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 2nd 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.
-
- ‘First Look’
-
- sunshine, Colorado Aspen & MOUNTAINS
-
- amazing PLAN B location, right?
-
- wedding party fave
-
- check out the Bride’s boots — double LOVE!
-
- more perfect? Add 2 dozen ELK!
-
- must be official, been posted on social media 🙂
Wedding Day ELK!
Last week of 2 Hagas in the office. Ash said her goodbyes Wednesday, the future in-laws were first to arrive [from New Jersey]. PS gifted the couple a [Sprout] integrated amplifier & set of [ELAC] speakers. Very nice. Many thanks!
Sunday wedding. Family arrived on multiple flights mid-day Friday/Friday nite/early Saturday/Saturday afternoon. Hit the highway Saturday morning, easy 2 hour drive – destination: Silverthorne CO, elevation 9,035ft. BIG smile ❤
Stopped at ‘The Happy Cooker’ in Georgetown for late breakfast/early lunch. Window seat. During the meal, saw an unusual number of pack mules. As luck would have it, BEST LOCATION to watch today’s Burro Race. Finish Line literally across the street. Promptly paid my tab & watched the day’s first finishers. LOVE LOVED it – start of what’s undoubtedly gonna be a SUPER FUN weekend!
13th Annual Historic Georgetown Railroad & Mining Days Pack Burro Race
Georgetown, Colorado
The Western Pack Burro Ass-ociation seeks to continue a great sport begun by Colorado’s miners.
Approximately 8-9 miles from Georgetown to Empire and back. Remember to follow traffic pattern around the roundabout, yield to downhill runners, and stick around after you’re done to check for ticks. And, there will be a prize at the end of the race for the runner who picks up the most trash on the course!
Entry fee: $50
Weigh-in time: 9:00 am
Start time: 11:00 am
Race Director: Bill Lee (Red Tail) – 720-234-8200 – laughingvalleyranchco@gmail.com
Back on I-70, cold drizzle turned to SNOW. 4 days ‘til June – more importantly, 30 hours before the OUTDOOR Wilpiszeski wedding begins. Snow is good luck, right?
Hotel check-in, afternoon altitude run (’cause every day’s a run day). Met up with Ash & Tom at ‘Wilp Manor’, the in-laws’ Airbnb mansion rental. Rehearsal dinner followed soon after at Dam Brewery in nearby Dillon.
FAM-FEST tomorrow – hanging with Mom, my siblings & their families first-half Sunday.
3pm pictures, 5pm WEDDING! Weather Forecast: SUNSHINE ☀
-
- PS product gifting — super nice 🙂
-
- last work day as a Haga
-
- Team Wilpiszeski
-
- sport begun by Colorado’s miners
-
- rehearsal dinner ‘Pigeon Shirt’
Georgetown Burro Race
Memorial Day weekend SNOW
Less than a month ‘til Ash & Tom’s Colorado wedding. Deadlines & historic moments flying by at record pace.
- April 19th – attended Ash’s final dress fitting
- May 5th – couple picked up their marriage license in Boulder
But most important, there have been dance lessons – 3 of them to be exact. Talking ‘bout father-daughter lessons of course. Yep, I was a bit slow on the uptake – but the final result? FAAANNNTASTIC!! Thanks to ‘miracle worker’ Lindsay at Streetside Dance in Boulder.
Performed in front of Lindsay’s real dance students Friday afternoon, our final lesson. Yikes!
Now for the BIG stage May 28th – WEDDING day 🙂
-
- final dress fitting
-
- WOW!
-
- it’s ‘almost’ official — SUPER excited!
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
