Our Perfect Day: First Site, Part I

Hubs and I decided to see each other prior to the wedding ceremony. I was a huge advocate of this for three reasons- a.) I thought I might be a little too emotional/big ball of nerves if I waited to see Hubs until I walked down the aisle, b.) I really wanted to take all of our pictures/bridal party pictures prior to the ceremony so everyone could enjoy cocktail hour, and c.) I wanted some down time with Hubs prior to the ceremony, prior to the craziness beginning.

Boy am I glad that we saw each other prior to the ceremony. I wouldn't have wanted it any differently!

First Site Location- The garden area between the Westin Hotel and Simon Properties.

Traditionally I have seen the groom wait for the bride to come surprise him but we did it opposite. I was positioned around a corner in the garden area waiting for Hubs. Hubs wasn't able to see me until he turned the corner. Of course that didn't stop me from anxiously peeking around the corner! I love the smile on his face when he turns the corner and sees me!

I love, love love this set of three pictures! We have a large blank wall in our bedroom and I am thinking that these might be wall hangers! What do you think?!?

Recommendations-

See each other prior to the wedding. Remember, this is my recommendation and I know that other people feel differently and I totally respect that but I was so happy we saw each other prior to the ceremony. Seeing each other made life so much easier! Would you like to know why?

1. All our pictures were done prior to the ceremony so we were able to thoroughly enjoy cocktail hour instead of running around trying to get pictures done. In return, cocktail hour lasted the allotted time.....no more, no less. I once attended a wedding in which cocktail hour turned into a 2 1/2 hour fiasco because the pictures were lasting longer than the bridal party originally thought. That equated to annoyed, hungry, drunk guests. I know that it is the brides/grooms day but that is still very rude to your guests.
   
2. We were able to travel as a group to the different picture destinations and didn't have to worry about some elaborate scheme to prevent us from seeing each other. It was stressful enough trying to keep Hubs from seeing me before I was ready, I couldn't imagine trying to keep that up. Want proof? See this post.
   
3. There were lots of fun times to be had prior to the ceremony with our bridal party. Once the reception started we didn't get that one on one time with our bridal party and let's face it- your bridal party consists of your closest friends and family, ie- the people you want to spend the most time with (other than your spouse, obviously).
4. Things turned a lot more hectic after the ceremony so it was harder for Hubs and I to have that alone time and those special moments. Your friends and family are congratulating you, you are trying to get your dress bustled, veil out of your hair, figure out where you need to be next, corraling the bridal party for introductions, etc. Stephanie did an AH-MAZING job of taking care of EVERYTHING and I mean EVERYTHING! But even then you still have a lot of people talking to you and dragging you all over the place. And once the reception begins.....kiss all alone time away! You are busy dancing, eating, talking....in my case more talking then eating.......spending at least 15 minutes with 3 bridesmaids attempting to hold up your dress just so you can find the toilet so you can go pee.....I'm telling you, very tricky!!! lol
   
5. I had set aside lots of time for pictures of our first site. We had lots of one on one time and we loved every second of it. We walked around, talked and mostly just enjoyed being in each others presence. It was very calming and peaceful. Everything that had been running through my brain was instantly gone.....I didn't have a care or concern in the world! I was just happy to spend that time with the man I was about to marry. Words didn't need to be spoken....just being with each other was enough!
   

Scope out your first site location prior to the big day. I did not do this. Thank goodness for our photographer, Angela! She had spied out the location earlier and had all the details worked out in her mind.

All professional pictures are by Angela Talley Photography. Please give due credit when posting any pictures. Thanks!

Up next: First Site, Part II (sorry, there are a ton of pictures that I love and I couldn't decide between so I am stretching this out)

Previously Posted:
Gifts
Getting Dressed and a Special Visitor
The Dress and Accessories
The Hair and Makeup
Rise and Shine!
Post Rehearsal Dinner
Rehearsal Dinner
Rehearsal