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Should I Do A First Look?

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Should I Do a First Look?

When it comes to planning a wedding, there are SO many decisions that must be made…

  • Who should officiate?
  • What should we serve for dinner?
  • Where will we hold the ceremony?

I could go on and on… But one of the decisions that can often be very hard to finalize is whether or not to do a first look.

One of my favorite moments to capture on a wedding day is the first look. While many couples still love the tradition of waiting until the aisle, more and more are choosing to share a private, emotional moment before the ceremony. A first look gives you a chance to pause, take it all in, and really connect with each other before the whirlwind of the day begins. It also allows me to capture genuine reactions, calm some nerves, and create images that feel truly intimate and authentic.

If you are unfamiliar, a first look is when the couple decides to privately (with the photographer present of course) see each other for the first time all dressed up and ready for the ceremony before walking down the aisle. Now I know this strays from tradition… but there are some major benefits to this newly practiced tradition.

So to help all of you recently engaged couples have one less decision on your hands, I thought I would share why couples often choose to do a first look, as well as some of the benefits!

  1. It’s a moment alone together. Your wedding day will go by in the blink of an eye, so by doing a first look, you’re giving yourself a moment alone with your partner to slow down and take it all in. Some couples choose to exchange gifts, vows, or letters at this time without having to worry about an audience listening or watching. Having extra eyes can be very intimidating, and after all, today is just about the two of you! So do what makes you the most comfortable.
  2. It allows you to get the wedding party and family pictures out of the way before the wedding ceremony. Often couples choose to do images between the ceremony and the reception, this takes time away from the party and guests. Sometimes this space is filled with a cocktail hour, but no one wants to keep their guests waiting for too long OR be missing out on their party! Get all of those extra images out of the way so that you don’t miss a thing.
  3. It’s a chance to get the jitters out of the way. It is completely normal to be a bit nervous on your wedding day. You’ve spent years dreaming of this day and months planning it. Any stress or nerves will be calmed when you are with your person so that come the ceremony, you will be more present and at ease.

When it comes down to choosing by doing a first look or not, choose whatever fits you and your partner best. As a wedding photographer, it’s my job to let you know your options, the pros and cons, and then to capture it all beautifully, no matter what you choose!

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Located in downtown Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, we specialize in wedding photography, high school senior portraits, family photos, and professional headshots. Serving photography in the Chippewa Valley and beyond—including Eau Claire, Hudson, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Menomonie, Duluth, La Crosse, and surrounding areas—we’re passionate about creating beautiful, timeless images that you’ll cherish for years to come.

As a Midwest photographer, my goal is to capture real, candid moments and turn them into lasting memories that go beyond digital storage. There's nothing more rewarding than seeing your photos displayed on the walls of your home, where they can be enjoyed every day.

Whether you're celebrating a milestone like high school graduation, planning a stunning wedding, or simply gathering your family for a fun and memorable session, I’m here to provide not only beautiful imagery but also the confidence that comes with being truly seen.

In addition to wedding and portrait photography, Andrew Samplawski Photography offers engagement sessions during all seasons including summer and fall engagement, studio boudoir photography, commercial shoots, and personal branding & headshots in the Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls area and nationwide for corporate events.

Our photography studio is conveniently located just 15 minutes north of Eau Claire in downtown Chippewa Falls.

Feel free to drop by for a visit, or reach out to learn more about our services. I’d love to connect and help bring your vision to life!


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