A first look means seeing each other privately before the ceremony: it frees time for portraits and gives the film a quiet, unhurried moment. An aisle reveal saves the reaction for the ceremony itself, in front of everyone. Neither is better; they give your film and photos different moments.
What a first look gives you
- — Portraits done before the ceremony, so you can join cocktail hour
- — A private reaction the camera can stay on for as long as it lasts
- — A calmer ceremony, because the nerves have already broken
Three first looks I've filmed, three different shapes:
At Ethereal Gardens in Escondido, Zach + Madelin's first look happened on the little white bridge: Zach turned around, and for the film Madelin walks up to him.
Zach + Madelin
Ethereal Gardens, Escondido
Kris + Pearl didn't turn around at all: they prayed back to back at Awaken Church, holding hands.
Patrick + Megan had a quiet first look indoors at a hillside house in Escondido, before their ceremony by the pool in front of a simple wooden cross. Watch Patrick + Megan's film.
What an aisle reveal gives you
- — The first reaction happens at the ceremony, in front of your people
- — The film can cut between you walking and their face at the end of the aisle
- — Portraits move to after the ceremony, so plan time for them
What I'd plan either way
Tell me which you're leaning toward on the planning call. It decides where the cameras sit, when portraits happen and how long the photo timeline needs before the ceremony.