When you think of a “First Look,” most people picture the bride and groom sharing a private moment before the wedding. And yes—that’s beautiful! Q123, I’ve seen so many unexpected First Looks that were just as meaningful, emotional, and joyful.


From dads wiping away tears to bridesmaids screaming with excitement to sacred moments in front of the Eucharist, these alternative First Looks can add so much richness to your wedding day story!


Here are six ideas for who you can share that special “First Look” with on your Catholic wedding day.

6. A First Look with Your Dad


Oh my goodness—this one gets me every time. There’s something so tender about a dad seeing his daughter in her wedding dress for the first time. I’ve watched fathers cry, laugh, and hug their daughters so tightly they didn’t want to let go. It’s a moment that honors the relationship you’ve built over the years and one that you'll want to remember for years to come!

A Catholic bride embraces her father wearing traditional Philipinno wedding attire while the photographer gets pictures of their first look.
Two people in formal wedding attire share an emotional moment while laughing together indoors.
A touching moment shared between two people on their wedding day inside a church with wooden pews and pendant lights.
A touching moment between a bride in a white dress and someone in a dark suit by a window.
A joyful wedding moment captured with guests raising their hands and a bride's veil visible in the foreground.
Two people stand in front of St. Gabriel Archangel Church, with one person seated in a wheelchair.
A loving embrace between two people at a wedding, with the bride wearing a beautiful white lace dress.

5. A First Look with Your Bridesmaids


Bridesmaids bring the energy! If you want squeals, gasps, and joyful tears, a First Look with your best friends is the way to go. I’ve photographed groups of bridesmaids who literally jumped up and down when they saw their friend in her dress. These reactions are priceless—and they make for the kind of photos you’ll laugh over and treasure forever.

Religious figures in black and white habits gather to celebrate at a formal ceremony in a church setting.
A bride in a flowing white gown with a dramatic bow stands in a chapel before bridesmaids wearing bright blue dresses.
The couple shares an intimate emotional moment in warm indoor lighting during their wedding celebration.
A back view of someone in a white lace wedding dress with bridesmaids in light blue dresses standing in front.
Bridesmaids wearing colorful floral and pastel dresses stand together in a row at a wedding celebration.

4. A First Look with Your Groomsmen


This one is less traditional, but honestly—it’s so much fun! I’ve seen groomsmen go absolutely wild when they get to see the bride all dressed up. Some cheer, some bow dramatically, and others just stand there in awe. It’s playful, unexpected, and a really sweet way to include the guys in your pre-ceremony excitement.

Religious figures in black and white habits gather to celebrate at a formal ceremony in a church setting.
A series of candid wedding photos showing preparations and special moments before a ceremony.

3. A First Look with Nuns


Yes—you read that right! At Abby and AJ’s wedding, she had a First Look with the Sister Servants of Mercy, and it was unforgettable. The sisters’ joy was so radiant, and they absolutely beamed seeing her as a bride. If you have religious sisters who are dear to you, this can be such a unique, faith-filled way to share your wedding day.

Religious figures in black and white habits gather to celebrate at a formal ceremony in a church setting.

2. A First Look with Our Lord


This one might be the most profound of all. Before your wedding Mass, some couples choose to step into the chapel or church for a quiet moment of Adoration. Imagine kneeling in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament in your wedding attire—it’s truly a First Look with Jesus, inviting Him to be at the very center of your marriage. As a Catholic photographer, I can honestly say these moments are some of the most moving I’ve ever captured.

Religious figures in black and white habits gather to celebrate at a formal ceremony in a church setting.

1. A First Look with your (soon-to-be) spouse


Of course, we can’t forget the classic: your First Look with your groom! 💕


There’s a reason this is the most common choice—it’s pure, emotional, and full of anticipation. The way he reacts when he sees you in your dress for the first time? Absolutely priceless.


I’ve photographed grooms who cry, laugh, stumble over words, and hug like they’ll never let go—it’s a moment that never gets old.


If carving out time for a First Look doesn’t feel right for you, there’s still a beautiful alternative: the First Touch. Read my tips for a beautiful, prayerful moment with your future spouse!

Couple embraces during a first look before their Catholic wedding ceremony in church with elegant lace back dress and dark suit.

There are so many ways to share a First Look beyond the traditional bride-and-groom moment. Whether it’s laughter with your bridesmaids, a tearful embrace with your dad, or reverence before the Eucharist, each option adds depth and joy to your wedding day story.


As your Catholic wedding photographer, I love helping couples create space for these intentional, joy-filled moments. Want me there to capture every first look, first touch, and first laugh on your wedding day? Let’s connect and start planning your Catholic wedding photography!

First Look Alternatives


If carving out time for a First Look doesn’t feel right for you, there’s still a beautiful alternative: the First Touch. It’s a way to connect, pray, and ground yourselves in love before the ceremony—without actually seeing each other.


See First Touch ideas here!


The “First Touch: A Prayerful Alternative to a Wedding Day First Look