It’s my job to tell your story and capture your love in its truest form. It doesn’t matter if you're a model or are super shy in front of a camera, I’m here to make you feel comfortable throughout the process. I’ll provide as much guidance as necessary to capture those raw and authentic photos that you’ve always dreamed of!

I'm a Moab-based wedding and elopement photographer with a passion for the outdoors and this industry. I love the entire process! From my first call with the couple to hearing their reactions after delivering a final gallery. Every day I feel grateful that I get to do this for a living.

Hey, I'm Matt

How to Elope in Moab

Why It’s Worth Doing a Wedding First Look

Elopement Tips

Couples often come to me early on in the wedding planning process and ask: “Is a first look actually worth it?” They wonder why they should go to the trouble of taking extra time in the wedding timeline when they will soon see one another walking down the aisle. As your wedding photographer, here is my take on whether or not you should do a wedding first look.

couple stand apart waiting to do their wedding first look

couple stand along fence after doing wedding first look

To Look or Not To Look–Every Couple’s Question

You may be shocked at my answer to a question that is essentially asking if you should set aside time to take more wedding photos. My response is always the same: “Do whatever works best for you.” I always love an excuse to capture more wedding photography on your day, but my ultimate goal trumps this desire.

groom excited to see bride during wedding first look

couple walk up rocky path of Arches National Park

More than anything, I want the day to include whatever personally feels right to the two of you. If this doesn’t include wedding first look photos then that is fine with me! But, I can make an argument as to why they are worth your time if you are considering it. Let’s take a look at reasons why going for first look wedding photos might be the missing piece to your day.

How First Look Photos Are More Than a Photo Session

The primary benefit that a wedding first look provides is freeing up so much time within the wedding day timeline. It provides extra space to accomplish more activities before the ceremony allowing you to even be present for the entire cocktail hour with guests. These are just some of the other benefits that it includes:

couple turn and face each other after doing wedding first look

couple walks together holding hands along rocky path

Increased time is added for the two of you to spend together which removes so much pressure from the day since you’re already enjoying the time with your favorite person.
Family portrait photography and wedding party photos can be done before the ceremony which is a huge timeline win!

If the lighting isn’t too harsh, we can even do a five or 10-minute wedding portrait session of just the two of you to get some bangers in my camera roll a little early!
You can choose to do private wedding vows during your first look which allows you to say exactly what you want to your partner without feeling weird about your family hearing it. You can share a shorter version of the vows during the ceremony.

couple does a first touch and private vow reading

You will probably want to make the first look happen at the venue since it’s almost certainly prettier than your hotel. If you do select your hotel (assuming your venue doesn’t have a bridal suite), then you get to drive to the venue together. This is special in its own way! All of these choices are huge timeline wins that are a direct result of having a first look.

couple walks holding hands in front of barn venue

couple poses together in a path of the vineyard

Wedding First Look Ideas

The day is about the two of you and a first look puts you together even earlier. It also means getting a lot of the more complicated photos out of the way which frees you up for more party time later! My couples will adapt this time to fit them, adding personalizations to make it their own.

Another version of the wedding first look is opting instead for what’s called a wedding first touch. First touches are when the bride and groom are holding hands back to back and still unable to see each other. The couple will read their private vows together and the “first look” still happens at the ceremony.

First touches are beautiful and can photograph really nicely. But, they do actually add a bit of stress to the wedding photography timeline. The couple still can’t see each other so we can’t accomplish any of the wedding party or family photos early. We also have to orchestrate getting around the venue without anyone catching sight of the bride!

bride does first look with father and brothers

It can still be a very sweet moment for the couple and that’s what really matters. I am for first touches, but they certainly don’t have the benefit of making your timeline any easier.

couple walks together in a path at the vineyard

Take a Look at a Few Favorite Wedding First Looks

I can’t even try to hide it, I am very much pro doing a first look! My clients always tell me following a first look that they feel so much more at ease and excited for the day. These are some of those beautiful moments!

Jessica & Matt: did their first look at The Red Earth Venue prior to their ceremony. We finished early which gave us time for some fun extra wedding party photos!

bride touches groom's shoulder during wedding first look

couple hold hands during wedding first look

couple kiss while wedding party is blurred in the background

groom does a back flip in front of the wedding party

Logan & Dallan: had their first look at Arches National Park. We started with a first look then I found them a very secluded and beautiful place to do their private vows. We met up afterwards with the family for the ceremony.

Abby & Jordan: these two did such cute first look wedding photos at their barn wedding in Indiana.

Anna & Wilson: went for a first touch at the front doors of The Red Earth Venue. The couple held hands and took turns sharing their private vows.

Hollice & AJ: we did this adventure session the day before the wedding. The couple did not want a first look so instead they did private vows which were very special for them. It was also so special to watch! These were taken during sunrise at Dead Horse Point State Park with no one else present. It was very peaceful.

Let’s talk through whether a wedding first look is the right fit for you!

bride smiles after during wedding first look

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