A Napa Fairytale: First Look

We decided early in planning the first look option was for us. Our ceremony would begin at 6:30 PM and the reception ended at 11 PM. That didn't leave adequate time for the kind of formal photos we wanted. We both have large families and it would take time to organize and photograph everyone. Doing a first look at 4:45 PM allowed 15 minutes for just us, an hour for formal family photos, and 30 minutes to regroup and collect ourselves for the ceremony. 

I researched where the tradition of the groom not seeing the bride until she was walking down the aisle originated, and I found it dated back to arranged marriages. The bride's parents did not want the groom seeing the bride first, for fear he may find her hideous and refuse to marry her. By the time she was walking down the aisle, it would be too late for him to flee. Feeling this would not apply in our situation, we decided it was okay for us to break this tradition in lieu of a longer time to celebrate!

I waited in the lawn and chatted with my peeps until I got the signal to walk.

When he turned around it was like magic and that was the only moment when I saw real tears in his eyes. Mr. Barrettes has very good control over his emotions, not to say he isn't emotional, but the look in his eye isn't one I will ever forget. 

I flashed him my new bow ring, and he had me do a turn so he could see the whole package. He told me I was beautiful and my dress was perfect. I was so happy to finally be able to share my dress with him-- I knew he would love it. He always goes for form-fitting over poofy.

I admired how handsome he was, commented that I loved the bow tie and of course he had me make sure it was straight in the front and the back. I wondered in this moment if the tie should have been under his shirt collar, but decided it was better to bite my tongue and I just fixed it up and told him it was perfect. I've since learned his tie was correct. The tie only goes under if it's a point collar.

We had a brief chat about the morning's events, and then he produced 2 wine glasses and a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc. That's my man!

We cheers'ed to eachother and to our beautiful wedding day, and stole a kiss before we began to pose for photos.

(photos by Luke Snyder Studio)

To those who think a first look will ruin your moment, I assure you it won't. The moment you first see your beloved on your wedding day will be real and it will be yours and it will be right. I am thankful that no one else was around for our moment (save our ninja photographers) and we enjoyed those stolen minutes alone on our wedding day.

Are you still debating a first look? I can put up a good argument for it if you're on the fence!