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You know the whole fantasy of the first look? The one where the bride appears for the first time in front of her groom, and his heart skips a beat as he hyperventilates no, cries… cries and hyperventilates at the mere sight of this stunning woman that he is lucky enough to spend the rest of his life with?
We missed that memo.
In fact, I don’t think Mr. HC was ever briefed on this whole “first look” thing. Poor guy shows up in the lobby, our photographers tell him to face the corner, which he does dutifully, but with no clue as to what was going to happen next. It’s possible that he thought we were playing hide and seek. Or, from the scared look on his face, it’s far more likely that he thought he was about to get an ol’ fashion ass-kicking.
Turns out it was just Miss Giggles.
Some brides show up to their first look all dignified and beautiful and serious. This bride bounded over with her silliest Muppet face and asked of her groom, “Am I a hot bride or what? Snort. Snort.”
And then held up her veil, as if to say, “Check it, honey, I got wings.” (More likely, I was marveling to Mr. HC, “Look at this veil thingy I’m wearing. Do I look like a bride or what?”)
And then I did my best sexy face and attacked him with my over-glossed lips, much the same way I did when we were sixteen and he was too shy to kiss me.
Okay, for you incurable romantics out there, these are probably more along the lines of conventional first look photos: Mr. HC seems to be looking at me adoringly, and we share a sweet kiss. I assure you, though, that it’s far more likely that he was thinking, “I’ve been standing around for five minutes, and this was my big surprise? Where’s the brand new car?” It’s amazing what black and white photos can do to make a moment look all lovey dovey.
Recently wedded bees, what was your “first look” like? Hilarious — and heartwarming — stories welcome.
Photos by Leigh Miller Photography, Luna Photography, and Della Chen Photography.
In previous episodes of the Hot Cocoa Chewish Wedding Recap Extravaganza:
- We had a welcome dinner.
- Hilarity ensued.
- I got prettified.
- We played games.
- Mr. HC got accessorized.
- We had a tea party… I mean, ceremony.
- I got haute.
HC, you’re too funny — love the actual and “ideal” play-by-play dialogue. 
You two are so freakin’ cute! If Mr Frenchie and I did a first look it would look something like yours
Haha.. that is hilarious. Mrs Haute Cocoa (that is what I will call u), you look stunnnnnnning! BTW, where did u get that great looking veil? Are you thinking about selling it? 
I love how it is not bunched up in the comb area.
haha! My mister would absolutely be thinking - I stood in a corner for 5 minutes and all I get is a crazy woman in a white dress??
Those photos are adorable. I love the face Mr. HC is making–my husband is making a similar face in ours!
Mrs HC, I LOVE your posts! You seriously crack me up, I’m sure there’s never a dull moment in the Hot Cocoa household!
Ha, you are too funny Mrs. HC! Your humor reminds me of Pengy’s humor
@V-gal: Thanks! The veil is a cheapie from bridepower.com. I just asked for a chapel length drop veil, super simple. I’d give it to you, except I seriously have no idea where it is at this point . . . !
@pvaulter718: Seriously! If I had to stand in a corner for 5 mins., I’d expect something REALLY great. Like bacon.
@MrsSl82be: Aw, thanks! Though most of the time, in the HC household, it’s me laughing at myself. Outloud.
@M: What a compliment! Pengs doesn’t know this, but I do sometimes think we are separated at birth.
i briefed my guy on the point of “first look”, the reasoning behind it, and what was expected. from the glazed look in his eyes, i am pretty sure he tuned out after i said “honey, i wanted to tell you about something called first…”. i could practically hear his eyes and ears snoring.
love love the narration of this moment! i myself have always wondered how awkward the first look could be.
You are so cute, with your recaps. I think my fiance’s reaction would be much similar to your fiance’s than the typical lovestruck groom. Though he does look pretty awed in the last few photos.
I LOVE your posts and your recaps and you and your husband. That is all.
@lavenderpug: LOL. At least you thought to brief him. I think I got so immersed in weddingspeak that I just thought he’d know what it was!
@Thao: It’s all camera work, I assure you!
@sally: Aw, thanks!
Oh too cute. I’m sure if we’d have done one, ours would have been just like yours! I can see the “hmm what’s going on?” look in his face. I love it, that it’s so real! I have to admit, there’s something strange about seeing each other in wedding clothes for the first time!
@lavenderpug: I got that glazed over look too, but I took that to mean he didn’t want to do a first look before the ceremony… but your reasoning sounds more correct. LOL
It’s hard for the First Look to look real when there are photographers standing right in front of you snapping away. Ah, but we make do. Our moment was awkward relief — the perfect description for the entire day. The first time in my life that awkward felt good.
Ahh1 I love it.
Our first look story:
Adorable pictures to accompany it, of course, but as I tappe him on the should he was very wary of me as he turned out before popping out the big grin and tears.
Later hubby told me that he was paranoid he was going to turn around get silly string in the face! As if! (now it makes me wish I’d been more prepared)
He had no idea what the first look thing was about despite my warning him before the wedding.
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Mrs. Hot Cocoa, Boston/Los Angeles Age and Occupation: 31, JD/PhD Student Fiance's Age and Occupation: 32, Medical Student Engagement Date: May 30, 2008 Wedding Date: March, 2009 Blogging Since: April, 2008 Venue: Ritz Carlton, Marina Del Rey About Me: I am a professional student by day and an amateur cupcake taster, bargain shopper, and wedding planner by night. I am obsessed with NPR, the Food Network, paper, dance shows, Anthropologie, post-structuralist theory, Weddingbee!, "The Office," and celebrity gossip. When not procrastinating from my dissertation, I spend time catering to Jellyby, our overly anxious shih tzu, and getting to know Mr. Hot Cocoa. We have only been dating for fifteen years, so it's like I'm in love with a stranger! From the East Coast, we are planning a Jewish-Chinese Extravaganza in L.A., where we both grew up.
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