Seven Reasons to Have a First Look on your Wedding Day

What exactly is a “First Look?” These days, any wedding photographer will tell you it’s when a couple intentionally sees each other on their wedding day before the ceremony.

Some of you may be gasping at the thought of this (it’s against tradition!!) – others might consider the trend old news. But truthfully, including a First Look in your wedding day has become one of the most important decisions a couple will make. The result is usually a combination of tears and laughter… but always full of emotion.

Even though there are many advantages to having First Look, it’s not the best decision for every couple. I have heard plenty of arguments both for and against a First Look, and most of the time I am 100% FOR it. Below you’ll find seven of my favorite reasons to have a First Look!

  1. Logistics.
    You want to spend as much of your wedding day together as possible. Especially for ceremonies that are later in the day, I always encourage couples to have a First Look early on. Everyone tells you your wedding day will be over before you know it, and – they’re right! If you’re apart until 5 or 6 pm, that’s a large portion of the day you could spend making sweet wedding memories.
  2. Lighting.
    This reason has 100% to do with photography. Depending on what time of year you’re getting married, the sun will set anywhere between 4:30 and 8:30pm. Keep in mind that for ceremonies later in the day, there won’t be time for natural light photos of you and your partner if you don’t have a First Look. What does this mean? No gorgeous greenery, no fall colors, no sunshine, no golden hour. Yes, we can take separate solo portraits, family and wedding party photos during daylight, but every single Newlywed photo from your wedding day will be taken with artificial light. If that’s not the aesthetic you’re going for, definitely consider (an earlier ceremony or) having a First Look!
  3. Privacy.
    It’s a moment you can enjoy together, alone. As the guests of honor you’ll have places to be, and a timeline to keep up with. Yes – your day will be filled with your favorite people, but there won’t be much opportunity for just the two of you together. Having a First Look guarantees a few moments of privacy on your wedding day. Some couples even choose to exchange personal vows during this time (instead of at the ceremony), which always makes for really unique and intimate photos.
  4. Nerves.
    Let’s face it: your wedding day is kind of a big deal. There’s a lot going on – the result of months of planning and decision-making. Of course you want it to be perfect! No matter how your emotions may be running, any nerves will melt away the moment you see each other (pinky swear!!). I’ve seen it time and time again. First Looks are one of my favorite things to photograph for this reason.
  5. More photos!
    This might seem like an easy one, but it’s worth mentioning. If you have a First Look you’ll get an extra set of portraits together that wouldn’t exist otherwise.
  6. Stage fright.
    Remember I mentioned how these get emotional? Imagine experiencing that moment in front of 100+ guests with all eyes on YOU. Be prepared to let those emotions run while on display – or not allow yourself to experience them fully. Even if you don’t consider yourself an outwardly emotional person, wedding days can be completely unpredictable (yep – you might cry!). If this does not sound appealing to you I highly recommend a First Look.
  7. Authenticity.
    Have you been dreaming about the look on your partner’s face as you walk down the aisle, or as they walk toward you? Trust me: that moment will still be REAL and still be emotional. They will be just as excited to see you at that moment whether you’re apart all day or spend it together.

Don’t believe me? See for yourself! Below are several first looks I’ve photographed, and a few ceremony first looks for comparison. Meaning: there’s a mix here of couples who did see each other beforehand and couples who didn’t. See if you can tell the difference!

Enjoy!!

Mary & William, Thalia HallEmily & John, Salvage One / Carly & Matt, Chevy Chase Country Club / Amanda & Rob, Rivers Restaurant / Erica & Eric, River Roast / Melissa & Anand, Room 1520 / Alex & Jason, Lacuna Events / Alissa & Mel, Mercantile Hall / Jessika & Matthew, Grant Park / Ben & Carla, Begyle Brewing / Eliza & Patrick, Chicago Athletic Association / Katie & Natalie, Ravenswood Event Center / Ada & Brendan, TheWit / Kristal & Brian, Galleria Marchetti / Dana & Noah, ARIA Minneapolis / Jenn & TJ, Galleria Marchetti / Rachel & Jon, Cozumel, Mexico / Ariel & Aaron, Ignite Glass Studios / Justin & Lani, Cancun, Mexico

Bride and groom's joyful first look on Chicago Riverwalk before their Thalia Hall wedding

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About

Chicago wedding photographer Emma Mullins of Emma Mullins Photography

Hellooo, world!

