Some wedding decisions are deeply personal. Others are practical. This one is both. Whether or not to do a First Look is one of the first questions I ask—and the answer isn’t the same for everyone. But after photographing countless weddings in Lake Tahoe and beyond, I’ve come to understand that this decision shapes more than just your timeline. It shapes the feeling of your day.
This isn’t about what’s trendy. It’s about what’s right for you—and how the day is built around your priorities, not traditions for tradition’s sake.
What Is a First Look, Really?
A First Look is when the couple sees each other before the ceremony, in a private and intentional moment. Usually, it’s just the two of you—along with your photographer, quietly at a distance. It can be grounding, intimate, and emotionally charged, especially when the rest of the day is moving quickly.
But this isn’t just about saving time. A First Look changes the emotional pacing of your wedding day.
First Looks don’t always have to be with your partner. Some brides choose to share that moment with a parent or sibling—often their father or brother. These can be beautifully emotional moments, especially when they’re planned with intention, not just added in at the last minute.
Why Some Couples Choose a First Look
From my perspective as a photographer, here’s what a First Look allows:
Less pressure at the aisle – Seeing each other earlier often makes the ceremony feel more relaxed.
Better timeline flow – We can take most of the portraits (wedding party & family formals) beforehand, giving you time to enjoy the cocktail hour and interact with your guests.
Golden hour flexibility – Especially in fall when the sun sets earlier, a First Look ensures you’re not racing the clock for light.
And some couples simply want a moment of quiet—just the two of you—before stepping into the spotlight.
Why Some Couples Don’t
For others, that first moment walking down the aisle is sacred. They want the anticipation, the tradition, and the formality of seeing each other for the first time in front of their loved ones. That’s completely valid.
Just know that without a First Look, all portraits—wedding party and family photos—typically happen after the ceremony. That window can be tight, especially with a later ceremony time or unexpected delays. It’s doable, but it requires thoughtful planning.
More Than a Photo: Making the First Look Meaningful
When it comes to the couple’s First Look—how you approach it matters. The most memorable ones aren’t just about how you look. They’re about what you say. A few words of appreciation, recognition, or “we’re really doing this” can carry emotional weight that lasts long after the photo is taken.
It doesn’t need to be scripted. It doesn’t need to be poetic. It just needs to be sincere and a little more than everyday small talk. Find the right balance for you. The point isn’t performance. It’s presence.
Want ideas for how to make your First Look more meaningful—without turning it into a performance? Find ways to bring presence and intention into one of the most emotional moments of the day.
To help you visualize how the First Look—or skipping it—shapes the rhythm of everything else, here are two sample timelines for a September wedding in Lake Tahoe, based on 10 hours of photography coverage and a 4:30 PM ceremony.
10-Hour Wedding Timeline in Lake Tahoe – With a First Look
12:00 PM – Photographer arrives at the bridal suite. Details + getting ready
1:00 PM – Groom getting ready
2:00 PM – Hair & makeup wraps; bride gets dressed + bridal portraits
2:45 PM – First Look + couple portraits
3:15 PM – Wedding party photos
3:45 PM – Immediate family portraits
4:15 PM – Couple tucked away before ceremony
4:30 PM – Ceremony begins
5:00 PM – Ceremony ends; guests and newlyweds enjoy cocktail hour
6:00 PM – Guests seated for dinner
6:15 PM – Grand entrance + dinner service
7:15 PM – Golden hour portraits
8:00 PM – Toasts
8:30 PM – First dances
9:00 PM – Dance floor opens
10:00 PM – Coverage ends
10-Hour Wedding Timeline in Lake Tahoe - Without a First Look
12:00 PM – Photographer arrives at the bridal suite. Details + getting ready
1:00 PM – Groom getting ready
2:00 PM – Hair & makeup wraps; bride gets dressed + bridal portraits
3:00 PM – Solo portraits + wedding party photos (done separately)
4:00 PM – Couple tucked away; ceremony details + guest arrivals
4:30 PM – Ceremony begins
5:15 PM – Family photos
6: 00 PM – Wedding party photos (all together)
6:20 PM – Couple portraits in golden hour
6:30 PM – Guests seated for dinner
6:45 PM – Grand entrance + dinner service
8:00 PM – Toasts
8:30 PM – First dances
9:00 PM – Dance floor opens
10:00 PM – Coverage ends
Final Thoughts
There’s no universal right answer—just what’s right for you. Whether you choose to see each other before the ceremony or not, the important thing is that your timeline reflects your values, your energy, and your priorities.
I’m here to support either path—to help craft a day that flows, to hold the timing in the background, and to create space for real moments to happen.
