First Look or No First Look? A Newport RI Wedding Photographer Weighs In

If you’ve been asking yourself whether or not to do a first look on your wedding day—you’re not alone. It’s one of the biggest decisions couples face when planning their timeline, and it can shape everything from your emotional flow to your photography coverage. As a Newport RI wedding photographer, I’ve witnessed both approaches unfold beautifully. But choosing the right one for you comes down to your values, your priorities, and how you want the day to feel.

Below, we’ll walk through what a first look is, the reasons couples choose it, the case for saving that moment for the aisle, and how to decide what’s right for you—with guidance grounded in real wedding day experience.

Why Your Newport RI Wedding Photographer Might Recommend a First Look

A first look is a private moment between the couple before the ceremony, where you see each other for the first time without an audience. It’s not staged—it’s simply quiet time carved out to connect before everything begins. And for many couples, it becomes one of the most emotional, grounding parts of the day.

From a photography perspective, your Newport RI wedding photographer may suggest a first look for a few key reasons:

• More portraits ahead of time: You can get most of your couple, family, and bridal party portraits done before the ceremony. That means more time with guests afterward.
• Better use of golden hour: If your ceremony is later in the day, a first look helps us work around light limitations and still capture dreamy natural light portraits.
• Nerves melt away: We see it time and time again—couples breathe easier after the first look. It offers a moment to be fully present with each other before things get busy.
• Backup for bad weather: If rain rolls in later in the day, we’ll already have portraits secured in better light.

While none of these are “rules,” they’re practical reasons your Newport RI wedding photographer might encourage a first look.

Choosing Not to Do a First Look: The Aisle Moment Still Matters

If you’ve always dreamed of that emotional moment at the top of the aisle—don’t feel pressure to give it up. Saving the reveal for the ceremony can make that walk feel cinematic and unforgettable. And yes, the reactions are just as real and meaningful when they happen in front of your guests.

There are a few things to keep in mind, though, if you opt for a traditional timeline:

• You’ll need more time between the ceremony and reception. This is when family portraits, bridal party photos, and couple portraits will happen. We help you build that time in without making the day feel rushed.
• Golden hour might be your only portrait window. Especially in the fall or winter, light can fade fast. Your Newport RI wedding photographer will keep a close eye on sunset timing to protect those romantic, glowy images.
• Guest experience may shift. You might miss cocktail hour or feel more pulled in different directions. We’ll help streamline things so you still get to soak it all in.

Not doing a first look is absolutely beautiful when supported by a solid timeline and thoughtful planning. It simply requires more intention in how we structure the day.

Emotional Benefits of a First Look: What the Camera Doesn’t See

As wedding photographers, we’re focused on the images—but we’re even more focused on how the day feels. And from that perspective, a first look offers something hard to quantify: space.

Space to breathe. Space to talk. Space to cry or laugh or simply hold each other for a few quiet minutes before the day begins. It’s a pause button before the momentum of the day starts building.

Your Newport RI wedding photographer doesn’t just see that moment—they feel the shift it creates in the room. Couples often tell us after the wedding that the first look was their favorite part of the day. It grounded them. It gave them emotional clarity. It helped them stay present for the rest of the celebration.

What to Expect if You Do Choose a First Look According to a Newport RI Wedding Photographer

If you’re leaning toward doing a first look, here’s what it typically looks like from our end:

• We’ll choose a private, picturesque location with ideal lighting.
• One partner is placed facing away, while the other walks up from behind.
• We give you space. There’s no forced posing or instructions. Just you and your person.
• Afterward, we flow naturally into your couple portraits while emotions are still fresh.

It doesn’t take long—15 to 20 minutes is plenty. But the impact lasts throughout the entire gallery. As your Newport RI wedding photographer, we know when to guide and when to fade into the background. And this is one of those moments where we do the latter.

Still Can’t Decide? Here’s How to Know What’s Right for You

Ask yourselves these questions:

• Do you value privacy or want the ceremony moment to be more traditional?
• Are you hoping to attend cocktail hour and spend more time with guests?
• Is your ceremony close to sunset, or do you need more flexibility with portraits?
• Do you tend to feel anxious before big events and want a calming moment together?

There’s no wrong answer here. But asking the right questions can help you lean into what feels most aligned.

As your Newport RI wedding photographer, our role isn’t to make the decision for you—it’s to support you in making a decision that honors your story, your emotions, and your priorities. Then, we help you build a timeline that reflects that.

The first look question doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right planning and a photographer who understands the emotional and logistical impact of each option, you can feel fully confident in your choice—knowing that either way, the moments will be beautifully preserved.

We’re The Corteses—a husband-and-wife photography and videography team based in Connecticut, serving Newport, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and the New England coast. We specialize in timeless, storytelling coverage for modern couples planning intentional, elegant weddings in coastal and estate settings.

If you’re looking for a Newport RI wedding photographer who will guide you through every detail—including what’s right for your timeline—reach out to us here. We’d love to help you build a wedding day that feels effortless, emotional, and entirely yours.