San Diego Wedding and Family Photographer

Menu

Home
About
Work Together
Portfolio
Blog

benefits of a first look wedding

Are First Looks Worth It? 5 Reasons They Make Your Wedding Day Even More Special

Get all the latest news and info sent to your inbox.

Email *

San Diego Wedding and Family Photographer

@alainayardphoto

•

Your moments deserve more than a camera roll. They deserve to be captured beautifully, intentionally, and in a way that feels like you. Click the link in bio to head to my photography page and book now ✨📸 San Diego photographer, San Diego photography, San Diego wedding photographer, San Diego wedding photography, San Diego family photographer, San Diego maternity photographer, San Diego couples photographer, Southern California photographer, SoCal wedding photographer, California wedding photographer, wedding photographer, lifestyle photographer, family photography, wedding photography, engagement photography, maternity photography, San Diego bride, San Diego weddings, Southern California wedding, photographer near me

18 hours ago

View on Instagram |

1/5

Cally & Jake at Balboa Park 🤍 The way these two look at each other is so precious! Now on to the wedding in July 🙌🏻

——

San Diego wedding photographer engagement session balboa park botanical building playful candid couples photo session

Cally & Jake at Balboa Park 🤍 The way these two look at each other is so precious! Now on to the wedding in July 🙌🏻

——

San Diego wedding photographer engagement session balboa park botanical building playful candid couples photo session

Cally & Jake at Balboa Park 🤍 The way these two look at each other is so precious! Now on to the wedding in July 🙌🏻

——

San Diego wedding photographer engagement session balboa park botanical building playful candid couples photo session

Cally & Jake at Balboa Park 🤍 The way these two look at each other is so precious! Now on to the wedding in July 🙌🏻

——

San Diego wedding photographer engagement session balboa park botanical building playful candid couples photo session

Cally & Jake at Balboa Park 🤍 The way these two look at each other is so precious! Now on to the wedding in July 🙌🏻

——

San Diego wedding photographer engagement session balboa park botanical building playful candid couples photo session

Cally & Jake at Balboa Park 🤍 The way these two look at each other is so precious! Now on to the wedding in July 🙌🏻

——

San Diego wedding photographer engagement session balboa park botanical building playful candid couples photo session

Cally & Jake at Balboa Park 🤍 The way these two look at each other is so precious! Now on to the wedding in July 🙌🏻

——

San Diego wedding photographer engagement session balboa park botanical building playful candid couples photo session

Cally & Jake at Balboa Park 🤍 The way these two look at each other is so precious! Now on to the wedding in July 🙌🏻

——

San Diego wedding photographer engagement session balboa park botanical building playful candid couples photo session

Cally & Jake at Balboa Park 🤍 The way these two look at each other is so precious! Now on to the wedding in July 🙌🏻

——

San Diego wedding photographer engagement session balboa park botanical building playful candid couples photo session

Cally & Jake at Balboa Park 🤍 The way these two look at each other is so precious! Now on to the wedding in July 🙌🏻

——

San Diego wedding photographer engagement session balboa park botanical building playful candid couples photo session

@alainayardphoto

•

Cally & Jake at Balboa Park 🤍 The way these two look at each other is so precious! Now on to the wedding in July 🙌🏻 —— San Diego wedding photographer engagement session balboa park botanical building playful candid couples photo session

4 days ago

View on Instagram |

2/5

@alainayardphoto

•

When the photos make you fall in love again & again 🤍 —— San Diego wedding photographer engagement session family photos

1 month ago

View on Instagram |

3/5

@alainayardphoto

•

Here’s why first looks actually make your day more special, not less: 1. It takes pressure to perform off of the groom. Have you ever felt pressure to react a certain way when someone gives you a gift? Now imagine that multiplied buy 100+ guests and the most important person in your life on the most important day of your life. It’s a lot. 2. It creates a more authentic moment. Sometimes the pressure can make the reaction moment feel less “real” You might hold back because you feel shy, or react in a way you think is expected, or even freeze because you don’t know what to do. When you’ve already had that moment in private, it lets the aisle moment be more authentic. I promise it’s still so special. There is nothing like walking towards your person on your wedding day. 3. It softens the nerves. There can be a lot of tension and nerves as the anticipation for the ceremony builds. The first look helps you to slow down and connect. It breaks the ice in the best way! 4. It allows for more timeline flexibility. If you’re wanting to prioritize both photos *and* being present, this is huge. You can get your couple portraits, bridal party photos, and even family photos done beforehand. That means after the ceremony, you’re free to actually enjoy your cocktail hour and time with your people. My goal as your wedding photographer isn’t just to capture your day beautifully, it’s to make sure your day doesn’t feel like it revolves around photos. Photo fatigue is real, and we want to avoid that. 5. Gives more intentionality to the moment. When you see each other at the aisle, it’s quick. With a first look, you get time. You can slow down, take each other in, talk, laugh, cry, or even exchange private vows. It becomes whatever you want it to be. At the end of the day, a first look isn’t for everyone. Some couples love the anticipation, and the crowd doesn’t phase them at all. But if any of this resonates with you, I highly recommend a first look! If you’re engaged and in the Southern California /San Diego area, my wedding collections include a complimentary engagement session & help planning your wedding timeline for things just like this 🫶🏻

1 month ago

View on Instagram |

4/5

Wait until you realize this was their first photo session…after 25 years of marriage! They were high school sweethearts who got married as teenagers and had never had professional photos taken together until now. It was seriously such an honor to capture this chapter for them! May this love find you if it hasn’t yet 🤍

Wait until you realize this was their first photo session…after 25 years of marriage! They were high school sweethearts who got married as teenagers and had never had professional photos taken together until now. It was seriously such an honor to capture this chapter for them! May this love find you if it hasn’t yet 🤍

Wait until you realize this was their first photo session…after 25 years of marriage! They were high school sweethearts who got married as teenagers and had never had professional photos taken together until now. It was seriously such an honor to capture this chapter for them! May this love find you if it hasn’t yet 🤍

Wait until you realize this was their first photo session…after 25 years of marriage! They were high school sweethearts who got married as teenagers and had never had professional photos taken together until now. It was seriously such an honor to capture this chapter for them! May this love find you if it hasn’t yet 🤍

@alainayardphoto

•

Wait until you realize this was their first photo session…after 25 years of marriage! They were high school sweethearts who got married as teenagers and had never had professional photos taken together until now. It was seriously such an honor to capture this chapter for them! May this love find you if it hasn’t yet 🤍

1 month ago

View on Instagram |

5/5

Menu

Home
About
Work Together
Portfolio
Blog

Instagram Facebook

Copyright © 2025 Alaina Yard Photography Design by Pix & Hue.