First Look Wedding Photos: Your Complete Guide
Over a decade and 600+ weddings have taught us everything about first looks in St. Augustine—from timing to locations to capturing genuine emotions.
Last updated: January 2026
## What Is a First Look?
A first look is when the couple sees each other for the first time on their wedding day in a private moment before the ceremony. Instead of waiting until you walk down the aisle, you share this emotional moment together—just the two of you (and your photographer).
We've been photographing first looks in St. Augustine for over a decade, and they've become increasingly popular. About 70% of our couples now choose to do a first look, and we understand why.
The tradition of not seeing each other before the ceremony dates back to arranged marriages, when families wanted to prevent the groom from backing out. Today, most couples choose what feels right for their relationship and their wedding day vision.
What We've Learned: First looks create some of the most genuine, emotional photos of the entire wedding day. When it's just the two of you, without 150 guests watching, the emotions are raw and beautiful.
## First Look vs Traditional Approach
After photographing hundreds of weddings both ways, we can help you understand the real differences between first looks and traditional ceremonies.
First Look Approach
- Private, intimate moment together
- Nerves often calm down significantly
- More time for portraits before ceremony
- Can see family/friends before ceremony
- More flexibility with timeline
- Less time away from reception
Traditional Approach
- First sight is during ceremony processional
- More buildup and anticipation
- All portraits happen after ceremony
- Guests share in the "first sight" moment
- Follows historical wedding traditions
- Extended cocktail hour for photos
Neither approach is right or wrong—it's about what feels authentic to your relationship. We've seen grooms cry just as hard during first looks as they do at the altar, and couples who wait until the ceremony create equally beautiful moments.
## Benefits of Doing a First Look
From our experience photographing both approaches, first looks offer several practical and emotional advantages:
Calms Pre-Ceremony Nerves
Once couples see each other, the biggest nerves disappear. They're more relaxed and present during their actual ceremony.
More Quality Time Together
Your wedding day flies by. First looks give you 20-30 minutes of private time to reconnect before the celebration begins.
Better Photography Timeline
We can get most portraits done before the ceremony, leaving more time to celebrate with your guests afterward.
Flexible Weather Backup
If weather threatens your ceremony, we can easily move a first look indoors or under cover.
### Timeline Benefits
The biggest practical advantage is timeline flexibility. Here's how it typically works:
**Traditional Timeline:**
- 4:00pm - Ceremony
- 4:30pm - Cocktail hour begins (couple disappears for 90 minutes)
- 6:00pm - Couple rejoins reception
**First Look Timeline:**
- 2:30pm - First look
- 3:00pm - Couple portraits
- 3:30pm - Family photos
- 4:00pm - Ceremony
- 4:30pm - Quick newlywed shots
- 4:45pm - Join cocktail hour
## Best First Look Locations in St. Augustine
St. Augustine offers incredible backdrops for first looks. We've photographed them in courtyards, on rooftops, in historic gardens, and along the water. Here are our favorite spots:
### Venue-Specific Locations
Treasury on the Plaza
The interior courtyards provide perfect privacy with beautiful architecture. We love the stone walls and natural lighting here.
Best time: 3:00-4:00pm for soft light
White Room
The rooftop offers stunning city views, or use their elegant interior spaces for weather backup.
Best time: 2:00-3:30pm before harsh afternoon sun
Lightner Museum
The Alcazar Court provides a grand, historic setting with beautiful natural lighting from the glass ceiling.
Best time: Any time - indoor lighting is consistent
### Public Locations (with permits)
Castillo de San Marcos Grounds
Historic fort walls and water views create dramatic backdrops. The grassy areas near the water are particularly beautiful.
Permit required - best time: 2:00-4:00pm
Villa Blanca
Stunning historic mansion with multiple courtyards and gardens offering various looks within one location.
Best time: 2:30-4:00pm for courtyard lighting
Pro Tip: We always scout first look locations beforehand and have backup options. St. Augustine's afternoon thunderstorms are unpredictable, so flexibility is key.
## Timing and Logistics
Getting the timing right makes all the difference for first look photos. Here's what we've learned from 600+ weddings:
### Optimal Timing
**Summer Weddings (April-September):**
- Schedule first looks for 2:30-3:30pm
- Avoid 12:00-2:00pm (harsh overhead sun)
- Have indoor backup for afternoon storms
**Winter Weddings (October-March):**
- Schedule for 3:00-4:00pm for golden light
- Less weather concern, but shorter daylight hours
- Perfect temperature for outdoor locations
### Logistics We Handle
**Before Your Arrival:**
- Scout and prepare the location
- Position groom with his back to bride's approach
- Clear the area of other wedding vendors/guests
**During the First Look:**
- Guide positioning for best light and backgrounds
- Stay close enough to document but far enough for privacy
- Use long lenses to maintain intimacy
First Look Duration
20-30 minutes
Photos Delivered
40-60 images
Weather Backup
Always planned
### Coordination with Other Vendors
We coordinate closely with your other vendors to make first looks seamless:
- **Hair/Makeup:** Ensure bride is ready 15 minutes early
- **Planner:** Confirm timeline and backup plans
- **Videographer:** Coordinate positioning to avoid conflicts
- **Venue:** Secure private space and timing
## Capturing Authentic Emotions
The most beautiful first look photos happen when couples forget we're there. After over a decade, we've developed techniques to document genuine emotions without being intrusive.
