We LOVE it any time our clients are adventurous enough to try new locations for their engagement sessions. When Samantha & Anthony proposed the idea of driving to Chattanooga, TN for some Lookout Mountain engagement photos, we JUMPED at the opportunity! These two were crazy adventurous as we traipsed through the the Rock City Gardens and Ruby Falls at Lookout Mountain. Below is a quick interview with the Most Adventurous Couple, Samantha & Anthony!
How did you meet?
Samantha: We went on our first date in January 2014. My first impression of Anthony was he was sweet and very good looking. On our first date he gave me my favorite candy – Reese Cups and A Disney movie “Wreck it Ralph”. Anthony says that when he first saw me, he was blown away in how cute I was.
How/ when did you start dating?
Anthony: Our first date was in Savannah, GA and we were both nervous.
How was meeting the parents?
Samantha: I was nervous about Anthony meeting my family because he was the first guy that I had ever dated that I brought home. He was nervous meeting my family because he thought that my family would not like him. I was nervous about meeting his family because I don’t talk much when I meet new people.
Who said I love you first?
Samantha: Anthony said he loved me first. Anthony felt scared because he thought I would not say it back. After he told me I said it back to him and I was a little nervous because I had never told anyone that I loved them.
When did you know this person was the one?
Anthony: Samantha knew I was the one because she would allow me to be my nerdy self and that showed that she loved me for me. She was also a nerd and we loved doing everything together.
Samantha: I knew Anthony was the one when my mom asked him if he would be willing to help me take care of my niece if something happened to her and my dad.
How did the engagement happen?
Samantha: Anthony asked me to marry him December 24th 2015. He had posters with different people/characters we liked from movies and T.V. shows and his brothers, dad, and brother-in-law held the posters up as I walked down the pier. It didn’t happen as I expected because his sister filmed the whole thing wrong and got a picture of a character wrong on the poster. There were butterflies in Anthony’s stomach and he was nervous about the whole thing hoping that everything would go well. I knew nothing about it until I was walking half way down the pier to meet Anthony.
Last Questions! What’s the one thing about each other you couldn’t live without?
What Is a First Look Wedding? Pros, Cons, and Timeline Tips
Thinking about doing a First Look on your wedding day? Learn what a First Look wedding is, the pros and cons, and how it can shape your wedding photography timeline and overall experience.
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What Is a First Look Wedding?
A First Look wedding moment is a private time on the wedding day when a couple sees each other before the ceremony. It’s an emotional, intimate experience — often filled with joy, happy tears, and a moment of calm amid the day’s excitement.
While the emotional connection is central, First Look wedding photography also offers practical benefits. It opens up more flexibility in your wedding timeline by allowing couple’s portraits, wedding party photos, and even family photos to be completed earlier in the day. That means more freedom to enjoy the ceremony and celebration without feeling rushed.
Why Consider a First Look Wedding Timeline? 5 Key Factors
1. Sunset Timing: Will There Be Enough Light After Your Ceremony?
Have you checked what time the sun sets on your wedding day? If your ceremony ends around or after sunset, doing portraits afterward may mean working in very low light — or even complete darkness.
This is especially important for fall, winter, and early spring weddings, when the sun can set as early as 5:00 PM. If you’re planning to take outdoor portraits and want that naturally lit, light-and-airy look, you’ll want to be strategic about your timeline.
A First Look wedding timeline is one way to ensure those portraits happen in beautiful natural light — but it’s not the only way. If you’d prefer to wait until the ceremony to see each other, the ceremony should end at least one hour before sunset — ideally 1.5 to 2 hours before. Portraits taken during the final hour of daylight are possible, but the sun is actively setting during that time, which means we’re constantly adjusting lighting and camera settings. This can slow things down significantly — especially during family portraits — and can result in a lack of visual consistency across those images due to the shifting light.
The earlier the ceremony ends, the more flexibility we’ll have to create beautiful, well-lit portraits without the added stress of racing against the sun.
2. Personality & Nerves: How Do You Want to Feel on Your Day?
When deciding whether to do a First Look Wedding Timeline or a Traditional Wedding Timeline, it’s worth reflecting on how you and your partner naturally experience big moments — especially under pressure. Some couples know they’ll thrive in the spotlight, while others recognize they might feel more grounded with a quiet moment together beforehand.
For those who describe themselves as more private or introspective, the idea of being the center of attention can feel overwhelming. A First Look Wedding Timeline allows for an emotional, meaningful connection in a setting that’s calm, quiet, and away from the eyes of your guests. It becomes a moment just for the two of you — instead of being on display during one of the most emotionally charged moments of the day. It can make your first time seeing each other feel deeply intimate, without the pressure of performing in front of family and friends.
