It’s the age old wedding question–should we do a first look or should we wait for the aisle? Tradition and culture can try to tell us that you won’t have “the” aisle moment if you do a first look. But, I am here to tell you that it’s not the case! I truly believe if you do a first look, you’ll still get your aisle moment, along with many other perks. Keep reading below to discover why a majority of our couples at The Collins off Main choose the first look route.

Intimate Moment Before the Day Truly Starts

With all the things that come with wedding day, it is no doubt that yours will be a busy one! The hours spent getting ready, leading up to your wedding ceremony, are often filled with an abundance of emotions–excitement, nerves, and anticipation. Having a first look before the aisle gives you and your partner an intimate moment together, away from all the hustle and bustle. There aren’t many moments you will have alone with your partner during your wedding day, so this is a chance to soak up each other’s presence and exchange your personal vows before the events of the day truly begin.

Photos Out of the Way

Like I mentioned, wedding days are sure to be busy. They can feel like a whirlwind for most couples with the time flying right by. Choosing to do a first look before your ceremony provides you with the ability to get a majority of photos done before “I do”. Since you have already seen your significant other, you are able to knockout your portrait, bridal party, and family photos. Additionally, without the pressure of many post-ceremony photos, you’ll have more time in your timeline for captures, allowing you the flexibility to explore photo locations, all while not being rushed. It also gives your photographer the time to alter any lighting or poses as needed, to ensure you’re getting your dream wedding day photos. You may want to opt for some sunset glow photos in the evening, but besides that–you’re golden!

Less Stressed/Not Getting Pulled Away

Today, first looks and photos before your ceremony results in less stress after. The day already goes by fast as it is, but it seems to zoom by when you’re really not fully present for it either. I reiterate to our couples just how fast it all goes, and how each moment is precious and to truly soak it in. By choosing to do a first look and a majority of photos pre-ceremony, you extend the reception celebration for yourselves and make the most of every minute. You eliminate having FOMO by being pulled away from your party to grab photos, are able to socialize with your guests, and are can enjoy your day with less stress, knowing you’re not trying to cram everything in shorter blocks of time!

Customize Your Timeline

If you’re a Collins off Main couple, six months before your wedding day, our planning team will sit down with you to build out your wedding day timeline. After given example timelines for each scenario, here is where you’ll decide if you want to opt in or out of a first look. One of the practical advantages of a first look is the flexibility it provides in customizing your wedding day timeline. By seeing each other before the ceremony, you can stagger the day’s events to better suit your priorities and preferences for the day. Whether you want more time for photos, to enjoy your cocktail hour with guests, or to simply steal away for a private moment, a first look allows you to tailor your schedule to better align with your vision of the perfect day.

Capture Genuine Emotions

Wedding days are whirlwinds of emotions – happiness, nervousness, love, and everything in between. A first look allows your photographer to capture the raw, unfiltered reactions as you and your partner see each other for the first time, away from the eyes of everyone else. These candid moments of pure surprise and passion are ones that you will treasure forever. I always advise our couples too: If you do a first look, you have that moment and connection alone just the two of you. So, when you get to aisle and lock eyes, since you’ve already had that moment, you’re going to feel like the only two in the room, and the same moment just maybe happen all over again.

At the end of the day, the decision is yours to make and you should follow your heart and gut. But definitely take the time to consider all the positives that come with opting for a first look on your wedding day–less stress, pure emotions caught on camera, and more time to party!

Sending wedding wishes your way!

callie 🫶

Vendor Team:

• Venue // The Collins Off Main
• Photo // Dan Cox Photo
• Florals // MI Honeybee Flowers
• Catering // Skosh
• Bar // Cloud Nine Bartending
• Entertainment // Lufru Entertainment
• Beauty // 6 Salon + Katherine Green + Santi Bareis
• Desserts // Botanical Bakeshop