Wednesday, April 22, 2009

First glimpse

We've been making a ton of ceremony decisions this week, including a biggie: To see each other before the ceremony.

Our reasons are many: cocktail hour love, general timing, and also nerves. The thought of missing all of our cocktail hour is seriously stressful to me. First, all my favorite music has been relegated to that part of the evening (I am quite the mellow music lover). Second, my menu must-have - shrimp and grits - was transformed from an entree into an adorable hors d'oeuvre, and if I don't get to taste it, I'll be sad. Third, our photos will cut off some of the cocktail hour even if we do our own photos first, so we might as well speed it up if we can. As for nerves... I really don't like feeling nervous. I'm too jumpy and I blush easily if I'm nervous - not my natural state at all. But if I've already seen T, and we've already done our own "first glimpse" without a hundred pairs of eyes on us, I think I'll be really excited and calm before the ceremony instead, a state of being that I much prefer.

So far the schedule is looking something like this:
  • First Glimpse photos - Just the two of us
  • Groom and groomsmen, Groom and family
  • Bride and bridesmaids, Bride and family
  • Ceremony
  • Huge group photo with all guests (I'll explain this soon!)
  • Group family photos
  • Bride and Groom
  • Bride and Groom with wedding party
  • Cocktail hour and start of reception
  • Sneak-out at 7:30 for Bride and Groom sunset shots on the sound
  • Rest of reception
The more I've thought about it, the more romantic I think the idea of the "First Glimpse" is if it's done right. A private moment before craziness ensues, structured so that the expression everyone hopes is captured on the groom at the end of the aisle is captured up close and personal instead. Besides, I have a feeling my F-Word will have something photo-worthy for me during the ceremony even if he's already seen the dress. So to First Glimpse shots: see what I mean?

With This Ring's wedding

7 comments:

Melissa @ I Pick Pretty said...

I kinda wish I had done photos before the ceremony myself. Think it is a great idea to get the nerves out of the way like that.

How cute are those photos? That one where the bride is reaching out to tap the groom on the shoulder is particularly terrific.

Kate said...

Yessssssssss!!! Best decision! I don't think you'll be sorry in the slightest!!

Stephanie said...

I'm with Mel. I wanted to do it beforehand, and Mr. Newlywed and my parents had me out voted.

Pictures take too much time as it is, and I wish we had taken that moment to ourselves. We really didn't get a second alone until after the whole thing was over, and we were in our honeymoon suite.

Trevor said...

Maggie already knows this, but I'm all for the pre-wedding pics. I love the idea of it just being the two of us when I get to see her for the first time. I mean, aside from the photogs, who I've learned to tune out, having dated a blogger/celebrity for the last 3 years. plus the first glimpse is really just a tiny bit of what the ceremony and the day are all about.

Lisa Dyson said...

I know I'm old-fashioned, but I still think that the first time you see each other should be at the ceremony! I guess I've only got my own experience to go by, but that feeling of seeing Will as I was walking down the aisle to marry him is something I wouldn't give up for anything in the world... even though I was a crying, blubbering mess!!! But, I'm sure it will still be special no matter what!

Sissy said...

Brilliant Plan! Please post the final schedule when it's ready. We're in the same place right now, and the schedule is stressing me out! :)

Lucky in Love said...

I am so glad that you have found something that will work for you. That's the most important thing.

Those pictures are amazing!