First Look vs. Traditional: How to Choose the Right Wedding Day Timeline for Your Photos From a Hamilton Wedding Photographer
As a Hamilton wedding photographer, one of the most common questions I get asked by my couples is, "Should we do a first look?" This decision is a big one, as it sets the tone for your entire day and affects your wedding timeline. Both the traditional route and a first look have their own unique benefits, and there's no single right answer. The best choice for you depends on your priorities, your personalities, and the kind of memories you want to create.
What Is a First Look?
A first look is a private moment you share with your partner before the wedding ceremony. It’s an intimate, emotional reveal captured by your photographer, often in a beautiful, secluded setting. You get to see each other for the first time without all your friends and family watching, allowing you to react genuinely and soak in the moment.
The main benefit of a first look is that it gives you and your partner a special, private moment to connect before the day’s festivities truly kick off. It also provides a great opportunity to get the majority of your couple portraits and bridal party photos done before the ceremony. This means you can go straight to your cocktail hour after you say "I do" and spend more time celebrating with your guests. For a Hamilton wedding photographer, this is a massive win, as it gives us more flexibility with lighting and schedule.
The Traditional Timeline
This is the classic, timeless approach, where the first time you see your partner is when you are walking down the aisle. This tradition is steeped in history and creates a powerful, emotional reveal that many couples dream of. The anticipation builds all morning long, leading to a dramatic and heartfelt moment.
If you're a couple who values tradition and wants that big, emotional reaction at the altar, then the traditional timeline might be the perfect fit for you. The downside for a photographer is that all of the formal portraits—family, wedding party, and couples shots—have to be done during the cocktail hour, which can feel rushed. We can make it work, but you'll have less time to mingle and relax with your guests during that period.
How to Choose What's Right for You
Choosing between a first look and a traditional timeline comes down to a few key questions:
Do you want to ease the pre-ceremony jitters? A first look can help calm your nerves and give you a few precious moments alone with your partner.
Is time with your guests a top priority? A first look gives you back the entire cocktail hour to enjoy with your family and friends.
Do you want a private or public emotional moment? Are you a private person who would feel more comfortable with an intimate first look, or do you want to experience that emotional reveal with all your loved ones as you walk down the aisle?
As your Hamilton wedding photographer, my goal is to help you create a timeline that works for you. I've photographed countless weddings with both approaches and can guide you through the pros and cons to help you make the right decision.
A Photographer’s Perspective on Light & Time
From a photography standpoint, the most significant advantage of a first look is the flexibility it gives us with timing. We can get all of your couples' portraits, bridal party and family photos done, leaving the cocktail hour free for you to enjoy. This is especially helpful for winter weddings or late afternoon ceremonies where daylight is limited.
When couples opt for the traditional route, we often have to squeeze all the formal portraits into the cocktail hour. This can be challenging, but an experienced Hamilton wedding photographer knows how to work quickly and efficiently to ensure you get all the photos you want. For more help with your overall wedding day schedule, The Knot has some excellent wedding day timeline templates that can be a great starting point for your planning.
Ultimately, choosing between a first look and a traditional timeline is a personal decision. Both can result in incredible photos and cherished memories. As your Burlington wedding photographer, my job is to ensure your timeline allows for beautiful, stress-free moments and photographs that you will treasure for a lifetime. To see more examples of my work, you can check out my portfolio and see how both timelines have created stunning images.
