Weddingbee Blog
Running about 15 minutes behind schedule, it was time for our first look. We hadn’t made a plan for where this was going to take place so we ended up right out in front of the two cabins the girls and guys were getting ready in, respectively. This was fine, although it felt a little less private than I’d hoped because both cabins were full of bridesmaids and groomsmen peering out at us.
That all fell away, though, very quickly. I came out first and waited for him.
I gave myself one more glance, reminded that I was finally a bride and made sure everything looked as I’d planned. When you’re getting ready, you only have so much time in front of the mirror to really enjoy the look you’ve been planning for a long time.
Then Mr. CB made his way towards me from his cabin. Some of the groomsmen watched from the patio.
I got incredibly giggly and embarrassed when I saw him coming. I embodied “the blushing bride”.
We walked towards each other because I couldn’t stand just waiting for him.
We embraced.
He gave me a once-over and loved it. I think he was being shy knowing there were people watching us.
Then we made our way towards the road so we could start taking portraits. The next hour and a half was slotted for shots of us, our bridal party, and family. What’s shocking is that, even with that much time, we didn’t get close to shooting any family. You seriously have to plan for two-and-a-half to three hours of shooting to get all of those pictures taken.
Why a first look? Mr. CB and I came up with several reasons we decided to break tradition.
Will you be having a First Look?
How did we get here?
First, Mr. CB and I road-tripped it to Boulder, CO.
Then, I spent a peaceful morning with my bridesmaids and maids-of-honor.
Followed by a rowdy bachelorette party that night.
The next morning, two days before the wedding, we fought.
Then, we made up.
On Saturday, Mr. CB recuperated from his bachelor party while I hiked with friends.
Until evening, when we celebrated our rehearsal dinner.
Sunday Morning: The girls got ready.
And the guys got ready too.
**All images above by the ridiculously talented and awesome Tec Petaja, unless otherwise noted. Head to his blog for some serious eye candy.**
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Love at The Ranch: The First Look
We will be doing a first look and I’m so excited. Like you and Mr. CB we’ve been together and lived together for a long time so the superstitous doesn’t scare us anymore. 
You look GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LOVE it!!! You guys have gotta frame that one where you’re embracing with all the trees in the background!
So beautiful! I have been struggling with the first look decision. I fear that Mr. Pudding and I will just feel awkward, and like we’re putting on a show. Hearing about your experience is making me brave, though!
We’re doing one. I like the idea of having like 30 minutes alone with just the photog. I hate the idea of having everyone (including his parents) from stealing those special moments from us.
Beautiful pics! You look stunning! I have FI on board to do a first look and I’m so glad.
We or should I say “I” have thought about it, but FI really wants me walking down the aisle to be the first time he sees me. I explained how we could get such great pictures if we did the first look, but no dice :(….I guess it will make walking down the aisle all the much more emotional.
I think you’re close to the most gorgeous bride ever. I LOVE your recaps.
I have a love/hate relationship with the first look idea. In short, we are doing it for the same reasons you outlined in your post. We both wavered back and forth on our opinions about it. When our photographer painted a beautiful picture in our heads about the First Look we were all for it, the next day decided against it, then reality set in about our wedding day timing and we switched back to being for it again. I know that it will still be special and when I walk down the aisle and it might even be a better experience for us (less nervous, not worried about timing, etc.) but a small part of me is still a little upset that we’re breaking tradition.
Congrats on getting blogged at Green Wedding Shoes today! So gorgeous!
Straight out of a magazine! Your stunning! Your giggly picture is beautiful! We did the first look too and it was perfect! Although we felt we didn’t have enough time for family pics before the ceremony either! Time flies!
I can’t get over how freaking amazing you looked, Mrs. CB! You guys are such a beautiful couple. Your first look pictures capture such an amazing moment so wonderfully.
We’re definitely doing a first look. In addition to the points you mentioned (especially the one about looking fresh, i.e., no running makeup), our photographer pointed out that it was going to be much easier for him to give that “OMG HERE IS MY WIFE!” face and for us to enjoy the moment when we’re alone - not when I’m on my father’s arm, walking through a sea of guests.
Your beautiful face belongs on the cover of a magazine!
OMG, I can not get over how beautiful you look. I love the pics from our First Look too, so glad we did it!
God lady. You are freaking GORGEOUS!! And yes, we’ll be having a first look as well…for all the same reasons you listed. It just makes sense.
You two look like you came from the pictures of a magazine, maybe Martha 
To answer your question, we did not do a first look, but I now wish we did.
That second to last picture is so adorable! I love all of them, but that one strikes me as… different. Like you have a secret! Ha!
We had a first look and it was great. Not only did it work out with our timing (7:00 ceremony really leaves no other choice), I loved being able to hang out with my husband on my wedding day and actually stop and reflect and take it all in TOGETHER. I felt relaxed and happy during the ceremony (there were still tears all around while reading our vows)There’s so much going on at the reception, I feel like we wouldn’t have been able to do that without all eyes on us. I highly recommend a first look.
[...] I get on with the portraits Mr. CB and I took after our First Look, I thought I’d fill you in on my bouquet, my bridesmaids’ bouquets, and the guys’ [...]
You’re so freaking cute. I love you dress and your hair and the belt. Amazing.
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Mrs. Cowboy Boot, Santa Fe Age and Occupation: 25, Magazine Editor Fiance's Age and Occupation: 29, Artist and Whitewater Rafting Guide Engagement Date: April 28th, 2008 Wedding Date: October 2009 Venue: Devil's Thumb Ranch, Colorado About Me: I grew up in Los Angeles and have since lived in San Diego, Boston, Italy, Hawaii, New York City, and Santa Fe. I speak Italian and love pasta. My real passion is the outdoors, though. When I'm not at work, I'm snowboarding, hiking with my two dogs, mountain biking, surfing, cross-country-skiing, or boating New Mexico's rivers. Despite my boyish love for adventure, I'm a girly-girl at heart and am overly-excited to pull off the romantic, vintage-inspired, country wedding of my dreams.
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