Why A First Look or First Touch Is Important For Your Wedding Day

My couples spend months (even years) planning the wedding day of their dreams. Untold effort goes into a wedding celebration, but the average wedding only lasts 4-8 hours. The day never fails to fly by. So how can you slow things down and savor every second of your wedding day? In this post, I’m breaking down how to choose between a first look, a first touch, or exchanging private vows/gifts to help slow down and soak in your wedding day to the fullest.

Why I recommend a first look

Even the most simple, laid-back weddings can feel like a whirlwind – which is why a first look can be so integral. I always ask my couples to consider a first look before the ceremony for a host of reasons. 

So what is a first look? A first look is when you and your soon-to-be spouse privately see each other for the first time before the ceremony, all dressed up and ready to say “I do.” 

Benefits of a first look:

• So many of my couples find it incredibly calming to see each other before the ceremony. A first look grounds them back into the moment where they can check in with each other, connect before the celebrations start, and calm all those wedding day nerves.
• First look photos are simply more intimate. No one is standing around watching, which helps you both relax and be completely yourselves. 
• It’s always an emotional moment when the couple gets to see each other for the first time, and a first look lets your photographer capture all the joy and happy tears.

One of my new favorite trends is having a first look with anyone who shares a big part of your heart. I’ve had brides and grooms do a first look with their moms, dads, and even their children. These quiet moments are priceless, and the photos are always some of the top favorites of the day.

BONUS First Look Idea:

Say cheers to this new chapter in your love story with shots or champagne! This is a time to celebrate to the fullest, and many of my couples love to take a shot or share a glass of bubbly together before the party is in full swing.

If a first look isn’t your style, a first touch is the next best thing

If you want to keep to the tradition of seeing each other for the first time during the ceremony, a first touch lets you steal away a tender moment with your partner before you walk down the aisle. A first touch can be as simple as taking a moment to hold hands with each other around a corner or as thoughtful as reading private vows to each other through a cracked door. Like a first look, it’s a moment all to yourselves.

Benefits of a first touch:

• Even the simple act of holding hands has been proven to calm nerves.
• A first touch saves the surprise of seeing each other for the ceremony, but it’s still a sweet pause to know you’re in this together.
• First touch photos capture equally tender moments. It’s always moving how holding hands can say so much, without having to say a word.

NOTE: First touches can be for anyone. One of my favorite first touch memories is when a bride incorporated one with her blind father. Watching her and her father touch her wedding dress for the first time was a truly emotional moment to witness.

Make it personal with private vows

Whether you decide to do a first touch or a first look, many couples love to use this intimate moment to share private wedding vows. For all those inside jokes no one else knows or personal vows you don’t want to share in front of a crowd, exchanging private vows adds another layer of meaning before sharing your public “I do”s.

Benefits of private vows:

• Exchanging private vows is an opportunity to be even more personal, without worrying about anyone else.
• Your love is unique and one-of-a-kind, and private vows let you get as silly or emotional as you like.

Exchange gifts or letters

If you really want to keep to tradition and not see or speak to each other before the ceremony, a gift exchange is another way to pause separately and know your partner is thinking of you. If gifts aren’t your love language, writing a letter for your partner to read while they get ready is a sweet gesture they’ll treasure for years to come.

Benefits of exchanging gifts or letters:

• Sending a gift while getting ready allows for intimacy, even without a first look or first touch!
• Like love letters, wedding day gifts are a sweet memento you can treasure long after you tie the knot.
• Handwritten notes or letters are a priceless wedding day gift, without the pressure of added expense.
• Exchanging gifts or letters before the ceremony is another way to pause and simply celebrate each other and the love you share.

When planning the wedding day timeline with my couples, I always recommend setting aside time for a first look or first touch. Sometimes my couples even choose a first look, private vow reading, and exchange gifts – and they never regret a single second. At the end of the day, these are the moments you’ll hold onto and never want to forget.

Thinking of incorporating a first look, first touch, or another fun intimate moment into your wedding day timeline?

With over 9 years of wedding photography experience, I know all the insider tips on making your wedding day vision come to life. I’d love to chat about what you’re thinking – you can get in touch with me here!

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Local to the Texas Hill Country, I’m currently booking wedding photography at any destination in the San Antonio, Austin, and Fredericksburg area.