timeline isn’t about fitting into a formula, it’s about creating a day where you can be fully present with each other and the people you love.

Planning a Wedding in Palm Beach?

Every wedding is unique, and every timeline should be thoughtfully designed around your priorities. As a husband and wife team who have photographed more than 700 weddings across Palm Beach and South Florida, we help our couples create a wedding day that feels relaxed, joyful, and beautifully documented.

Whether you choose a first look or wait until the ceremony, our goal is always the same: to help you experience every meaningful moment while creating timeless photographs you’ll treasure for generations.