As a Toronto wedding photographer and florist, this is one of the questions I’m asked most often: “Should we do a first look?” There’s no right or wrong answer — but there are real pros and cons that matter, especially here in Toronto with our bright midday sun, tight venue timelines, and unpredictable weather. After photographing so many weddings (and planning my own!), here’s my honest, first-person perspective to help you decide.
Why Toronto Couples Choose a First Look
Over the past few years, I’ve seen more and more Toronto couples choose to do a first look — probably around 80% of my couples now. And I get it! There are some really practical benefits.
1. You Get Ready Earlier — and Then Relax
Doing a first look means you’re dressed and ready earlier in the day. For many couples, that first moment seeing each other takes a huge weight off their shoulders. I’ve heard people say things like,
“Okay, now I can breathe!”
Even if you still feel butterflies walking down the aisle later (most couples do!), the intense nerves tend to melt away.
2. More Time for Portraits Before the Ceremony
A first look opens up time for:
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Couple portraits
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Immediate family photos
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Wedding party photos
This means you’re not rushing through portraits after the ceremony — and you get to enjoy cocktail hour with your guests.
3. A Smoother, More Relaxed Timeline
When photos are done early, the whole day tends to unfold more gently. No running, no squeezing everything into 45 minutes, no dragging your bridal party away from appetizers.
But… the Light Isn’t Always Ideal
Here’s the main downside for Toronto weddings:
First looks almost always happen between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
And that light? It can be rough.
Toronto midday sun =
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Harsh shadows
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Squinting
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Sweaty faces
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Blown-out highlights
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Limited shade in many venues
If your venue has beautiful indoor options or lots of tree cover, this matters less. But if your ceremony is downtown, or near the waterfront, or on a rooftop — the light will be strong.
And Yes, It Changes the “Traditional” Moment
Some couples adore the idea of seeing each other at the aisle for the first time.
If that moment is really important to you emotionally, a first look might take away some of the anticipation (though almost every couple still feels excited and emotional at the ceremony).
Why Some Couples Skip the First Look
Now for the traditional approach — and the one I personally chose for my own wedding.
1. The Walk Down the Aisle Feels Electric
There’s something incredibly powerful about that first moment when everyone sees you — including your partner.
The nerves, the butterflies, the drama… for some people, this is exactly what they’ve always pictured.
2. Evening Light Is So Much Better
Toronto’s evening light is gentle, flattering, and warm.
After the ceremony (usually around 5–7 p.m. depending on season), we get:
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Soft shadows
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Cooler temperatures
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More natural expressions
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Less squinting
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More editorial-looking images
If great portraits are a priority, sunset or early evening light is ideal.
3. You Look Fresh
Right after the ceremony:
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Dress looks perfect
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Hair and makeup are intact
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Flowers are still cool and hydrated
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You haven’t sweated through an hour of portraits yet
This really does make a difference in photos.
4. You Don’t Have to Get Ready Super Early
Skipping a first look means no asking your wedding party and parents to arrive three hours earlier than they want to.
There’s always someone who runs late — so this reduces stress for everyone.
The Trade-Off: Missing Cocktail Hour
The main downside?
You’ll need about one hour for:
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Bridal party photos
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Immediate family
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Couple portraits
And yes — you’ll likely miss most or all of cocktail hour.
But if you plan ahead, this doesn’t have to be a big deal.
At my own wedding, we chose not to do a first look. Instead, we paid for a full cocktail hour experience so guests had food, drinks, and entertainment while we took photos — and honestly, that worked perfectly for us. I had the rest of the night to relax and visit each table to greet guests.
What I Did for My Own Toronto Wedding
Even though most of my clients now choose a first look, I skipped it.
Here’s why:
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I wanted the traditional moment of seeing my husband at the aisle
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I cared a lot about evening light for portraits
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I didn’t want to get ready at 8 a.m.
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I knew cocktail hour would keep guests happy while we did photos
We had more than enough time to capture bride + groom photos, wedding party shots, and immediate family portraits after the ceremony.
The key is organization.
How to Make Either Option Work (My Photography Tips)
No matter what you choose, here’s how to keep your timeline smooth:
✔ Create a shot list ahead of time
Include extended family pairings, special requests, and must-have poses.
✔ Do a venue walk-through
Pick out shaded or indoor backup locations. In Toronto, shade disappears fast, especially near open water or modern glass structures.
✔ Talk through your priorities with your photographer
If you value relaxed time over perfect light, or vice-versa, we can build your timeline around that.
✔ Plan for different weather
Overcast? Perfect — you can shoot almost anywhere.
Full sun? We’ll stick to shaded spaces and architectural backdrops.
✔ Pad your timeline
Add 10–15 minutes between events. This alone reduces 80% of wedding-day stress.
So… Should You Do a First Look?
Honestly?
It completely depends on your personality, your vision, and your priorities.
Choose a first look if you want:
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More portrait time
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A calmer pre-ceremony experience
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The ability to enjoy cocktail hour
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A smoother, less rushed timeline
Skip the first look if you want:
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A traditional aisle moment
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Better, softer evening light for portraits
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A later getting-ready timeline
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Fresh makeup, fresh florals, and fresh outfits in your photos
Either way, you’re marrying your best friend — and the photos will tell your story beautifully.
If you want help planning your timeline or choosing what works best for your Toronto venue, I’d love to chat and walk you through it.
