Aerial view of a checker pattern patio with wooden benches and lush greenery surrounding the space for the first look

The Magical 10 Minutes That Could Transform Your Wedding Day


As a wedding photographer capturing love stories across Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast, I've witnessed countless magical moments. But there's one special tradition that still makes my heart skip a beat every time - the First Look. Let me share why this intimate moment before your ceremony might be the best wedding decision you'll make.

Couple in formal attire dance together near a window with tropical plants and city views in the background.
A black and white shot of a couple standing against a wall while holding hands on their wedding day.
Romantic embrace between couple on sunny patio with palm plants in background.

What Makes First Look So Special?


Picture this: A private moment when you and your soon-to-be spouse see each other for the first time, away from the crowd. Just you two, your raw emotions, and my camera capturing every precious second.

I'll never forget the tough-looking groom who swore he wouldn't cry. "Not me," he said confidently. But the moment he turned around and saw his bride? Those tears told a different story. That's the pure magic of a First Look.

A couple in formal wedding attire standing on a rooftop garden with city buildings in the background.

Why You Might Fall in Love with First Look


1. Say Goodbye to Those Butterflies

There's something incredibly calming about seeing your person before the ceremony. It's like a weight lifts off your shoulders, letting you truly enjoy every moment that follows. Plus, if you're camera-shy, it's the perfect warm-up for photos!


2. Looking Fresh and Fabulous

Want to know a photographer's secret? Morning light is pure gold for photos. With a First Look, we capture you at your freshest - hair perfect, makeup flawless, and energy high. Especially for summer weddings, it's a game-changer before the heat kicks in.


3. Real Emotions, Unscripted

Without 100 pairs of eyes watching, you're free to be purely yourselves. Whether that means happy tears, uncontrollable laughter, or those inside jokes only you two share - these moments make for the most authentic photos.

First Look Might Be Perfect For You If...


  • Wedding day jitters are your biggest worry
  • You cherish intimate, private moments
  • You want to capture your freshest look right after hair and makeup
A bride and groom share a moment on a city rooftop terrace with a bridge and skyline visible in the background.

Maybe Skip the First Look If...


  • Family Time is Your Priority Those getting-ready moments with family are precious too. A First Look might cut into this time slightly.
  • Candid Emotions Don't Come Easily If the groom isn't comfortable expressing emotions in intimate settings, you might not get those touching, heartfelt photos you're dreaming of.
  • You're All About Tradition There's something undeniably special about that first look down the aisle. If this tradition speaks to your heart, stick with it!
A joyful moment captured on a covered porch surrounded by lush greenery.

Simple Alternatives to a First Look


  1. The Romance of Letters & Gifts Why not create your own intimate moment exchanging heartfelt letters or meaningful gifts in a quiet corner before the ceremony? Picture this: just you, your emotions, and your photographer capturing those genuine smiles and maybe even happy tears as you read each other's words. It's a beautiful way to connect without seeing each other, yet feeling completely close.
  2. A Special Reveal with Your Loved Ones Sometimes, the most touching reactions come from those who've known you longest. Imagine your father's eyes lighting up or your mother's joyful tears when they first see you in your wedding dress. Or picture your best friends' excited squeals and hugs during your bridal party reveal. These precious moments often create some of the most heartwarming photos of the day.
  3. Love Letters in Motion: Video Messages Here's a modern twist that's becoming a beautiful tradition: record a video message for each other during your wedding preparations. The best part? When you watch your wedding video weeks later, you'll get to relive those butterflies-in-stomach moments and raw emotions from your special day. And if you're having your preparation filmed, these genuine reactions make for incredibly touching footage.
Someone in a black suit reads from a paper document while wearing a white floral boutonniere.
A bride in a flowing white gown and veil sits by a window reading a letter in soft natural light.
A bride in a white off-shoulder dress reveals her dress to bridesmaids wearing matching black dresses in a bright room.

Whatever You Choose, Make Every Moment Count


Here's the beautiful thing about weddings - there's no rulebook. Whatever you choose, it'll be perfect because it's uniquely yours. I've captured hundreds of first meetings - both during First Looks and traditional aisle reveals - and each one has been magical in its own way.

Some of my favourite photos weren't even planned. They were split-second moments - a subtle glance, an unexpected laugh, a tender touch. That's what makes wedding photography so special.

Whether you choose a First Look or wait for that traditional aisle moment, I'll be there to capture every emotion, every tear, and every smile.


Your wedding, your story - let's make it unforgettable together!