Mr. Guinea Pig and I saw each other before the ceremony, and I’m so glad we chose to do that because it felt like we hardly had any time for photos after the ceremony. Before I saw Mr. GP though, I took a little spin in the spotlight myself! To calm my nerves about having the camera turned on me, I acted like a goofball, then laughed at myself.
(How nice of our bridal suite to be arranged in coordinating colors!)
Then we headed out to an outdoor room that had windows along 2 walls to take photos—because of the insane, gale-force winds, we couldn’t really take photos outside (I’ll show you a few hilarious ones later, snapped on the walkway between inside areas). Luckily this room was sheltered from the majority of the wind and still had great light from the sunny day, with just enough wind to keep my veil mysteriously afloat and really fun to play with.
Finally (I was starting to get anxious), our photographers brought Mr. Guinea Pig out for our first look! I was the one who had to wait in the room while he snuck up behind me. Here’s what I thought of that:
I was nervous, excited, and who knows what else. But as soon as I saw Mr. GP, I was just plain overwhelmed with happiness, and we took a few quiet seconds of just taking in the moment and whispering ’Wow’.
And then Mr. GP got to see how my veil had a life of it’s own!
After one more kiss, we were ready to take some portraits.
(OK I’ll admit, this is mostly a gratuitous shot of my hair and hair flower, which I loved!)
As I said, I was so glad we chose to do a first look. While I totally understand that it’s not for everyone, I went into the ceremony itself so much calmer than I thought I’d be, because I’d been able to see, and talk to, Mr. GP.
Up next: more photos than you ever wanted to see of Mr. GP and I in our wedding day getup!
I don’t think I’ve ever heard of anyone regretting a first look – have you?
*** All photos in this post copyright Amy Deputy Photography ***
Miss something in the Guinea Pig recaps? Far Beyond Forever:
You look so beautiful! The photos brought tears to my eyes. I would really like to do a first look, but fiance is more traditional and doesn’t want to see me until I walk down the aisle…I need to show him these photos so he understands what a special moment it can be 
Gorgeous! Your veil is PERFECT for that wind–it’s so beautiful!
lordy you are one elegant, gorgeous and beaming bride. i love that your excitement just comes through–no pretense or fussiness. and love the veil shots!
Ooooooh, that veil does have a life of it’s own, so pretty!
I teared up too! I can actually feel the love you have for each other coming out of my computer!
Gorgeous GP!! We are doing a first look too, I’m excited about it! Hope our photos are half as good as yours!
GP, you look so beautiful! Your gown is gorgeous, and I love the gratuitous shot of your veil/hair flower because they’re perfect.
I can’t wait for our first look! We’re having it at the ceremony site, so the first time he sees me is when I’ll be walking down the aisle. The only difference is that with the exception of our photographer, we’ll have the moment all to ourselves. I think that’s one of the things I’m most excited about.
Also, could your pictures be any more beautiful? You look stunning, Mrs. Guinea Pig, and that’s not a word I use very often. I really love your bouquet, and I can’t wait to see the funny wind pictures you’re talking about.
So beautiful! I love the veil blowing all over it really came out lovely in the photos. I really wanted a first look, but Mr. L doesn’t so the first time he will see me is when I am walking towards him.
Your pics are absolutely lovely! You both look so happy and in love, it translates beautifully through the pics. I can’t wait for our first look!
A first look makes me very, very nervous actually. My Mr. has already told me that he does NOT want to do one & that the first time he sees me on our wedding day is when I’m walking down the aisle.. but I definitely do see the practicality in it! I am worried about not getting all the fabulous pictures I want because of time constraints!
The pictures made me tear up. I LOVE your dress. It looks so beautiful on you!
I agree that you look so unpretentious, I hope I come out as beaming and elegant as you do.
As for the first look. I am grappling with it. My FI snuck a look at my wedding dress pics from a fitting so he knows what I look like in the dress already (me “what did you think?” him “it looks like a wedding dress”…sigh). It would just be a matter of logistics, our ceremony starts at 11:30 in the morning so I figure the time line will already be a little tight (we are not morning people in general). I think if I feel really comfortable about our cocktail hour/picture taking time line I’ll be okay. Perhaps I need to ask our photographer.
Mrs. Guinea Pig, Baltimore, MD Age and Occupation: 26, PhD student Fiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Operations Director at a non-profit Engagement Date: December 25, 2008 Wedding Date: May 2010 Venue: The Chesapeake Bay Beach Club About Me: I'm a tomboy science nerd whose girly side has made a startling appearance thanks to wedding planning! I love to bake, knit and sew but I also ride a motorcycle (that Mr. Guinea Pig wouldn't touch with a 10 foot pole). We live with our three crazy cats and love to read, travel, watch movies, and do home improvement projects together! My parents/family are Canadian but I'm definitely American, although I've lived in 5 different countries, 6 different states, and speak Russian fluently. Mr. GP and I met online (did I mention I'm a scientist?) and had a whirlwind romance - now we can't wait to get married & celebrate with all our friends and family in a blue and yellow waterfront affair!
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