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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!


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Let's freeze this moment in time, together

Kate Paterson | Vancouver BC Wedding Photographer

katepatersonphotography

Getting ready photos? They’re not just makeup to Getting ready photos? They’re not just makeup touch-ups and dress zips.
They’re the quiet glances, deep breaths, and little moments that mark the shift from “fiancé” to “bride.”

You might wonder—is it really worth capturing these parts of the day?
Here’s my honest take:

PROS:
→ It’s a slow, gentle start to a big day
→ Emotions are fresh and real
→ You’re surrounded by your people—your closest circle
→ The details shine (rings, perfume, florals, heirlooms)

CONS:
→ Honestly? There aren’t many.

If we plan your timeline with intention, this part becomes one of the most meaningful chapters of the day.
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#gettingreadyphotos #bridalmorning #langleyweddingphotographer #gettingreadymoments #vancouverbrideguide #fraservalleyweddings #bcweddingphotographer #westcoastbride #gettingreadytimeline #morningofwedding
Golden hour just knows how to show up. Sam brought Golden hour just knows how to show up.
Sam brought her calm energy to this session—and watching her with her little one was such a reminder of how much love lives in the in-between moments.

The way she snuggles her babe, the way she laughs—it’s the kind of stuff you’ll never regret capturing.
Motherhood doesn’t slow down, but you can absolutely hit pause like this.
Not every champagne pop goes to plan… and that’s okay 😅

This groom gave it everything—but when the bottle didn’t spray, he improvised (by throwing it out of the bottle lol and honestly, I’m not mad about it. It was hilarious!

Want the spray and the sparkle on your wedding day? 

Here’s your 3-step champagne pop guide for wedding-day magic:
	1	Chill your bottle beforehand (this builds pressure for a good spray).
	2	Loosen the cage and hold the bottle at a 45° angle, away from faces.
	3	Once the cork pops, quickly place your thumb over the opening and give it a gentle shake—just like a garden hose. Instant celebration!

Whether it’s picture-perfect or pure chaos, these are the moments you’ll be laughing about for years.
There’s something so timeless about a woman in h There’s something so timeless about a woman in her wedding gown—before the music plays, before the guests arrive, before the day officially begins.

It’s that quiet space where emotions stir, anticipation builds, and the beauty of this chapter really sinks in.

This bridal session was all of that and more—soft light, still air, and the reminder that being fully present in your day is what makes it unforgettable.

Don’t rush these moments. Let’s give you the space to take it all in, and remember how it felt.

Hair & Makeup @makeupbysydnie
Florals @loveherwildbrand
@stefanihuman

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