As an Italian wedding photographer, one of my favorite parts of a wedding day is capturing the first look! There’s something about those quiet, intimate moments before the ceremony that feels so genuine and unforgettable. Over the years, I’ve photographed countless couples along the Amalfi Coast, and the first look always becomes one of the most cherished parts of their day.
If you’re wondering whether a first look is right for you, here are three reasons I love including them in my wedding photography work!
1. A Private and Emotional Moment Just for You
Weddings can feel busy, and the day goes by so quickly. A first look gives you and your partner a chance to pause, breathe, and actually take in the significance of the day and without hundreds of eyes on you. As an Italian wedding photographer, I can step back and capture those raw emotions: the tears, the laughter, the way you look at each other in awe.
Couples often tell me these are some of their favorite photos, because it feels like the world stood still just for them. And in a destination as stunning as the Amalfi Coast, the intimacy of that moment is something you’ll never forget.
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2. More Time Together on Your Wedding Day
One of the most common things I hear from couples afterward is, “I wish we had more time together.” A first look gives you that time! Rather than waiting until the ceremony to see each other, you create space for genuine connection earlier in the day.
I love that a first look also gives us more time for portraits without feeling rushed. On the Amalfi Coast, this might mean slipping into a quiet garden, overlooking the sea from a cliffside villa, or wandering through charming coastal streets while the light is soft and golden. You’ll have beautiful, natural portraits taken in a relaxed setting, leaving more time later to enjoy your guests and soak in the joy of the party.
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3. It Captures Authentic Emotions and Moments
There’s nothing like the emotion of a first look. Whether it’s tears, laughter, or pure surprise, these reactions are completely unscripted and as a Italian wedding photographer, those are the moments I live for. During the ceremony, your partner’s reaction is often shared with everyone in the room, but in a first look, the emotion is just between the two of you.
Capturing that intimacy as an Italy wedding photographer is so priceless. It’s not about posing or perfect picture but it’s about preserving real feelings as they happen. When you look back on your wedding album, those images often become the ones that transport you right back to how you felt in that moment.
A First Look with Your Father Can Be Just as Meaningful
While most couples think about a first look between partners, another deeply emotional option is a first look between the bride and her father. These moments are filled with such raw, beautiful emotion—from proud smiles to happy tears.
In my Italian wedding photography work, I’ve seen fathers light up when they see their daughter in her dress for the first time on the Amalfi Coast. It’s a memory that becomes a treasured keepsake for both of you. Having this private time together doesn’t take away from the excitement of walking down the aisle—it simply adds another unforgettable layer to the day.
Why I Always Recommend It
At the end of the day, there’s no “right” or “wrong” choice and some couples want to keep the tradition of seeing each other for the first time at the ceremony, and that’s beautiful too. But if you’re considering a first look, I can tell you from experience that it often adds calm, joy, and intimacy to a day that moves quickly!
As an Italian wedding photographer, my role is to not just capture the big, picture-perfect moments, but also the quiet, meaningful ones in between. And a first look is one of the best opportunities for that. On the Amalfi Coast, where the backdrop itself feels like a dream, a first look creates memories you’ll want to relive forever!
If you’re planning your wedding in Italy and want photos that feel true to you, I’d love to be there to capture it all. Let’s connect and chat about your day!
