First Look vs. Traditional Aisle Moment
What’s right for you (and why both are amazing in their own way)
There’s a moment in every wedding day where it hits: it’s really happening. For some couples, that moment comes when they see each other before the ceremony. For others, it’s when the music swells and one of them walks down the aisle. And guess what?
There’s no right or wrong way to do it.
If you’re torn between doing a first look or waiting until the aisle moment, this post is for you. I’ve photographed both dozens of times—and I can confidently say: each option is magical in its own way.
✨ First Look: Seeing Each Other Before the Ceremony
A first look is a private moment between the two of you before the ceremony begins—just the two of you (and me at a distance with a zoom lens 😄).
Pros:
- Calms the nerves and eases pre-ceremony anxiety
- Gives you more time together on your actual wedding day
- Allows more flexibility in your timeline (and often more time for photos)
- Hair and makeup are fresh
- Can help you get all wedding party + family photos done before the ceremony = more time at cocktail hour!
Cons:
– It changes the “aisle moment” dynamic—though it doesn’t take away from it (trust me, I've seen plenty of grooms still tear up twice)
– You’ll need to start your day a little earlier
Real Moment:
One of my recent brides, Kayla, said her first look with JR made everything feel real. “Once I saw him, I could finally breathe—and I had no more jitters walking down the aisle.”
💍 Traditional Aisle Moment: Seeing Each Other at the Ceremony
This is the classic: no peeking before the ceremony. The first time you see each other is when the aisle walk begins.
Pros:
- Emotional, cinematic, and incredibly meaningful
- Keeps things traditional if that’s important to you
- The anticipation and build-up adds to the moment
Cons:
– You may feel more anxious leading up to the ceremony
– Photos (especially wedding party + family) will need to happen after the ceremony, which can limit daylight depending on season/timing
– Less alone time together on the wedding day
Real Moment:
Naveta and Elliot chose a traditional aisle moment, and the emotion on his face when he saw her walk into the church was everything. They said holding out made the moment feel sacred—and absolutely worth it.
💡 Not Sure? Try a “Middle Ground” Option
If you love the idea of easing nerves but still want the magic of a traditional aisle reveal, you have options!
- First Prayer or Letter Reading (Back to Back): Share a quiet moment together—holding hands, reading letters, or praying—without actually seeing each other.
- Around-the-Corner Touch: A sweet way to connect and calm the nerves while still saving the first look for the aisle.
- First Look with Dad or Wedding Party: Still gives you that special “first reaction” moment without changing the ceremony flow.
These middle-ground options give you the emotional comfort of a private moment without altering the traditional reveal.
So… What’s Right for You?
Think about how you want to feel during those big moments. Do you want to experience it just the two of you, away from the crowd? Or does that aisle walk, filled with anticipation and emotion, feel like your dream moment?
Whatever you choose, I’m here to support you and help it flow beautifully into your day. And no matter what, I promise—we’ll capture the magic, the nerves, the joy, and all the emotion that comes with it.
📸 Ready to plan your wedding timeline or still not sure what direction to go? Let’s talk it through and find what fits your day best.
