Wedding Day: First Look

When we were both ready and dressed in our best, it was time for our “first look.” It was very important that we see each other before the wedding for a number of reasons. The main one being that we had fantastic photographers, and we wanted to take full advantage of them in the beautiful city of New Orleans. Another reason was, we thought it would be fun to hang out and have fun with our wedding party before the “big party.”

We had planned on meeting at a balcony overlooking the river, but American Idol was having auditions in our hotel the day of the wedding, so our initial first look location got blocked off. I’m not sure who found it or decided on it, but a beautiful courtyard became the new spot.
It was so much fun walking outside and seeing my groom’s back facing me, ready to turn around and see me for the first time as his bride. I know he must have heard me walk out, but he waited to turn around until I said his name. It was the sweetest thing… very surreal though. I think at that moment I realized it really was our wedding day. We talked and hugged for a quick minute (holding off on the kiss until the ceremony), and then we were on our way to meet the limos and our wedding party.