Benefits of a First Look

Recently, I was talking to one of my upcoming fall couples, and they mentioned that they didn’t want to see each other until the ceremony. They envisioned that traditional WOW moment of seeing each other for the first time as she walked down the aisle. As amazing as that moment is/can be, it just wasn’t a smart decision for them based on their wedding and timing. Here is why, and this may apply to you!

1. They have the venue for 5 hours for the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception

2. They would only have that brief period of time during cocktail hour to take a) family portraits b) full bridal party shots, and c) most importantly, shots of the them together! One hour is just NOT enough for all of that!

3. They wanted to start the ceremony around 6pm, so the cocktail hour photo session would have to take place during dwindling light (6:30 – 7:30, with the sun setting slightly earlier in the fall)

4. The wedding is going to be at the gorgeous Chicago Botanic Gardens, so it would be an absolute crime if they didn’t take advantage of all the amazing photo-worthy locations!

What they didn’t realize is that there is another option, aka the First Look… that private moment when the bride and groom see each other for the first time at a pre-designated location before the ceremony. In my opinion, this is just as special as that down-the-aisle moment because they actually have a chance to soak each other in (privately!), get the ugly-cry face out of the way, take some time to chat and giggle over the anticipation and excitement of the day, all while the photographer is unobtrusively snapping away.

It just makes sense. And for my couple, they were sold! This way we can allocate a solid two hours to photos, with the bridal party photos happening right after the First Look. AND they would have some time to enjoy the cocktail hour (after a few family pictures). Almost every couple I have worked with in the past has done a First Look… and didn’t regret it one bit! If you are planning on doing this as well, be sure to allow at least an hour, if not more for this! And then give yourself some time (20+ mins) to freshen up before the ceremony, super important :)

Just for fun, here are some shots from MY first look at the Hyatt Lodge! Enjoy!
All photos by the awesome Dennis Lee

Apparently, I was 15 minutes late, so here he is checking his watch.

  

I love the big smile on his face!

 

What did I tell you about the “ugly-cry face”?!

I gave him this pack of tissues beforehand to keep in his pocket specifically for this reason:

I’m a crier.

All better!

Literally, HUNDREDS of pictures ensued after this, but I won’t subject you to them all!

 

(For more pics, check out my Weddingbee recaps)

Are YOU doing a first look? Where are you doing yours? Don’t forget the tissues!

Do Bridesmaids Need to Match?

In a word: NO!

Admittedly, having all of your “ladies-in-waiting” wear matching dresses was a long-held tradition that was rarely questioned or deviated from for years. But lucky you, that is NO longer the case, so feel free to be creative and allow your ‘maids some freedom to choose their own fab frocks! And maybe (just maybe!) they might actually wear their dresses again! Shocking, I know…

Take a look at some of my favorite examples below.

The most subtle example: choosing classic bridesmaids dresses in different styles, cuts and necklines, but in the same shade of navy blue, similar fabric sheens, and with each lady in similar updo’s that keep them all looking coordinated and super chic! I love that each bridesmaid is also carrying a different all-white bouquet!

Via Love and Splendor, photo by Trista Lerit


The next two examples showcase bridesmaids in dresses of the all same color but in different styles, fabrics, lengths, etc… and yet, they all GO together! 

 
Left Image via Style Me Pretty, photo by 4 Eyes Photography
Right image via Style Me Pretty, photo by Michelle Amarante


Now we’re moving on to entirely different dresses that are in a range of colors, dusty lilacs and greys. It almost looks like a neutral palette, I love it!

 
Via Ruffled Blog;  Photo by The Schultzes



And if you are really adventurous and love color, a rainbow of bridesmaids dresses, unified by all being long and flowy (big fan of the empire waist!) , and with each bridesmaid carrying the same rustic, gardeny bouquet. I’m not saying that this is my favorite look, but when done right, there is definitely a charm about it!

Via The Brides Cafe

TIPS to pulling off the mismatched bridesmaids look:

1. If you really love the idea of mismatched bridesmaids dresses, have at least ONE element that ties them all together, whether it be having them all carry the same bouquet, the same stylish clutch, or wear the same shoes, or maybe the same fabulous hair accessory.

2. If you want them to look different, but not TOO different, consider requesting a certain length dress: knee length, tea length, or floor length.

3. No need to stick to bridesmaid dress designers - this is the best time to go off the rack! Send your ladies to Nordstroms, Macy’s, JCrew, Ann Taylor, Anthropologie, Banana Republic, basically any store that carries cocktail dresses!

4. It may be difficult for all your girls to find dresses in the PERFECT shade so give them a RANGE of colors to choose from. The easiest way to do this? Go to your neighborhood paint or hardware store and head straight for the paint section with the paint chips! Find the strip with your ideal spectrum of colors and send one (or more if you’d like) to each of your ‘maids. Done!

 Source

5. These days, bridesmaids don’t need to be matchy-matchy, they just need to GO together :)

 

Amazing DIY Wedding Projects on Ruffled!

Ruffled is one of my favorite wedding blogs, and I have been blown away by their recent DIY contest entries! (I’m also amazed that all these people who entered have such great photography skills, but that’s a whole ‘nother topic…) The entry deadline has already passed, and below are some of my favorite entries. Check out the links for step-by-step instructions for each of the projects and many more pictures. If I were a bride, I would totally be inspired by this creativity!

Entry #4: Vintage Postcard Save-the-Date by Heather

This dedicated bride scoured antique stores for vintage postcards (which already were used/written on):

And painstaking bleached the ink writing off and typed her Save-the-Date message with a vintage type-writer. Wow!

 

Entry #10: Vintage Bridesmaids Necklace by Lisa of Ink and Buttons

Now this is one of my favorites because I totally WANT this necklace… but am too lazy to make it for myself, despite the detailed instructions! Anyone want to make it for me?! hehe. It’s made with a strand of chandelier crystals!

Actually, upon second reading, I may have to attempt this necklace at some point because I love it that much.

 

Entry #17: Faux Milkglass Centerpieces by blogger Annie of Marry You Me

Milk glass is seriously all the rage these days, but can be hard to find and/or pricey. So this resourceful bride found regular glass vases at the thrift store, and SPRAY PAINTED them! What an Ah-Ha moment, duh! And they turned out amazing - all the look - without the all the price. I’ve never actually attempted to spray paint anything, but I’m seriously tempted to try now…

I also think her choices in glassware were perfect!

 

Entry #18: Vintage Lace Headband by Jessica

Three simple ingredients became a swoon-worthy headband. How perfect would this look with a flowy, Grecian-style gown?

 

Entry #20: Tin Can Vases by Cori Cook Floral

Ok, this project is completely affordable and SO do-able for a crafty bride without a big budget for flowers!

VOILA!

Entry #23: Photobooth Wall by Laura

How cute is this photobooth wall? If I could go back in time, I would love to have something super awesome like this at my wedding! Oh well, no such luck…

 

You can find all of the entries linked here. Trust me, so much DIY goodness you may just be tempted to head over to your nearby thrift store/craft store/hardware store!