As a wedding photographer here in Sudbury, I get this question almost every single time I meet with couples during their planning process: “Should we do a first look?” It’s one of those decisions that can feel really overwhelming because there’s so much conflicting advice out there. Some people say it’s essential, others insist it ruins the magic of walking down the aisle. After photographing dozens of weddings across Northern Ontario, I’ve seen it both ways, and I’m here to give you the real scoop from behind the lens.

Let me start by saying this: there’s no right or wrong answer. Every couple is different, and what works beautifully for one might not feel authentic for another. But as someone who’s been there for those intimate moments, I can share some insights that might help you make this decision with confidence.

What Exactly Is a First Look?

For those who might be new to this concept, a first look is a private moment before your ceremony where you and your partner see each other in your wedding attire for the first time. It’s usually arranged by your photographer (that’s me!) in a beautiful, quiet location where you can have a few minutes together without the pressure of guests watching.

I typically set these up so one person stands with their back turned while the other approaches. There’s usually a gentle tap on the shoulder, a turn around, and then… magic. Pure, unfiltered emotion that I get to capture just for the two of you.

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The Case for Doing a First Look

You Get Authentic, Private Emotions

Here’s what I’ve observed time and time again: the emotions during a first look are often more raw and genuine than what happens during the ceremony. Don’t get me wrong – ceremony emotions are beautiful too – but there’s something about having that private moment that allows couples to really feel everything without the awareness of 100+ people watching their every reaction.

I remember photographing Sarah and Mike’s wedding at the Fieldhouse last summer. Sarah is typically pretty reserved, but during their first look at Bell Park, she completely melted when she saw Mike. Tears, laughter, whispered sweet nothings – it was incredibly intimate. During the ceremony, she was more composed because she was conscious of their families watching. Both moments were beautiful, but that first look gave us something really special.

More Time for Portraits

Let’s talk logistics for a minute. Northern Ontario has some absolutely stunning locations for wedding photos – from the shores of Lake Ramsey to the gorgeous fall colors in our forests. But here’s the thing: if you’re doing all your couple’s portraits after the ceremony, you’re often racing against the clock.

Cocktail hour typically lasts about an hour, and your guests are waiting for you. That’s not a lot of time to get to multiple locations, especially if we want to take advantage of Sudbury’s beautiful natural backdrops. When you do a first look, we can knock out most of your couple’s portraits beforehand, leaving us free to focus on family photos and maybe one or two special shots after the ceremony.

Calms Pre-Ceremony Nerves

I’ve seen it happen so many times. A groom is pacing nervously, checking his watch every five minutes. A bride is taking deep breaths, trying to calm her racing heart. Then they have their first look, and suddenly, everything shifts. They remember why they’re there. They reconnect with each other, and those nerves transform into excitement.

There’s something incredibly grounding about seeing your person before you walk down the aisle. It reminds you that at the end of the day, this is about the two of you and the love you share.

Better Timeline Flexibility

Wedding days in Sudbury can be unpredictable. We might get a gorgeous sunny day in October, or we might get an unexpected spring snow shower. When you build a first look into your timeline, it gives us more flexibility to work around weather, venue restrictions, or any unexpected delays.

Plus, it often means you can actually enjoy your cocktail hour instead of being whisked away for photos while your guests are mingling and having fun.

Take a look at my favorite Wedding Venues around Sudbury:
Northern Water Sports Centre
Hilton Garden Inn
The Inn at Gore Bay
Forest Ridge Golf & Country Club
Holiday Inn Sudbury
The Hellenic Center
Idylwylde Golf Course
Maple Hill Farms
Science North and Dynamic Earth

The Case Against a First Look

Preserving the Aisle Moment

I completely understand couples who want to preserve that traditional moment of seeing each other for the first time as they walk down the aisle. There’s something undeniably powerful about that moment – the anticipation building as the music starts, the emotional reveal as you come around the corner, the shared experience with all your loved ones witnessing it.

I’ve photographed some absolutely breathtaking aisle moments. Last fall, I shot a wedding at the Fraser Auditorium where the groom’s reaction to seeing his bride was so overwhelming that there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. That communal emotional experience is something you can’t replicate in a private first look.

Family and Cultural Traditions

Some families or cultural backgrounds have strong feelings about the couple not seeing each other before the ceremony. I always encourage couples to consider what’s important to their families and their own cultural traditions. Your wedding day should honor what feels authentic to you, and if that means waiting until the aisle, that’s perfectly valid.

The Surprise Element

There’s definitely something to be said for the surprise and anticipation of waiting. Some couples tell me they love the idea of having butterflies, of wondering how they’ll react, of keeping that mystery until the very last moment. That anticipation can add an extra layer of excitement to an already emotional day.

Making the Decision: Questions to Ask Yourselves

After years of helping couples navigate this choice, I’ve found these questions usually help clarify what feels right:

Are you generally private people? If you tend to be more reserved or prefer intimate moments over public displays of emotion, a first look might feel more natural to you.

How important is your couple’s portrait session? If having amazing photos together is a top priority and you want time to visit multiple locations, a first look gives us that flexibility.

What does your venue situation look like? Some venues have limited photo opportunities, while others are surrounded by gorgeous natural beauty. The logistics of your specific situation might influence your decision.

How do you handle nerves? If you’re someone who gets really anxious, seeing your partner beforehand might help calm those nerves. If anticipation energizes you, waiting might be better.

My Personal Take as Your Photographer

Here’s my honest perspective: I love shooting both scenarios. A first look gives me the opportunity to capture really intimate, authentic emotions and create some stunning portraits without time pressure. But there’s also something magical about capturing that aisle moment when it’s the very first time you’re seeing each other.

What I will say is this: if you’re on the fence, I slightly lean toward recommending a first look, simply because of the practical benefits. The timeline flexibility, the opportunity for better portraits, and the chance to have that private moment often outweigh the downsides for most couples.

But ultimately, it comes down to what feels authentic to you as a couple. I’m there to capture your story beautifully regardless of what you choose.

Making It Work Either Way

If you choose a first look: We’ll plan it for about 2-3 hours before your ceremony, allowing plenty of time for portraits afterward. I’ll scout the perfect location – maybe overlooking Ramsey Lake or in one of Sudbury’s beautiful parks – and make sure it feels magical and private.

If you skip the first look: We’ll make sure your timeline allows for some couple’s portraits after the ceremony, even if it means a slightly shorter cocktail hour. I’ll also focus on capturing those authentic aisle moments and the emotions throughout your ceremony.

The Bottom Line

There’s no wrong choice here. I’ve captured stunning, emotional, beautiful weddings both ways. What matters most is that your decision feels right for you as a couple. Trust your instincts, consider your priorities, and don’t let outside pressure sway you one way or the other.

Whether you choose to have that private moment before your ceremony or wait for the magic of the aisle, I’ll be there to capture every beautiful, authentic emotion. Because at the end of the day, that’s what wedding photography is really about – preserving the genuine love and joy of your unique story.

If you’re still undecided, let’s chat about it during your consultation. I can walk you through how either option would work with your specific venue, timeline, and vision. After all, every couple is different, and every wedding day should be as unique as the love it’s celebrating.