Wedding Wednesday 💍
“Why We Actually Prefer First Looks (and How It’s More Traditional Than You Think)”

Dear Brides & Grooms,

I wanted to share my heart with you today—not to change your mind, but to give you something to think about. As a wedding photographer and planner who deeply values tradition and truth, I’ve often been asked where I stand on “first looks.” And while I will always honor what you and your partner desire for your big day, here’s why my team and I often recommend a first look—and why, believe it or not, it’s actually more traditional than you might think.

Let’s go way back—to Genesis.

You may remember the story of Jacob, Rachel, and Leah. Jacob loved Rachel. He worked seven years to marry her. But when it came time for the ceremony, Leah was veiled so heavily that Jacob didn’t realize he’d married the wrong woman until after the wedding night. (Genesis 29:23–25)

Now of course, our modern weddings aren’t arranged marriages in tents, but the principle still stands: there’s something deeply sacred about truly seeing your person before you say “I do.” The idea of not seeing the bride until she walks down the aisle may feel traditional, but it’s actually rooted in old customs meant to protect arrangements—not love. In contrast, a first look honors honesty, connection, and intentional time together before everything unfolds.

Here’s what I’ve come to see, after photographing and coordinating many weddings:
Couples who do a first look almost always feel more peace going into the ceremony. You get to take a breath. You get to pray together. You get to laugh, cry, soak it in—just the two of you before all eyes are on you. You also get most of your portraits done early, which gives you more time to enjoy your guests and the celebration later.

Take Lauren, for example. She did two first looks—one with her dad, and one with her husband. The moments were emotional, genuine, and unforgettable. As you can see in the photos, each first look took only 3–5 minutes, but the value? Priceless. Just think: if you don’t take those moments early, you’ll end up having to carve that time out of your reception—time meant for celebrating, dancing, and being surrounded by the people you love.

So no—we’re not trying to steal your aisle moment or take away the butterflies. Quite the opposite. We’re trying to preserve the heart of your day, to help you experience it fully and authentically, without distraction, nerves, or rush.

If you still want to wait until the aisle, we’re here to support that fully. But if you’re on the fence, let me just gently suggest: don’t let old customs that were never built on love stop you from having a sacred moment with the one your soul loves.

With grace and joy,
Rae
Photographer & Planner
Rae De Lain | Lead Photographer

Dear Dad,

Today is my wedding day.

It feels like just yesterday I was holding your hand to cross the street, standing on your shoes to dance in the kitchen, or calling out for you after a bad dream. And now, here I am—in white, walking toward the next chapter of my life.

But even as I become a wife today, I’ll always be your little girl.

Thank you for being the first man who ever loved me. For showing me what strength, protection, and kindness look like. You taught me what I deserved long before I met him, and I carry that with me now.

As you walk me down the aisle today, I want you to know I’m not leaving you—I’m just growing into who you helped raise me to be.

“I thank my God every time I remember you.” – Philippians 1:3

I love you, Daddy.
Always.

Love,
Lauren