First Look

Zion National Park

There’s something nearly sacred about a first look—that quiet, electric moment when a bride and groom see each other for the first time on their wedding day. It’s not just a photo opportunity; it’s a powerful pause in time, where everything else falls away and two people stand face to face, filled with emotion, anticipation, and love.

First look sessions are, hands down, one of my favorite parts of a wedding experience. There’s an intimacy in those minutes that’s hard to replicate anywhere else in the day. Often, it’s just the two of them—no distractions, no audience—giving themselves the space to be fully present with each other. And as their photographer, it’s both an honor and a responsibility to hold that space with care.

Creating a Seamless, Meaningful Experience

My approach to first look sessions is intentional from start to finish. I’m not just there to show up and shoot—I help create the experience. That begins with finding the perfect location, one that complements the couple’s energy and story, and adds to the magic rather than taking away from it. I scout beforehand, making sure the lighting is right, the setting is quiet and private, and that everything flows smoothly.

But it’s not just about logistics. I also work with couples to incorporate meaningful details. My favorite aspewct to propose, is for the couple to provide a playlist of music to play during the first look and the session. Just to help ground them in the moment, and the emotions they are experiencing as they envision their forever together. These elements may seem small, but they help create an atmosphere where real emotion can unfold. The goal is always the same: to let them feel like themselves, fully and freely.

Zion: A Landscape Like No Other

Zion is truly a dream setting for a first look. Its towering sandstone walls, sculpted over centuries, seem to echo with stillness and strength. The warm tones of the canyon create a glowing backdrop that feels both timeless and grounding. There’s a quiet majesty in those cliffs that makes everything feel bigger, deeper—like you’re standing inside a love story that began long before you got there.

For nearly three years, Zion was my backyard while I lived in Southern Utah.

I spent countless hours exploring its trails, hidden corners, and lesser-known spots. When i first visited Utah, it was actually the first place I ever visited and experiences in Kolob Canyon. I will never forget the unmatched awe that hit me when we can around the bend and those walls seemed to jut into the very blue sky with a power you could feel. Even now, having moved away, I can say with complete certainty: there’s nowhere else on earth like it.

It's About More Than Just the Photos

You’ll walk away with portraits full of real emotion—tears, laughter, quiet smiles—and landscapes that feel larger than life. But beyond that, I want you to remember how you felt in those moments. Calm. Connected. Grounded in each other.

A first look in Zion isn’t just another part of the wedding timeline. It’s a moment to breathe, to reflect, and to begin your day together from a place of genuine presence and love.

If you’re dreaming of a first look that’s rooted in emotion, surrounded by natural beauty, and designed with intention—Zion might just be calling your name. And I’d be honored to help you answer.