Why To Consider First-Look Photos
Planning your elopement or intimate wedding and on the fence about first-look photos? You’re not alone! With so many opinions swirling around, it can feel like information overload. So, here’s my two cents, straight from the heart.
SO, WHAT ARE FIRST LOOK PHOTOS?
If you aren’t sure what a first look is, here’s the formal description:
A first look is just what the name implies—it’s the {very intimate} first moment you see your partner (all dressed up) on your elopement or wedding day, before a ceremony or chosen activities on your special day. A first look is a newer wedding day tradition. It’s meant to replace the tradition of seeing your partner for the first time when they come down the aisle.
NOTHING COMPARES TO SEEING THE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE ON YOUR WEDDING DAY
First things first, whether you are doing a first look or seeing each other for the first time at the altar, it will be an intimate and emotional moment. The question is: how do you want that moment to feel and look? Deciding whether or not to do a first look with your partner can be challenging. I’m here to help you figure out what is best for you!
YOU GET TWO AMAZING REACTIONS FROM YOUR PARTNER!
Let’s debunk one thing: if you go for a first look, your partner’s reaction to you coming down the aisle will still be absolutely sensational. Yep, I said it. If you’re open to privately experiencing that “wow” moment with your partner, it’s even more meaningful.
Here’s the deal—when you meet privately for the first look, it’s just the two of you (okay, and me with my camera), allowing you to soak up every bit of that moment together truly. Picture it: instead of standing at the altar, nerves high, surrounded by all eyes on you, you can let your guard down and take in every detail. In a first look, you’re free to hug, talk, kiss, whatever feels natural, and revel in how incredible you both look. That moment belongs just to you two.
Fast-forward to the ceremony. That aisle walk? It’s still packed with emotion! Even couples who’ve had a first look often find themselves tearing up all over again when the music starts, and that walk toward each other becomes a reality. It’s just the magic of the moment, whether it’s the first or second time.
Still not convinced on a first look?
FIRST-LOOK PHOTOS ALLOW MORE TIME WITH YOUR PARTNER & GUESTS
If you plan to celebrate with more than just the two of you, a first look is the key to maximizing time with each other and your favorite people. First-look photos extend those precious moments, giving you an entire extra window together before the ceremony even begins—nearly three hours more! That’s right, instead of playing hide-and-seek until the aisle moment, you spend the day enjoying each other’s company, soaking up every little detail.
Beautiful, candid moments from those pre-ceremony hours fill the first half of my client’s wedding albums. When family photos are wrapped up, you’ll be free to dive into cocktail hour and start mingling, not missing a beat with your guests. And trust me, with how quickly your wedding day flies by, this time to actually connect with everyone—hugging those friends and family you haven’t seen in ages—is priceless. It’s really the best of both worlds on your wedding day!
Ready to start planning your luxury wedding or intimate elopement? Click here, fill out my contact form, and let’s connect! You can also head to my journal to find tons of dreamy wedding experiences and more tips and resources for your upcoming day.
Every wedding is unique and deserves more than a cookie-cutter approach. By stepping back to let intimate moments unfold naturally while offering support and guidance to ensure no important memory is missed, I strive to create timeless images that blend an editorial style with a documentary approach. From the distinctive details of your celebration to the cherished traditions, I'll deliver a collection of photographs that allow you to relive these memories for years to come. After all, the moments that matter most aren’t always staged or polished—they’re raw, authentic, and uniquely you.
Don’t you agree?
MY PHILOSOPHY
An Honest Wedding Experience
“Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still”
Words I Live by
I'm WHITNEY.
Your wedding day is a story—one filled with fleeting moments of beauty, deep emotion, and once-in-a-lifetime memories. As an artist, I am here to preserve those moments with intention, artistry, and care. I don’t just capture what your wedding looked like—I document how it felt.
Born and raised in the breathtaking landscapes of Vail, Colorado, I am deeply inspired by the way love and nature intertwine. There’s something poetic about the way light moves across mountain peaks, the way wind dances through a bride’s veil, and how the beauty of the outdoors mirrors the intimacy of a wedding day. My work is shaped by this connection—an effortless blend of refined editorial imagery and documentary storytelling, allowing each wedding to unfold naturally while being captured with timeless elegance.
Beyond photography, I am an adventurer at heart. Whether I’m exploring new landscapes, hiking through the Rockies, or traveling to breathtaking destinations, my love for movement and exploration brings an effortless, natural feel to my imagery. Every love story is unique, and I am deeply invested in capturing the emotions, scenery, and in-between moments that make your wedding day truly unforgettable. From the moment we connect, my goal is to provide an effortless, elevated experience that allows you to be fully present while I handle the art of storytelling. With a calm, intuitive approach, I blend artistic direction with documentary storytelling—guiding you when needed while allowing your most authentic moments to unfold naturally. My couples value timeless, emotive imagery, a refined yet relaxed presence, and the confidence of knowing their memories are being preserved with intention. When I’m not behind the camera, you can find me skiing down the slopes, hiking with my husband and our two border collies, or enjoying a slow morning with a perfectly crafted latte. I live for meaningful conversations, spontaneous adventures, and capturing beauty in the quiet, in-between moments of life—just as I do with my couples. I take on a limited number of weddings each year to provide an intimate, high-touch experience, ensuring each love story is captured with the highest level of artistry and care. If you feel drawn to timeless, emotional, and editorial-inspired imagery, I would love to hear your vision and create something extraordinary together.
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