This is my favorite image from Courtenay and Justin’s first look a few years ago.  This bride and groom really made the moment their own by using this time to exchange their wedding gifts and share private wedding vows. :)

What is a first look?

 

 

Katie, thank you so much for sharing this sweet story!! If you’re new to this blog and don’t have a clue what a “first look” is, you can read more about it here. :)

Like so many, I have been obsessed with the Root blog for years. So when I got engaged in 2010 the first two things I did was 1)pick a date and 2) make sure the Roots were available to photograph my wedding. After ensuring I too would be a Root bride I had to convince my future husband that we would be doing a first look. Being a blog stalker I’ve read (and seen) all of the benefits of having a First Look so it wasn’t hard to determine that it would be a part of the our wedding day but I wasn’t sure how I was going to convince Jason of the same thing. Luckily I was marrying one of the the best men in the entire world and Jason was quick to buy-in to the First Look as well. We are both so, so, so glad that we did.  I think the biggest benefit is that it gave Jason and I additional time to take photos, which is SOO important. In watching siblings and friends marry over the years it always seemed like photographs got the least amount of thought, which I never understood. Another important factor in our decision was that doing a First Look also gave Jason and I a private moment, before all of the wedding craziness began, to enjoy each other, just the two of us. And I’m not ashamed to admit that a small part of my decision stemmed from wanting Jensey to like me just a little more. :) 

The day of the wedding was a whirlwind of emotions. Before I knew it, Jensey and Nate arrived at the golf club to start taking photos, hair and make-up were done, and I was being buttoned into my dress by my twin sister. Then I heard the magical words “Are you ready to see Jason?” As soon as Jensey asked that my heart started fluttering like a crazy. I felt like a high school girl before the prom. Jensey and Nate had previously scoped out the grounds and found the perfect little garden that was so private and secluded, away from all the prying eyes of my bridal party. As Jensey helped me down the walkway and I saw Jason, with his back to me, standing 100ft away I couldn’t help feel my eyes start to water. The moment was so surreal. As I approached Jason I reached for his hand and asked him to turn around. At that moment the world stopped and for a few seconds it was only Jason and I. For as long as I live I’ll never forget those few minutes where it was just the two of us being able to share and celebrate that special moment. 

Now let’s talk about the practical side of doing a first look. Because we decided on the first look we had about 30 minutes prior to the wedding to take pictures of Jason and I. Moments while my hair and make-up were still near perfect (which is so extremely important). We weren’t pressured to rush our photos and get into the reception and it really was one of the most laid back moments of the day. Later on, as I walked down the aisle and saw Jason my heart melted for the second time that day. I could focus just on the two of us and our future. I know without a doubt that having a first look was the absolute right decision. It made our magical day even more magical and I would recommend every Root bride really consider having one as well.