I was at odds with my husband when we were planning this moment on our wedding day. Being a wedding photographer, I was all for a first look. My husband is a bit more traditional. He wanted to see me for the first time walking down the aisle toward him. We made a compromise in a first touch–where we didn’t see each other (we clumsily backed up to each other and exchanged a few words and sweet hand touches). We still got beautiful photos of this moment, and we still got the looks on our faces at our ceremony.

Maybe you’re at odds with your fiancé on what you both want, or maybe you’re just looking for something a little more unique. Let’s get creative on some alternate ideas for a first look. (by the way, here’s how you fit a first look into your wedding day timeline)

First Look Without the Look: The First Touch

I’m partial to this one, because I think it’s SO cute. Touch around a corner, a door frame, or on opposite sides of the corner of a building. You can hold hands and exchange a few words, a letter, or gifts. This moment can be emotional, but it will definitely help ease pre-ceremony nerves and makes for incredibly touching photos.

First Look without Physical Presence: The First Call

I love the idea of renting some cool vintage phones (okay, cell phones *will* work too, or you could nab some of these cool things) and having a quick call in the moments before your ceremony. You could even leave gifts for each other in the different rooms you’re in, or playfully hint at the grand reveal of your wedding gown.

Faux-Elopement First Look: Early Morning Vow Exchange

Depending on when your ceremony is, you might be starting super early in the morning. If you’re not, consider this: with the beautiful light on your wedding day morning, we can go on a little adventure (your backyard, a sweet spot at your venue, or a mountaintop, whichever feels right) and you can more privately exchange vows. Just you, your spouse-to-be, and a photographer third wheelin’.

I love this one because you get the privacy and sweetness of an elopement while still getting all the beauty of your ceremony.

First Taste

I know this one sounds weird, but what if you had breakfast together on your wedding day rather than rushing out the door? Even if you slept separately the night before, maybe you make each other breakfast in your home, or you make sure a special treat is waiting for them in their getting ready suite. This can also be an alternative to a gift on your wedding morning, especially if you have a wedding party or family member ferry their most favorite treat to them while they’re at the height of their nerves!