For couples who identify with being detail-oriented, hands-on planners, or simply find themselves managing many moving parts, seeing your partner ahead of time can provide a sense of calm and clarity. It brings the focus back to what the day is really about — the two of you and your commitment to each other.
Over the years, many of our couples have told us that their First Look became one of the most meaningful parts of their wedding day. It gave them a chance to slow down, take it all in, and share an experience that felt genuinely theirs — before the whirlwind of the celebration began.
3. Emotions & Makeup: Want a Private Moment (and a Touch-Up)?
Emotions and personality often go hand-in-hand — and on a day as meaningful as your wedding, even the most composed people can feel unexpectedly overwhelmed.
If you or your partner anticipate a wave of emotions the first time you see each other, a First Look Wedding Timeline can provide a quieter, more private setting to experience that moment together. It’s a chance to embrace the tears, the joy, and the emotional weight of the day without the pressure of an audience. And if makeup touch-ups are important to you, it also gives time to refresh before walking down the aisle.
If that emotional moment happens during the ceremony, you’ll be standing in front of all your guests, with no real opportunity to pause, regroup, or freshen up before portraits and post-ceremony interactions begin. It can still be beautiful and meaningful — just something to be aware of if you think you might get teary.
That said, if you don’t expect tears, this may not be a deciding factor for you — and that’s totally okay. Every couple’s dynamic is different, and your decision should reflect what feels most authentic to you.
4. Timeline Flexibility, Guest Time, and Transition Logistics
How a First Look Impacts Your Day
When couples choose to do a First Look wedding timeline and complete most portraits before the ceremony, it opens up more breathing room for the rest of the day. You’ll have the option to attend cocktail hour, enjoy a private moment together, or simply transition into the reception with less pressure.
To see how this decision changes the structure of an entire wedding day, compare our sample schedules in the Atlanta wedding photography timeline planning guide. It includes full-day examples both with and without a First Look, so you can see where portraits, family photographs, and reception events may fit.
What Happens Without a First Look
If you decide not to do a First Look Wedding Timeline, most of your wedding portraits are typically scheduled during cocktail hour — which is usually only about an hour long. In most cases, you’ll be away from your guests for the majority (if not all) of that time. We generally need about 30 minutes for immediate family and wedding party portraits, assuming there aren’t an extended number of group photo requests.
Why Transition Time Matters
After portraits & before the reception begins, we also need a 15-minute transition window to move into the reception space, adjust lighting and camera settings, and photograph the decor before guests enter the space. During this same time, your DJ or planner is usually lining up the wedding party for introductions, and one or both partners may be bustling a wedding dress, touching up makeup, or simply taking a moment to reset before being announced into the reception.
Limited Time for Couple’s Portraits
All of that leaves us with only about 15 minutes — at most — for couple’s portraits during cocktail hour. While we can still create something beautiful, it’s not a lot of time to offer variety. In a perfect world, we recommend setting aside closer to an hour for couple’s portraits — whether all at once or spread out across multiple parts of the day. A First Look Wedding Timeline gives us that additional opportunity to make that happen earlier in the day.
Portraits During the Reception (and the Best Timing)
We can absolutely plan for a few more portraits during the reception if you’re open to stepping away — and many couples are! When this happens, we usually aim for a 10–15 minute window after formalities are complete, once the dance floor opens. That way, you’re not missing any key moments or meals, and you’re not pulled away from guests during a time when everyone is reconnecting and relaxing. This approach gives us a little creative space without disrupting the flow of the evening.
The Risk of Running Behind
While most wedding days stay on schedule, if any part of the day runs longer than expected, portrait time is often the first area where adjustments are made — and that typically means reducing or cutting that time to keep the rest of the event on track.
To keep the reception timeline on track (especially meal time services and entrances), planners or venues may decide to shorten the portrait window. Since this time doesn’t directly impact guests or other vendors, it’s usually treated as the most flexible.
This only becomes an issue if the schedule runs late — but unless your preferences are clearly communicated to your planner in advance, there’s often an assumption that portraits can be condensed or skipped if needed.
If having that time is important to you, we strongly recommend voicing that early in the planning process. Building in extra buffer time — like with a First Look Wedding Timeline — adds more flexibility and helps protect that window if anything shifts on the day.
5. Honoring Tradition: Is a First Look Right for You?
For some couples, there’s nothing more meaningful than seeing each other for the first time at the altar — that quiet intake of breath, the collective stillness, the weight of that moment surrounded by your closest people. If that’s the way you’ve always envisioned your day, we deeply respect that.
Tradition isn’t just a preference — for many, it’s tied to heritage, family, or a sense of emotional grounding. And while it may come with a few logistical trade-offs, those details are secondary when weighed against what matters most to you. Your values, your story, and the meaning behind your choices deserve to be protected.
