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A bride and groom share a joyful smile, holding hands on a grassy expanse surrounded by trees, perfectly captured by Cincinnati wedding photography during their first look.

Why a First Look is a Game-Changer for Your Wedding Day

Planning Tips

As Cincinnati wedding photographers, one of the most common tips we share with our couples is to consider having a First Look. If you haven’t heard of it, a First Look is when the couple sees each other before the ceremony. It might sound like breaking tradition, but trust us, it’s a total game-changer for your wedding day. Here’s why a First Look is worth considering and how it can transform your experience!

The Josephina

Relieves Wedding Day Jitters

Nervous about the big day? You’re not alone! Wedding day jitters are real, but a First Look can help calm your nerves. Seeing each other before walking down the aisle creates an intimate, relaxed moment that puts both of you at ease. As photographers, we see couples immediately feel more connected and confident. So, if you want to shake off those butterflies and focus on enjoying your day, a First Look is the way to go!

Spend More Time Together on Your Wedding Day

Your wedding day flies by—that’s a fact. With so much happening, you might be surprised how little time you actually spend with your partner. Enter the First Look: by sharing this special moment early in the day, you get to maximize the time you have together. Instead of waiting until the ceremony, you can start enjoying each other’s company (and the excitement!) much sooner.

More Photos Together—Average of 40% More

One of the biggest perks of having a First Look? More photos! On average, couples who opt for a First Look get 40% more photos of just the two of them. Why? Because we have extra time to capture those beautiful, emotional moments before the ceremony starts. Plus, you won’t feel rushed during portraits, which means more natural and unforgettable wedding photos.

Join the Reception or Cocktail Hour Quicker

Let’s be honest—your guests don’t want to wait around for you. With a First Look, we can knock out most of the portraits before the ceremony even begins. That means you can join your guests at the reception or cocktail hour much quicker. Less waiting for them, more celebrating for you!

The Day Will Go Smoother as the Timeline Isn’t as Rushed

When you include a First Look in your wedding timeline, everything feels smoother and more relaxed. You’ll have fewer things to cram into the time between the ceremony and reception, which means less stress for everyone. Moreover, a well-planned timeline creates a more enjoyable day for you, your bridal party, and even your family.

Ready to Plan Your First Look?

If you’re still unsure about why a First Look is the right choice, let’s talk about it! As Cincinnati wedding photographers, we’ve seen firsthand how much joy and relief it can bring to our couples. You deserve a stress-free, unforgettable wedding day—and a First Look might just be the key to making that happen.

So, are you Team First Look? Let’s make it a moment you’ll cherish forever!

Happy Wedding Planning,

Nicole + Ryan


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Nicole and Ryan of Off the Film Photography, Cincinnati Wedding Photographer, smile for a selfie in front of a tall statue of the loch ness monster. The sky is partly cloudy.

So, you’ve got the ring, and now it’s time to plan your fairytale wedding in Cincinnati, OH! Let’s grab some coffee (or maybe something stronger?) and chat about all the fun details with Nicole and Ryan of Off the Film Photography. We’re all about making your wedding day as unique and joyful as you are. Ready to make some magic? Hit us up to book your consultation—we’re dying to hear all about your big day!

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