I’m Emma (She/Her): Beer nerd, cat-whisperer, Schitt’s Creek-obsessed Chicago wedding photographer. I’ve been helping couples relive their wedding memories since 2014, and wouldn’t have it any other way!

Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, I currently reside in Chicago with my designer-turned-handyman partner and our two spunky felines. When I’m not photographing couples in love, I’m either hanging with these three, managing our West Town studio space, or traveling someplace new!

A Few of My Favorite Things:
  • Black coffee
  • Buttercream frosting
  • Road trips
  • Watching the sun rise
  • Pretending I sound like Mariah Carey
  • Belgian beer
  • The Green Bay Packers
  • My little fam (Jeremy, Rex and Miike)
  • Halloween (the holiday – not the movie. Okay, the movie’s pretty good too.)
About You

You want stunning, true-to-life wedding photos that look and feel like YOU. You don’t want to feel stiff or look too “posed.” And most importantly, you want to ENJOY your wedding day while we capture all the good stuff! 

Whether you thrive in the spotlight or cringe at the thought of being photographed, we are there to capture your memories. And let’s be honest: your wedding day is going to be AWESOME. No matter what goes according to plan or how many things surprise you, at the end of the day you’ll be married to Your Person. And, spoiler alert: that’s what this is all about!

My Approach

My relaxed, documentary approach allows couples to feel totally comfortable in front of the camera (it’s the number one thing mentioned in my Reviews!). Expect a mix of candid moments and contemporary portraiture, with the occasional embarrassing (aka HILARIOUS) dance floor photo. I will be your hype girl during portrait time (seriously!). We’ll get to know each other throughout the process, and it doesn’t stop on wedding day. I want to show up with hugs and handshakes – not as just another vendor.

Sound like what you’re looking for in a documentary wedding photographer? Inquire about your wedding HERE!

Emma Mullins Photography embraces diversity and inclusivity. We are LGBTQ+ friendly and happy to serve humans of every background, gender and identity. 

The Knot Best of Weddings Hall of Fame winner Emma Mullins Photography
2024 Best of Weddings winner Emma Mullins Photography
2023 Best of Weddings winner Emma Mullins Photography
2022 Best of Weddings winner Emma Mullins Photography
2021 Best of Weddings winner Emma Mullins Photography
2020 Best of Weddings winner Emma Mullins Photography
2019 Best of Weddings winner Emma Mullins Photography
2018 Best of Weddings winner Emma Mullins Photography
2023 Couples' Choice Awards winner Emma Mullins Photography
2022 Couples' Choice Awards winner Emma Mullins Photography
2020 Couples' Choice Awards winner Emma Mullins Photography
2019 Couples' Choice Awards winner Emma Mullins Photography
2018 Couples' Choice Awards winner Emma Mullins Photography
Emma Mullins Photography named one of the Best Wedding Photographers in Chicago by Expertise.com in 2024
Emma Mullins Photography named one of the Best Wedding Photographers in Chicago by Expertise.com in 2023
Emma Mullins Photography named one of the Best Wedding Photographers in Chicago by Expertise.com in 2022
Emma Mullins Photography named one of the Best Wedding Photographers in Chicago by Expertise.com in 2021
Emma Mullins Photography named one of the Best Wedding Photographers in Chicago by Expertise.com in 2020
Emma Mullins Photography named one of the Best Wedding Photographers in Chicago by Expertise.com in 2019
Emma Mullins Photography named on of Chicago's top wedding photographers by Party Slate
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Pricing

Wedding Day coverage averages at $7500 (couples typically spend between $6000-$9000). Associate Collections begin at $4000. All Collections include a fully edited digital download gallery, print release, custom photography timeline, and Welcome Guide to ensure the BEST possible photography experience!

Photography collections are fully customizable to meet your needs. For detailed pricing and availability, inquire HERE.

Engagement sessions begin at $750. Special rate available to Wedding Clients.

Videography services begin at $3000, with Live Streaming at $1250. More information can be found HERE.

Photo Booth rental begins at $750. Learn all about the booth HERE!

Microwedding coverage begins at $3600.

Elopement coverage begins at $2750.

Surprise Proposal coverage begins at $900.

Destination wedding coverage begins at $9000, including travel and accommodations.

Other sessions offered include Lifestyle, Maternity, Content + Branding and other life events! Contact me for rates and availability.

Things on my current Wish List include photographing a Las Vegas elopement and destination wedding in Italy! If you are planning either I would LOVE to chat!!!