Our goal is to empower you with all the information you need to make decisions that align with your values and your vision for the day. If preserving tradition is at the heart of that, we’ll be there to support it fully — and to capture those moments with care, intention, and deep respect for what they mean to you.
First Look vs. No First Look Wedding: Which Should You Choose?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to doing a First Look Wedding Timeline or a Traditional Timeline — only what feels most aligned with your values, your vision, and the kind of experience you want to create together.
If capturing a wide range of portraits, building flexibility into your timeline, or easing into the day with a quiet moment together feels important — a First Look might be the perfect fit.
If tradition holds deep meaning for you, and you’ve always envisioned that emotional first moment happening at the altar, that’s just as powerful of a choice.
Our goal is simply to give you the clarity and context to make an informed decision — one that reflects who you are as a couple and how you want to remember your day. Whatever you choose, we’ll be there to support it fully, and to document it with care, intention, and heart.
What is a First Look wedding tradition? A First Look is a private moment when a couple sees each other before the ceremony. It’s often emotional, intimate, and offers a chance to connect without the pressure of an audience. It also opens up more flexibility in your photography timeline, since many portraits can be completed earlier in the day.
What are the pros and cons of doing a First Look? Pros include reducing stress, easing nerves, maximizing portrait time, and allowing more time with guests after the ceremony. Cons may include needing to be ready earlier and stepping away from a more traditional timeline. Ultimately, it depends on your priorities and how you want the day to feel.
Do we need a First Look to get sunset portraits? Not always — but if your ceremony ends near or after sunset, a First Look may be the only way to capture portraits in natural light. Without one, portraits will likely need to be done in lower light conditions or after dark, unless your ceremony ends at least 1.5 to 2 hours before sunset.
Can we still get great photos without a First Look? Absolutely. If you’d prefer to wait until the ceremony to see each other, we’ll make the timeline work. Just know that all combined portraits (with both partners + family + wedding party) will happen after the ceremony, which may mean less time with guests — and less light to work with — especially if anything runs longer than expected.
Can we do extra portraits during the reception — even if we’ve already done some earlier? Yes — many couples choose to step away briefly during the open dance floor for a few additional portraits. We typically aim for a quick 10–15 minute window so you’re not away from your guests for long. This isn’t meant to replace your main portrait time, but it can be a fun way to add variety — especially if you’re hoping for nighttime or creative lighting portraits later in the evening.
Still unsure whether a First Look Wedding Timeline is the right fit for your day? Reach out to us — we’re happy to walk you through your timeline and help you plan a wedding experience that feels fully your own.
A couple weeks ago, we had the honor of flying out to New Orleans for some awesome French Quarter engagement photos with Susan & Phil! Below is an interview with the bride and groom to be as well as some highlights from the day. How did the two of you meet? What were your first impressions? Was it love at first sight? We met through a mutual friend at work in the cafeteria on a Friday. We sat and had lunch together, and then decided to go out on the town with a bunch of friends. We both thought the other was cute, but love came from getting to know one another better over the next several weeks.
What attracted you most to each other? How long before you started dating? Where was your first date? Were you nervous? We gradually fell in to a relationship as we were getting to know each other after first meeting. We called it official about 1.5 months after the first time we met, after several weeks of spending most of our free times together after work and on weekends when we were both in town. We still can’t tell you where our actual “first date” was though.
What made this person different from anyone else you’d ever encountered? Were you nervous about one another meeting your family? Why? Who said I love you first? How did you feel after these words were said?
Bride: Phil is very different from anyone I have encountered. He’s intelligent, kind, thoughtful, is extremely neat and clean, and most importantly is an amazing chef. He takes such wonderful care of me and is willing to drop everything without a moments hesitation if I really need him. He even does little things to show how much he cares like washing and waxing my car when I’m out of town! I was the one to say I love you first. It was an accident and I was slightly intoxicated, but I meant it and I was more than happy to wait until he was ready to say it back because I was determined to spend the rest of my life with such an amazing man.
Groom: Susan is my kind of unique. She is not like most girls that like to get all dolled up and fancy every time they walk out of their bedroom. She doesn’t do anything that I would have stereotypically expected from a female. She is extremely down to earth, silly, funny, and comfortable wearing what makes her comfortable. Those qualities make her shine in a special light to me. I was never nervous to introduce her to my family, I was excited! I knew they would love her! While I wasn’t the first to blurt out “I love you”, I may well have been the first to FEEL like saying it. I played hard to get with my emotions at first. When I finally let my guard down and told her “I love you” for the first time at the Spanish Plaza fountain in New Orleans, it opened up a new feeling in our relationship and I have never been happier!
When did you know this person was the one? Was it a slow realization that crept up on you, or did it hit you like a bus? How did you feel when you had that “this is it” moment?
Bride: I think I knew a lot sooner than Phil did. Even when we had only known each other for a couple of months, it felt like he was my best friend and I could talk to him about anything.
