Bride and Groom First Look


We may be a little biased, but when it comes to your wedding day, we think the first look is simply a no-brainer. But for all the traditionalists who are torn on the idea…picture this – you’re walking down the aisle, and all eyes are on you. It’s nerve-wracking. And once you’ve made it up to the altar, it’s all about the ceremony. Sure, many couples will whisper a few seconds of sweet nothings to each other, but that’s it. The ceremony quickly begins, and whether you’re repeating lines after the officiant or your own personal vows, it’s a lot of pressure. There’s no hugs…or conversation, until after the ceremony ends.


On the flip side, when you opt for a first look with your bride or groom, you get to fully focus on each other for an extended period of time. You’ll get to hug, laugh, and cry, and Muñoz Photography always ensures this time is intimate and special. You’ll never have to worry about cameras getting in the way or any of our photographers or crew talking to you during those first 5-10 minutes of bliss. This is your time. We’re just discreetly on the sidelines documenting it all.

bride tapping groom on shoulder for first look on wedding day

Here are four reasons why we think the first look is the bee’s knees: 


SEE EACH OTHER WITHOUT EVERYONE SEEING YOU 

Walking down the aisle is typically anxiety-provoking for the bride since it’s her anticipated grand entrance. But for grooms, too, any nervousness can get in the way of staying in the present when you lock eyes with your partner. Whether you’re self-conscious about all eyes being on you, stressed about fumbling your vows, or worried about taking a fall, there’s a lot of excitement…and fear during the ceremony. All of this takes away from the intimacy of seeing your special someone for the first time on your wedding day. The first look allows you to see each other on your own time when you can fully be present.


QUALITY ALONE TIME

Ask anyone who’s gotten married with 50-250 guests in attendance…you won’t get much alone time at your reception. Even eating dinner can be a challenge for some couples (though we would urge you to make it a priority). You’ll be too busy talking with your guests and dancing with friends to have an adequate amount of time for each other. The first look gives you this time back. Yes, you will be taking posed photos during it, but there are breaks between for all the laughs and love.


TIME FOR COCKTAIL HOUR

This is a big selling point for many of our couples. When you do a first look, you get a lot of the photography out of the way before the ceremony, which means you won’t have a lot of photos left to take after the ceremony. After we spend some time just taking shots of the two of you, we wrangle in the bridal party and the families, too…so truly, there will be minimal photography following the ceremony. All this to say, you can enjoy some drinks and food alongside your guests at your cocktail hour!


THE FIRST LOOK PHOTOS

The emotions we catch during the first look are incredible. From tears to laughter, the first look photos are something special. We tell a story by documenting the moments right before, during, and after. It’s a beautiful thing.


groom tearing up after first look at his bride on wedding day