The First Look: A Groom's Reflections & Video Recap

I've already shared my thoughts about our "first look" at Gardens of the World, but what does the groom have to say? Here's the story from my husband's perspective, along with a short video clip capturing that special moment, along with the rest of our pre-wedding photo shoot.

Though we initially went back and forth about whether to do a first look, this moment ended up being truly special and a lot of fun. My preconception was that I shouldn't see Heather in her gown until she came down the aisle at the ceremony. However, as Heather explained more about what the first look entailed, I warmed up to the idea.

In the months leading up to the wedding, I took great pains to avoid learning any details about Heather's dress. If I was using the digital camera, I couldn't look through the saved photos. If there was a phone conversation regarding the dress, I had to make sure I was in a different room. Most difficult of all, I had to carry the dress through the Chicago-O'Hare airport and try not to backlight the opaque garmet bag or pick out any details. (Although I did quickly learn that the dress was REALLY heavy). Even though it made life a bit more complicated, I'm glad the details were unknown to me, because it made the first look very exciting.

The setup our photographer devised was really simple. I stood in the entranceway at Gardens of the World with my back facing the direction from which Heather would come. As soon as I was in place, I realized that I was facing a glass door through which I could not only see my groomsmen waiting inside, but also the reflection of anyone coming up behind me! I quickly averted my eyes so that I wouldn't spoil the first look.

The funny thing is that when Heather did come up and lightly tap me on the shoulder, I turned around, and the first thing that blew me away was just seeing her face. Don't get me wrong, the dress was fantastic, but that split second of recognition and joy to see her meant everything. Only after that first embrace did I truly notice the dress. At that point, I was especially glad I hadn't seen the it ahead of time, because it made for such an awesome surprise.

Would I have had the same reaction if we'd waited until the ceremony to see each other? I would like to think so, but it definitely would've been different standing in a large church surrounded by a crowd of people. Personally, I think the first look before the ceremony allowed for a more intimate and personal way to see each other. I really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it to other couples.



What are your fiance's thoughts about doing a first look? Do his views differ from yours?

(Photo Credit: Alex Neumann Photography; Video Credit: Max MacIver Videography) 

A Bee In My Bonnet – Or Rather, My Wedding Dress!

Ever since I got stung on the bottom of the foot by a bee sneakily lurking in my shoe at age eight, I’ve been deathly afraid of the little buzzers. So, when a bee stealthily made its way onto the scene during our Gardens of the World photo shoot, things could have unraveled into chaos very quickly.

I could have gotten stung. I could have panicked and damaged my dress. But thanks to my calm and quick-thinking fiance, none of those things happened.

Ever cool and collected, Stephen simply asked me to stop for a moment as we were heading to one of the garden’s photo sites. I didn’t know what was going on, but watched as he quickly reached underneath one tier of lace on my gown. Then I saw it. A bee, no doubt attracted to the floral patterns embroidered into the lace, had crept underneath a layer while I wasn’t looking!

But Stephen removed it so quickly that I didn’t even have time to so much as bat an eyelash. I guess creepy crawlers are one hazard of taking photos or holding a wedding at an outdoor location!

Has your husband or fiance ever stepped in to save the day at just the right moment? Do bees or other insects gross you out, too?

(Photo Credits: Alex Neumann Photography)

The ‘First Look’ We Almost Skipped

Like many couples who get married in the Catholic Church, we initially didn’t plan to see each other before the ceremony. I’m no believer in superstition, but I did want that special moment when I would start down the aisle and Stephen would see me for the first time that day. Or did I?

Actually, maybe not. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that this would mean I’d spend half the wedding day without the most important person sharing it with me – my groom! So, instead of waiting for the big reveal, we decided to do a “first look” at Gardens of the World, the site where my sister snapped our first set of engagement photos last spring.

Looking back, I can honestly say that seeing each other beforehand is one of the best decisions we made about the entire wedding. It was such a special, unforgettable moment – much more memorable than his seeing me from the end of a long aisle while standing before a church full of guests.

We got to hug and talk, and were then able to capture some of the best photos from the day pre-ceremony, while my makeup was fresh and before things got crazy. Seeing each other also did wonders for our nerves, since we were both more nervous than we thought we’d be.

Here, a few of our favorite still shots. The video footage will be ready soon, too!

Are you planning to do a “first look”? Why or why not?

(Photo Credits: Alex Neumann Photography)

Our ‘First Look’: A Quick Trip Around the World

I’ll admit that in the beginning, I was a bride adamantly opposed to doing a “first look” with the groom, not because of any “bad luck” superstitions, but mostly because I simply wanted to experience that “wow” moment at the start of the ceremony, when Stephen and I would lay eyes on one another for the first time that day. Well, I’m hoping we’ll still get our “wow” moment, but now with a few tweaks.

Every time I’m in California, I just have to visit the Gardens of the World botanical site in my hometown. This unique and stunningly beautiful location features different garden settings modeled after the styles found in various countries around the globe, including Italy, Japan and England. And one of my absolute favorites is the site’s California-themed Spanish mission-style courtyard.

It’s true that early in our planning, we tossed around the idea of taking post-ceremony pictures at the Gardens, where my sister also snapped our DIY engagement photos last spring. But as more wedding details were worked out, we decided it made much more sense to take our cocktail-hour shots at the golf course where we’re holding the reception.

Now, overall, I consider myself to be a low-key, compromise-willing bride. But after visiting the Gardens again in December, I made up my mind. Come what may, I have to take photos at this site on my wedding day. It’s gorgeous, different, and I love everything about it. The only way to make it work? Heading to the Gardens two hours before the ceremony, and doing a “first look” photo session there.

Will it be hot in the June California sun? Probably. Do I need a willing bridesmaid to traipse with me from photo op to photo op holding my train so that it doesn’t get dirty? Yes. Will we have to comply with the site’s detailed permitting process? Absolutely.

But do we think it’s worth it? You bet!

Are you doing a “first look” before the ceremony? If so, where?

(Photo Credits: Gardens of the World)