• Home
  • About
  • Experience
    • Weddings & Elopements
    • Engagement & Couples
    • Family
    • Maternity & Newborn
    • Portraits
    • Experience
    • FAQ
  • Blog
  • Portfolio
  • Contact Me
  • Home
  • About
  • Experience
    • Weddings & Elopements
    • Engagement & Couples
    • Family
    • Maternity & Newborn
    • Portraits
    • Experience
    • FAQ
  • Blog
  • Portfolio
  • Contact Me
Contact Me!
  • Home
  • About
  • Experience
    • Weddings & Elopements
    • Engagement & Couples
    • Family
    • Maternity & Newborn
    • Portraits
    • Experience
    • FAQ
  • Blog
  • Portfolio
  • Contact Me
Contact Me!

Wedding Day Dilemma: Choosing Between First Look and Traditional Aisle Walk

May 22, 2024
Featured  ·  Photography  ·  Wedding

First Look vs. Traditional Walk Down the Aisle: How to Choose the Best Option for Your Wedding Day

Hey there, friend! Planning your wedding day is filled with so many exciting choices, but one of the big decisions you’ll face is whether to do a First Look or stick with the Traditional Walk Down the Aisle. Both options have their own unique charm, so let’s dive into the pros and cons of each to help you decide which one feels right for your big day.

Emotional vows on their wedding day bringing tears to the brides eyes
Newlyweds sharing a kiss at the stunning Swaneset Bay Resort and Country Club in Pitt Meadows.

The First Look

A First Look gives you and your partner a private, intimate moment together before the ceremony. It’s a chance to connect and share your excitement without a crowd. Many couples find that seeing each other beforehand helps to ease those pre-ceremony jitters, making you feel more relaxed and present during the actual ceremony. Plus, it allows for more time to capture those beautiful couple portraits, giving you more photo variety and reducing the need to squeeze all your photos in after the ceremony. Another great advantage is that you’ll have more time to enjoy your cocktail hour and mingle with guests, since many of the photos are already done.

However, if you’re a stickler for tradition, a First Look might not feel quite right for you. Additionally, coordinating a First Look requires a bit more planning, such as making sure you’re ready earlier in the day.

Helicopter elopement at the top of the mountain peeks over the fraser valley. Helicopter flight with Sky helicopters. wedding at the lodge on harrison with kate paterson photography
Helicopter elopement at the top of the mountain peeks over the fraser valley. Helicopter flight with Sky helicopters. wedding at the lodge on harrison with kate paterson photography
Helicopter elopement at the top of the mountain peeks over the fraser valley. Helicopter flight with Sky helicopters. wedding at the lodge on harrison with kate paterson photography

The Traditional Walk Down the Aisle

There’s something incredibly special about that moment when you see each other for the first time at the end of the aisle. The build-up can make the moment even more emotional. For many couples, following this time-honored tradition feels important and meaningful. Your guests also get to witness that unforgettable first look between you and your partner, adding to the overall emotional experience of the ceremony.

On the downside, not seeing each other before the ceremony can sometimes heighten nerves and anxiety. Additionally, post-ceremony photo sessions can be rushed, cutting into your time to enjoy the reception with your guests.


Tips to Help You Decide

When making this decision, reflect on your personalities. Are you both traditional at heart, or do you prefer creating new, unique experiences? Consider what feels most authentic to you as a couple. Think about your timeline as well. A First Look can make the day flow more smoothly, but if you love the idea of tradition and surprise, adjusting your timeline to allow for more photo time after the ceremony could work too. Discuss your nerves—if one or both of you tends to get nervous, a First Look might help you feel calmer and more connected. Lastly, consider your venue. Some venues have beautiful spots for a private First Look, while others might make the traditional aisle reveal more breathtaking.

Whatever you decide, remember that your wedding day is about celebrating your love in a way that feels right for you. Whether you choose a First Look or the Traditional Walk Down the Aisle, the most important thing is that it reflects your unique bond and the joy of starting your life together.

Happy planning, and whatever you choose, it’s going to be an unforgettable moment!


couplescouples photosWeddingwedding daywedding photos

Related Articles


4 tips to choose a wedding photographer
4 Things To Keep In Mind When Choosing A Wedding Photographer
April 10, 2023
Photography  ·  Wedding
Couples engagement session with Moriah and Ethan at Lighthouse Park!
Engagement Session | Moriah + Ethan
January 28, 2023
Photography  ·  Wedding

Leave A Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*

*


Let's freeze this moment in time, together

Kate Paterson | Vancouver BC Wedding Photographer

katepatersonphotography

It’s wedding day for Rachel and Jason today and It’s wedding day for Rachel and Jason today and I couldn’t be more excited.

Backyard, intimate weddings surrounded by their closest friends and family is such a special thing to experience with them and I’m here for all the emotions that will be surrounding them🤍
One of the biggest things I tell my couples?Slow. One of the biggest things I tell my couples?Slow. Down.

Not just for the sake of your memories—but so you can be truly present in the moment and we can capture them for you.

✨ Take your time walking down the aisle
✨ Don’t rush that first kiss
✨ Hold your dad a little longer
✨ Swirl your wine an extra second
✨ Look around and let it land

These tiny moments are everything. They fly by in a blink—but when you pause, when you breathe, we’re able to catch:
– The emotion in your eyes
– The tear on someone’s cheek
– The laughter from just out of frame
– The wide shots and the quiet close-ups

We move quickly behind the lens—but sometimes, our couples move even faster.

So here’s your gentle reminder: slow down and savor.

You’re not just living the moment—you’re giving us a chance to freeze it, forever.
Wind in the veil, champagne in hand, hearts racing Wind in the veil, champagne in hand, hearts racing.
 You’re still in the middle of the day, but these are the photos that will take you right back every time.
It’s been a while—so if you’re new here, hi! It’s been a while—so if you’re new here, hi! I’m Kate, the girl behind the lens (always tea in hand, never coffee). I’m a photographer based in Abbotsford and traveling all across BC to capture weddings, families, and all the love stories in between.

My heart is in the unposed, unscripted, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it kind of moments. The real laughs. The tight squeezes. The wind-in-your-hair kind of magic that tells your story in a way that actually feels like you.

If you’re planning something special or just love timeless, feel-good photos—stick around. You’re in the right place.

👉🏻 This new dress coming soon to my client closet! Who wants to capture some beauty in it with me??

Reach Out, Let's Chat!
  • Home
  • About
  • Experience
  • FAQ
  • Blog
  • Portfolio
  • Contact
© by Kate Paterson Photography
Facebook Instagram Pinterest