Thinking of a First Look?
Things to consider if it’s something you want to include in your day.
What Is a First Look?
A first look is a quiet, private moment where you and your partner see each other before the ceremony. No guests, no aisle, no big entrance—just the two of you (and me, discreetly capturing it all from a distance!). It’s a beautiful way to soak in the emotion, nerves, and excitement without the pressure of an audience.
Why Consider a First Look?
Here’s why so many of my couples across the Southern Highlands, South Coast, and Bowral are loving the idea of a first look:
It’s a Chance to Be Present With Each Other
Wedding days move fast. The first look gives you a moment to breathe, take it all in together, and reconnect before the whirlwind begins. It can calm nerves and fill you both with excitement—think of it like pressing “pause” before pressing “play.”
You Get More Time Together
You’ve spent months (maybe years!) planning this day—why not spend more of it together? A first look means extra time with your person, rather than waiting until the ceremony to see them.
The Photos? Incredible.
That raw, emotional moment of seeing each other for the first time is absolute magic to photograph. You’re relaxed, fully in the moment, and not distracted by the ceremony setup or guests watching on.
Plus, we can knock out most (or all) of your couple portraits, bridal party photos, and even some family photos before the ceremony—which means more time enjoying your reception, canapés, and champagne!
More Freedom in Your Timeline
Doing a first look gives you more flexibility with your wedding day timeline. You can opt for a later ceremony (hello, golden hour vows) or spend more time mingling post-ceremony without the pressure of ducking off for photos. This is especially helpful if your ceremony and reception are at the same venue.
Things to Consider
While a first look has a lot going for it, it’s not for everyone—and that’s totally okay.
You’ll Need to Be Ready Earlier
Since we’re photographing before the ceremony, hair, makeup, and dressing will all happen a little earlier in the day. Not a dealbreaker, just something to factor into your getting-ready schedule.
You Might Prefer the Traditional “Aisle Reveal”
For some couples, nothing beats that moment of seeing each other for the first time at the end of the aisle. If that tradition is close to your heart, go with your gut—it’s your day.
So… Is It Right for You?
If you're having a later ceremony, want more time for photos without missing cocktail hour, or simply crave a moment of calm before the big entrance, a first look could be a perfect addition to your wedding day.
Still unsure? I’m always happy to talk through your timeline and help you make the call that feels right. There’s no one-size-fits-all—it’s all about what you want your wedding day to feel like.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose to do a first look or save the magic for the ceremony, your day will be full of love, emotion, and unforgettable moments. My job is to capture it all in a way that’s natural, heartfelt, and true to you.
Planning your Southern Highlands, Bowral, or South Coast wedding? Let’s chat about how we can create a timeline that works beautifully for your day—first look or not.
Below is how Hannah & Tom’s
First Look unfolded.
After the initial first look and on the way to the ceremony, we stopped to get a few more because we still had plenty of time!
“Finding and booking Gavin for our wedding was one of the best decisions we made. He was so easy to communicate with, gave clear advice to make sure everything ran smoothly and did an incredible job on the day. We are so happy with the results - cannot recommend enough!”
