3.03.2011

Wedding Recaps: First Look

Mr. SE and I decided it was important for us to see each other before the ceremony. All wives tales aside, we believed it would make us more at ease, less anxious, and give us clarity for the ceremony. It did all of that and more. Le sigh- looking through all of these pictures gives me butterflies every time...

I'll never forget walking out into the courtyard towards my future husband. While my bridesmaids clamored up against the door (and my planner shooed them away), I tip toed my way towards my future husband. As I reached out to tap his shoulder, our photographers instructed him to turn around. The look on his face will forever be burned into my mind. I've never seen such happiness, joy, and love on my husband's face-- it was the beginning of the most magical hours of my life.

Choosing to see each other before the ceremony was the right option for us for a variety of reasons. Like I already stated, it definitely brought a sense of calm to our ceremony, and it also worked out logistically. We were able to take pictures with each other and our bridal party too. Here's some of my favorites.
































That was a super picture-heavy post! What do you think about seeing your fiance before the ceremony? Love it or leave it? Sound off!

All images are from the incomparable Gray Photography

9 Wonderful Comments:

Classy Fab Sarah said...

I love seeing these pictures!

I think I've commented this before but my friends got married at the same church around the same time as you did so it's weird to see two different gorgeous weddings against the same gorgeous backdrops.

I think pictures before the ceremony are totally OK. It does relieve some of the tension.

Natasha said...

i just love the pictures from this moment... and i love the video, too!!! such a great time for you and the hubs =)

unfortauntely, this bride wont be seeing jeff before... all each other's personal preference, right??? cannot wait!!

Nicole-Lynn said...

Very sweet pictures! I'm glad it worked for you two! My fiance and I won't be seeing eachother before the ceremony either.

me said...

We saw eachother that morning in shorts and tshirts while the flowers were being set up onsite, but we waited for the ceremony to see eachother dressed up. I wanted to see that look on his face as I walked down the aisle. Whatever works for each couple!

Hilary said...

Aww, so cute. I will definitely do a "sneak peek" before the wedding next time. And your hair looked awesome - is that how your hair is naturally or did you have it done?

Guys, Girls and Love said...

Wow those are nice photos. Happy couple... so perfect together. Congrats!

Katie said...

Seriously so so gorgeous!!!

kaitlin johnston said...

hi -

i just found your blog and these pics are wonderful ! i am recently engaged and i dont want to see my fiance before we get married .. but as another girl said whatever works best for you and your husband .. i just want that moment when our eyes meet and we see eachother for the first time all dressed up and fancy ! i really look forward to reading more from you and getting to connect with you :)

- kaitlin

Beth said...

I love that you did the first look! You made an absolutely stunning bride and the photos are gorgeous - I'm a huge fan of Gray Photography.