### What We Look For
**The Approach:**
- Groom's anticipation and nervous energy
- Details like adjusting his tie or taking deep breaths
- The moment he hears footsteps approaching
**The Turn:**
- That split second of recognition
- Genuine facial expressions (surprise, joy, tears)
- Hand gestures and body language
**The Reaction:**
- Embraces, kisses, laughter, tears
- Quiet conversations between the couple
- Taking a moment to just look at each other
### Our Photography Approach
We use long telephoto lenses to stay at a distance while still capturing intimate expressions. This allows couples to have genuine moments without feeling watched or directed.
What Makes First Look Photos Special: Unlike ceremony photos where couples are focused on vows and guests, first looks are pure emotion between two people. The photos reflect authentic connection, not performance.
### Common Emotional Moments We See
- Grooms who "don't cry" getting teary-eyed
- Brides laughing at their own nervousness
- Couples taking a moment to breathe and connect
- Sweet conversations about how beautiful each other looks
- Relief that the biggest moment of anticipation is over
## Common Concerns and Solutions
Over 600 weddings, we've heard every concern about first looks. Here are the most common worries and what we've actually experienced:
### "Will it ruin the ceremony moment?"
**The Concern:** If we see each other privately, the ceremony won't be as emotional.
**Our Experience:** Couples are often MORE emotional during ceremonies after first looks. They're calmer, more present, and able to focus on their vows instead of managing nerves.
### "What if we're not emotional people?"
**The Concern:** We don't usually cry or show big emotions publicly.
**Our Experience:** First looks often bring out emotions in couples who consider themselves "not emotional." The privacy makes a huge difference. Plus, quiet joy and calm connection photograph beautifully too.
### "Our families expect a traditional ceremony"
**The Concern:** Family members want to witness the "first sight" moment.
**Our Solution:** Many couples do a first look and still have an emotional ceremony entrance. You can also include close family in the first look area (positioned where they can see but not interfere).
Weather Reality Check: Florida's afternoon storms are unpredictable from May through September. First looks give us flexibility that ceremony timing doesn't allow.
### "It feels like bad luck"
**The Concern:** Traditional superstitions about seeing each other before the ceremony.
**Our Perspective:** These traditions came from arranged marriages. Modern couples choose what feels right for their relationship. We've photographed hundreds of first looks, and these couples are just as happily married.
## Planning Your Perfect First Look
Based on our experience, here's how to plan a first look that feels authentic to your relationship:
### Consider Your Personalities
**If you're naturally emotional:** First looks give you private space to have those big feelings without 150 people watching.
**If you're more reserved:** The privacy often helps reserved couples open up emotionally in ways they might not during a public ceremony.
**If you love surprises:** Consider having your partner's favorite person (parent, sibling, best friend) nearby to witness the moment.
### Location Selection Process
1. **Start with your venue's options** - most have designated areas
2. **Consider backup locations** for weather
3. **Think about privacy** - avoid areas with heavy foot traffic
4. **Factor in lighting** - we'll help you choose the best time
### Timeline Integration
Work with your planner to build first looks into your timeline efficiently:
**Recommended Schedule:**
- 2:00pm - Final hair/makeup touches
- 2:30pm - First look
- 3:00pm - Couple portraits
- 3:30pm - Wedding party photos
- 4:00pm - Family photos
- 4:30pm - Guest arrival begins
- 5:00pm - Ceremony
Ready to Plan Your St. Augustine Wedding Photos?
We've photographed over 600 weddings in St. Augustine and know every venue, every lighting condition, and every backup plan. Let's create beautiful photos that feel authentically you.
View Our Wedding Photography
### Final Decision Framework
Ask yourselves these questions:
1. **What feels right for our relationship?** Trust your instincts.
2. **How important is timeline flexibility?** First looks provide more options.
3. **Do we want private emotional moments?** First looks deliver this.
4. **Are we worried about tradition?** Remember: it's your wedding.
The most important thing? Choose what feels authentic to your relationship. We've photographed beautiful weddings both ways, and the best photos always come from couples doing what feels right for them.
Whether you choose a first look or wait until the ceremony, we'll be there to document your authentic emotions and create photos you'll treasure forever.
