I wanted to share a few of Kayla and Dan’s first look photographs before I do their whole wedding post. I’m going to step on my soapbox here and talk about why I always recommend first looks. I completely understand the traditional view of not having the groom see the bride until she walks down the aisle, and if the couples that I’m working with prefer that, I’m more than happy to do that. HOWEVER. I think there is so much to say about having a first look before the ceremony. For starters, it’s such a sweet time for the couple to have some alone time on their wedding day. Trust me, after being to so many weddings, I can tell you that nothing ever goes according to plan. Time moves quickly, and so without a first look, many couples feel rushed and like they didn’t get to spend any time just the two of them. As you can see below, you still get the sweet look on the groom’s face as he sees his bride for the first time. Kayla said to me as we were on our way to meet Dan for the first look that she felt so much calmer knowing that she was going to get to see him first and have time to spend with him before the ceremony and reception. Also, it gives so much more time for portraits of the two of you together. When we do a first look, we don’t have to worry about doing portraits after the ceremony, when you’re worrying about your guests and if they are getting bored with cocktail hour. All in all, it just provides time for the couple to really spend time with each other on THEIR day. I’ll step down from my soapbox now, as I think the photos will do the rest of the explaining for me :)

Dan totally cried. I know he wouldn’t want me to tell you that, but he did, and it was sweet :) They are precious. Look at Dan’s blue eyes! After the first look, we headed over to a coffee shop and juice bar called Grind and Squeeze. If you haven’t been there, I highly recommend you go! It was super cute and the staff is wonderful. Kayla and Dan exchanged their letters and presents to each other on the veranda. Kayla loved this line :)