Maine & NH Wedding Photographer // The One Photo You Think You Don’t Need—But You’ll Cry About Later If You Skip It

Let’s talk about one of the most underrated, tear-jerking, emotionally loaded moments of the entire wedding day: the first look with your parents. Specifically Dad.

Dads don’t always get a ton of love on the wedding day. They’re not in the glam squad. They’re not usually popping champagne in matching robes. They’re not helping with false lashes or last-minute dress steamings. But you know what they are? Softies in disguise who have absolutely no idea how hard they’re about to get hit in the feels.

Let’s be real. Dads often fade into the background during the wedding prep chaos. They're the ones getting the cooler stocked, double-checking directions to the venue, or nervously pacing while pretending to be chill. Giving your dad a first look carves out a quiet, intentional moment that’s just for him. No distractions. No chaos. Just a raw, real reaction to seeing his kid all dressed up and about to get married.

And oh man—the reactions? Priceless. Some dads cry. Some dads try not to cry and do that awkward throat-clearing thing. Some dads just stare in awe like, “When did my baby grow up?” And all of that? It deserves to be photographed.

Sure, the photos are beautiful. But it’s the moment that matters. It’s the hug. The way he holds your hand a little tighter. The quiet words he says that nobody else hears. The fact that, for a second, time slows down and he’s not the guy walking you down the aisle yet—he’s just your dad, completely overwhelmed with love.

While we’re at it, let’s not forget the moms. Maybe she’s been with you all morning, but setting aside a pause for an intentional first look with your mom can be just as powerful. Especially if she’s helped you get dressed, fix your veil, or just kept you emotionally stable while your phone's blowing up.

Years down the road, these are the photos that get framed. The ones your parents pull out when they tell the story of your wedding day. The ones that hit differently after time passes. These aren’t just wedding day photos—they’re legacy photos.

You won’t regret it. Even if you’re not super sentimental, even if you think your dad’s too tough to cry, even if you’re running behind. Make the time.

Give your dad (or your mom, or both!) that one quiet moment before everything starts moving a million miles an hour. Let them see you, take you in, and hold you close.

It’s 100% worth it.