The One Photo You Didn’t Know You Needed: The First Look with Your Parents

If you have been planning your wedding for a while, you’ve probably heard of the “first look” that emotional moment when you see your partner before the ceremony. It’s romantic, it’s intimate, and it’s become a modern tradition.

But there’s another “first look” moment that’s just as powerful… and way too often forgotten.

The first look with your parents.

At Studio55byMich, we have captured tons of weddings. And some of the most emotional, unforgettable images haven’t been the ones at the altar. They’ve been of a dad seeing his daughter in her wedding dress, of a mom straightening her son’s tie with trembling hands, of a grandparent holding back tears, trying to memorize everything in that moment.

These aren’t just pictures. These are legacy moments.

Here’s why we always recommend building in a first look with your parent(s) or a loved one:

It gives you emotional grounding
Wedding mornings are full of movement; people arriving, timelines shifting, music playing. But this quiet, heartfelt moment slows everything down. It’s your chance to connect before the whirlwind begins.

It adds richness to your album
These aren’t “posed” shots. They’re raw, human, and full of love. Years from now, when you look back, these are the moments that will catch your breath.

It honors your family
Weddings aren’t just about two people; they’re about the community that raised and supported you. Taking five minutes for a reveal with your parents shows them just how much they matter in your story.

It opens the door for conversation
We have witnessed beautiful exchanges, words of affirmation, old stories, and tears of joy. These are things that don’t always get said in the busyness of the day. The camera just happens to be there to witness it.

How to Make It Happen

Planning this moment is simple. Just let us know during your photography consultation that you'd love a first look with a parent or loved one. We’ll guide you on where to fit it in the timeline and make sure it flows naturally.

Whether it's your mom, dad, step-parent, grandparent, or even a sibling, we promise this: it will be one of the most emotional parts of your day.

And we will be there, quietly capturing every second.

Because your story isn’t just about how the day looked, it’s about how it felt.