A Napa Fairytale: Formal Photos

We rounded up all of our family members for formal photos and I couldn't be happier with the results. I provided Luke with a list of "must haves" and he happily organized the groups in a quick and easy manner. We had "smile" shots and "regal" shots. Not sure if my cousins could stop laughing long enough to do a toothless smile, but there are lots of good photos to choose from for family framers.

My mom's side of the family and my maternal grandparents. My dad's side and his parents were unable to travel to California.

John rocked out his MOH duties and was forever fixing my train to look its best for photos. Loving the purple socks.

With my parents, and Mr. Barrettes' mom and step-dad.

Mr. Barrettes' dad.

Both sides of Mr. Barrettes' family.

Mr. Barrettes' siblings.

Our mini-party and my brother and sister-in-law.

The whole gang!

(photos by Luke Snyder Studio)

Aubrey was getting tired of taking photos-- it's hard being so cute all the time! But her mom wiped her tears, gave her a pep talk and she was back in front of the camera for the bridal party photo shoot coming up next!

Photog tip: Luke suggested that we start with the largest group of family first, then all family (both sides), followed by the smaller group of family members. This way more people can be dismissed from photos faster.

A Napa Fairytale: Bride & Groom Photo Shoot

After getting over the rush of our first look at each other, we settled down just a bit and Luke took a turn at directing a quick photoshoot. During our pre-wedding correspondence, I told Luke we were open to fun and unique photos. Of course there is a time and place for super-formal looking shots, but I like relaxed ones too and wanted to make sure to get a few silly ones.

Posing for your wedding photos can be hard. I was giddy and excited and didn't know whether we should be "doing something" or just acting how we felt and letting Luke use his eye to pick up the shots. He was great at placing us in good spots and then letting us act however we felt.

We have a history of these fun "mini-me" shots and naturally needed to have some on our wedding day.

 The above left shot is one of my favorites. Definitely a framer.

(photos by Luke Snyder Studio)

As we wrapped up our personal photo shoot, the natives out front were getting restless. At least they're good at entertaining themselves! We rounded up the families and everyone joined us at the back of the winery for an easy peasy formal shoot.

Did you have fun with your wedding photos? A "day after" shoot is a good idea too if you don't have time on your wedding day for informal shots.

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!