Groom: I always had a great feeling about Susan since that time I said I love you. It had to be then that I realized this was it. Of course, I took a full year from that day to be completely sure, and then I popped the question!
How/ when did the engagement happen? Did everything go as planned? Who was the first person you told about your engagement? Leading up to and when the question was asked, were there butterflies? Was there any suspicion? Well the first person to know it was coming was Susan’s mother. With Susan’s father having passed away about 2 years ago, her mother was the one I went to for permission. At least that was my plan. She basically headed me off at the pass when I took her out for dinner on her birthday and coaxed it out of me. I was only planning to take her to a nice dinner on her birthday, but she thought I had an ulterior motive. Anyway, the first person I told after that was my best friend and roommate (same person). He helped me devise a plan and gave advice on where to find a ring.
The engagement took place in exactly the same spot we were standing in Spanish Plaza by the fountain, exactly 1 year after I said I love you for the first time. She thought we were going to New Orleans to attend a surprise birthday party for a fraternity brother of mine. We were supposed to meet up and check in to the hotel with another friend of mine prior to the party, Susan thought he had made the reservation. I had changed my mom’s cell number in my phone to his name, and had her text me that he hit traffic and would be running late. So when we got to New Orleans early with nowhere to go, I said we should take a walk down the lakefront. Susan was not happy with me because it was slightly colder than I expected, had forced her to wear a nice dress instead of something casual, and pair that with some not so comfortable heels. The last thing she wanted to do was walk outside, but she did it because I wanted to. I brought her to the fountain, positioned her right where we were standing and reminded her that it was exactly a year ago when we were there before. She swears she had no idea what was coming, because there’s no way I’d go through all the trouble of doing that before my friend’s party. I told her that I couldn’t live without her and got down on one knee, SHAKING, and barely muttered the words “Will you marry me?” as I was fighting off the urge to burst in to tears. She lit up, and made me the happiest man in the world when she said yes.
Of course, the first person she called was her mom too!
Last Questions! What’s the one thing about each other you couldn’t live without? You can’t make us pick one thing! That’s unfair!
Romantic Moments in Centennial Park Engagement Photos
Centennial Park, located in the vibrant heart of Atlanta, offers a stunning backdrop for engagement photos. With its lush greenery, iconic fountains, and breathtaking views of the city skyline, it’s no wonder so many couples choose this location to capture their love. Our Centennial Park engagement photos highlight the natural beauty of the park while showcasing the unique connection between each couple. The diverse settings within the park provide endless possibilities for creating timeless, romantic images that you’ll cherish forever.
Why We Love Centennial Park Engagement Photos
Engagement sessions at Centennial Park are always a delight for us at Jaimie Dee Photography. The park’s spacious layout and scenic spots make it ideal for capturing a variety of photo styles, from candid moments to posed portraits. Whether we’re photographing near the Fountain of Rings or amidst the blooming gardens, the park’s charm shines through in every image. Our Centennial Park engagement photos are a testament to the park’s ability to provide a picturesque and memorable setting for your engagement session.
Dallas Arts District Engagement Session | Dallas Wedding Photographers
So excited when we landed in Dallas for this Dallas Arts District Engagement Session! Laura & Larry were an absolute blast to work with! We started off the afternoon at a local restaurant / bar, Lark on the Park. With some liquid courage to start off the shoot, we had the pleasure of spending some quality time with Laura & Larry just shooting the breeze and getting to know each other a little better. The drinks were fabulous, the ambience amazing, and we had the whole place to ourselves. Dallas wedding photographers, would DIE to work with a couple as amazing as this dynamic duo! We LOVED having the opportunity shooting with the city architecture as the backdrop for this engagement session. Below are a couple of highlights from the day.
Dallas Wedding Photographers | Dallas Arts District Photos
We were so excited to fly out yesterday for Laura & Larry’s engagement photos! Before making the trip, Laura mentioned she wanted engagement images with more of a cityscape feel. After consulting our Dallas wedding photographers friends and looking at tons of Dallas Arts District photos, we realized it would be the PERFECT venue for us! Here are a couple of sneak peeks from the session below.
Hi! We're Jaimie & Kyle (+Associates) with Jaimie Dee Photography. We're Atlanta photographers based in the metro area and service clients all over the globe. Jaimie Dee Photography was established in 2008. We're primarily a wedding and portrait studio. Our images are crisp, clean & colorful and strike a balance between classic and candid styled portraits. Aside from the photography, we help you craft the perfect photo experience - from the beginning planning stages to the finished artwork hanging on your walls. When you're in front of our camera, we'll also offer you gentle guidance through a combo of stationary and movement based poses. We'll help bring out your inner diva too - even if you're shy! If you're looking for a photographer in the metro Atlanta area or beyond, we'd love to meet you!
