Our Sweet Beginning: First Look and Bride/Groom Portraits

When the girls and I were done getting ready, we headed over to the site of our reception where my handsome groom was waiting. Brian and I opted to do a first look before the ceremony, which worked out perfectly for us.

Brian waited for me at the end of a long staircase, and I walked (very carefully and slowly) down to him.

I felt like a ball of nerves right up until the moment Brian turned around to see me.

After we hugged, it all just kind of melted away and made way for pure excitement about marrying my best friend!

By far, one of my favorite moments of our wedding day.

I loved, loved, loved our first look. It gave Brian and I a minute to spend together, just the two of us, before the day really got crazy. It was so emotional, but didn't really take away from the meaning of our ceremony or that feeling walking down the aisle to my groom. Less importantly, it made the day a lot less stressful because we were able to take care of most of our pictures before the ceremony.

First up, some individual portraits. Me...

...and that groom of mine.

And my favorites of the two of us!

These next two? Absolute. Favorites. We have the one on the right as a canvas on our bedroom wall.

 

I could go on forever, but I'll stop there. :) In the next installment of our wedding recaps...the bridal party and our formal family portraits!