A first look gives ye a few quiet minutes before things get busy, and frees up the whole afternoon for the party. Nobody has to cry or say something brilliant because a camera is there.
We often suggest a first look: seeing each other before the ceremony and doing some of your photographs then. It tends to make the rest of the day feel far less rushed. But it’s a personal choice, and if you’ve always pictured seeing each other at the aisle, that counts for a lot. Here’s how each option changes the day, so you can decide what suits you.
What is a first look?
A first look is a planned moment when you see each other before the ceremony, usually somewhere quiet and away from arriving guests. We photograph whatever happens naturally. An aisle reveal means waiting until the ceremony begins, with everyone you’ve invited around you. Neither needs a particular reaction.
Why we often recommend a first look
There’s something lovely about a few minutes together before the day picks up pace. You can take each other in and talk before anyone else gets a word in. It’s practical too. If some of your couple photographs are done before the ceremony, there’s less to fit in afterwards, and you get back to your guests sooner instead of disappearing just as the drinks reception gets going.
The catch is that part of the schedule moves earlier. A first look works when the morning is planned around it, not when it’s squeezed into an already packed timetable.
How to plan a first look
You both need to be fully ready, with time to get dressed after hair and make-up. If you’re getting ready in different places, add the travel. We’ll pick a spot with good light and some privacy. The photo you’ve seen of your venue may have been taken at another time of year, so keep the exact location flexible. If you’ve booked photography and film, the photographer and videographer plan the moment together, so you won’t be arranging where everyone stands.
At Boyne Hill House, Niamh and Ian met in the blue drawing room before their ceremony in the walled garden. Katie and Fran had a quiet first look among the plants of a glasshouse, then headed through Dublin with their friends.
Will all our photographs be done before the ceremony?
With the right planning, they can be. It’s very practical, and it frees up your entire afternoon for celebrating with your guests. We’ll plan the morning so there’s time for your couple portraits, and for family photographs too if everyone is there in time. After the ceremony, we’re simply photographing the congratulations, your guests and the day as it happens.
Planning an aisle reveal
If seeing each other at the aisle is what you’re looking forward to, we’ll plan for it. The music, the anticipation and seeing each other with everyone gathered can be a big part of the day. The photographs then happen after the ceremony, usually 15 minutes for family and 15 for the two of you. A short family list, someone who knows everyone to gather them, and realistic travel times make that work.
First look vs aisle reveal at a glance
Your morning
First look: you both need to be ready earlier. Aisle reveal: you get ready separately right up to the ceremony.
Time with your guests
First look: earlier portraits leave more of the drinks reception free. Aisle reveal: we build a short portrait window into the reception.
One question to help you decide
What would you most like time for after the ceremony? If it’s catching up with friends, the food and being in the middle of the party, a first look is worth considering. If seeing each other at the aisle is the moment you’re most excited about, go with that. Either way, raise it with us early, especially if it affects your ceremony time, transport or hair and make-up bookings.
See the whole day in motion.
From Connemara scenery to a room full of their favourite people, Orna and Juan’s trailer shows why the moments around your portraits matter too. Sound, movement and the people around you are all part of the story.
Planning the rest of the day
Read our guide to a relaxed wedding day timeline, browse real wedding stories, or see our photography and film collections. If you’re still planning, tell us about your day.