In modern times, this prearranged meeting known as the “First Look” has become a special moment in weddings. This is usually coordinated with the photographer to find a somewhat secluded, private space that the couple can meet. Often the groom has his back turned towards the bride as she walks up to greet him. Once the two meet they share an intimate moment that can be beautifully captured by photo + video.

 

One of the added benefits of having the First Look before the ceremony is that you now have the opportunity to take photos together. Many times the couple will choose to also take family and formal photos in this time period so after the ceremony they can go straight to the reception or cocktail hour.

 

Another benefit of having the First Look is that it’s highly unlikely you will be late to your ceremony as you’ve already been dressed and ready well before the start time.

Always good to have a Plan B.

Because Ash selected a Connecticut-based photographer (she schooled East Coast), two months ago I travelled to Silverthorne & scoped out potential wedding shot locations.  Sapphire Point: snow-capped peaks, frozen Lake Dillon, short hike, ample trailhead parking.

Fast forward to yesterday.  Quick ride UP to Sapphire Point to check out snow conditions (bride would be hiking in a dress).  Same trail, same ample parking but with 30 folding chairs in our spot.  Appears on THIS hiking trail, at THIS particular spot, May thru October, one can pay $110 & reserve OUR spot for a 2-hour window thru recreation.org.  Trail is not restricted from hiking but the overlook – key for pictures – no longer available.  Are you kidding me?!

2 hours to secure a new spot – and tell the bride, day before her wedding.  BIG father-of-the-bride moment.  No worries, I’ve got this.

Private dirt road on the drive to Wilp Manor (the Wilpiszeski’s home rental), found my Plan B.  Rustic farm equipment, wooden fence posts against a HUGE mountain backdrop – mountain pics, #1 criteria of the bride.

Plan A – my Sis & family would drive to Sapphire Point while the photographer is doing ‘First Look’ pics at the wedding venue.  She’d physically hold our spot assuming there is not a 2^nd wedding conflict.  Plan B – rustic farm & mountain.

Wedding Day.  Morning jog along the Blue River, running high from snow melt.  Spent the day in nearby Frisco with family.  But most important: no rain, no snow, no clouds – only SUNSHINE on Ashton’s BIG day, her WEDDING day.

• 3pm:  stayed tucked inside the venue, while bride & groom had their ‘First Look’ moment.
• 3:15pm:  got the call from Sis, going with Plan B.
• 3:45pm:  Bride, Groom, Maid-of-Honor & Best Man – all piled into my Prius.  Photographer to follow.

Everything happens for a reason.

What I didn’t know (because of yesterday’s inclement weather) – Plan B’s wood posts fenced in a horse farm.  Sunshine bounced off snow-capped peaks.  Springtime Aspen hued multiple shades of green.  Breathtaking, absolutely perfect.

More perfect?

Add 2 dozen elk.  Just WOW.

Wedding Day ELK!