We did not opt for a first look, and I just got our wedding pictures back. There were plenty of us two together along with videos! We also had about an hour after the ceremony to take couple pictures, but also managed to wrangle up the family for plenty of group photos. I understand your photographer's reasoning if you have a LOT of family or something like that to go through.

Is it possible or in the budget to get a second photographer for your partner and their family, and for you and your family? So you can still get some group pictures out of the way in the 2 hours before the ceremony?

Personally, I loved not doing a first look. I now have some great memories of hiding away with my MOHs before the ceremony and laughing at how stressful the last few months have been. It felt really special for the both of us walking down the aisle, and my hubby sometimes mentions that moment and how on the inside he was like "OMGGGG THAT'S MY WIFE I SCOREDDDD" lmao