After a whirlwind morning filled with hairspray fumes (me), stubborn zippers (me again), and cheap Mexican food (Mr. Panther), it was finally time for our first look.
I grabbed my recently delivered bouquet and headed outside. Our photographers had found a field in between our ceremony area and the tennis courts.
The field was grassy, and I was a little nervous about navigating in my shoes. But we brides will do just about anything for the perfect picture, so I hiked up my dress and headed forward. I could see Mr. Panther standing in the middle of the field, and I just wanted to get to him. We had spent so much time planning this day together—it seemed crazy that we’d already been through so much of it separately.
I really was not very graceful in my Jimmy Choos, though, so it took me a while to get to him. Meanwhile, he looked straight at the camera. Real slick.
Finally, I was behind my groom. I kinda wanted to squeeze his butt, just for laughs, but I had a feeling that wouldn’t make the best photos.
So instead, I followed our photographers’ advice and grabbed his hand.
He turned around, and we had our little magical moment.
I wanted to steal away with Mr. Panther to tell him everything about my morning and hear all about his, but we had a packed schedule to stick to. So, we headed off toward the water for our wedding portraits.
Are you planning to do a first look before your ceremony?
Miss any of the Panther recaps? Get caught up!
All photos by Raw Photo Design
we will be doing our 1st look in 5 days 
and I couldn’t be more excited, i am really looking forward to having that moment alone. we are a very private couple so it works perfectly for us. I may have to steal your idea with the bum pinch
Gorgeous photos! I second Miss Dragon… the last two photos are simply stunning!
These are so sweet, I love the ‘magical moment’ one! (and the kissing one, so gorgeous!)
Oh my gosh, these photos are amazing. I love the last one of you two walking away. Beautiful.
I can hardly wait for our first look. I think it’s what I’m most excited about!
I like the idea of holding his hand better than the tap on the shoulder.
Love these photos! We did not do a first look but I really wish we had. I love first look pictures!
Thanks for the play by play!!!! You looked breath taking and these photos are just gorgeous!
I love the idea of first look and doing the photos first before the ceremony. We want to do that too. Especially because Mr Fairytales is rather nervous about the whole wedding thing. Gives us both a chance to share a special moment before everyone else shares it!
These pictures are just so sweet – I love the ones where you can see Mr. P’s reaction to seeing you for the first time that day! Our first look was absolutely one of my favorite moments of the day.
“We had spent so much time planning this day together—it seemed crazy that we’d already been through so much of it separately.”
I think that’s such a great explanation of why so many couples choose a first look. Plus, I know it will settle my nerves to see my groom before the aisle moment. Love your pictures!!
We had spent so much time planning this day together—it seemed crazy that we’d already been through so much of it separately.”
I think that’s such a great explanation of why so many couples choose a first look. Plus, I know it will settle my nerves to see my groom before the aisle moment. Love your pictures!!
Your pictures make me wish I had done a first look. So lovely. And you totally should have gone for the butt squeeze! If only just some make-believe-first-look-pics after the real ones. Hilarious!
Awww your pics make me realise how magical a first look would be! But unfortunately my fiance is firmly against it!
@Miss Dragon: Mine too!
@Tea Lover: Yesssss, do it!!
@Miss Beanstalk, @Mrs. Pony, @Mrs. Coyote, @fivedogsrule: Thank you so much!
@angelaandchet: It really is a great moment.
@Miss Toadstool: I’m with you there! But what about the butt pinch? Eh? Eh?? 
@Mrs. Castle: I bet your first look at the ceremony was just as amazing.
@ACMBLD2013: Thaaaank you!
@Fairytales: It DEFINITELY helped my nerves to be with Mr. Panther before the ceremony … I couldn’t calm down until then!
@Mrs. Fox: He was totally laughing in that picture — I think I had probably just said something really stupid.
@Katie: Oh, absolutely! Thank you.
@blanket: I KNOW! I wish I had!
@Jacofblues: Hey, everybody’s different! I know I’ve heard a lot of stories about how amazing it was to experience the first look while walking down the aisle.
Mrs. Panther, Atlanta GA/Westport CT Age and Occupation: 24, Web Writer Fiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Music Recording Engineer Engagement Date: March 13, 2010 Wedding Date: July 2011 Venue: The Inn at Longshore About Me: I'm a total goofball who goes through life at a breakneck pace, trying not to knock anything over. I tend to fall in love with everything I encounter, but more than anything, I love my two little kitties, Bela and Josie, and my big kitty, Mr. Panther! As a wannabe crafter, I'm still waiting for my artistic talents to emerge. (Any day now, really.) In the meantime, I spend my days eating anything put in front of me, buying every pair of shoes I see and absorbing wedding inspiration from every inch of my surroundings. Mr. Panther and I are hardcore New Englanders planning Connecticut nuptials from our new home in the Dirty South, and can't wait to mix our newfound love of classic Southern charm with some modern city touches.
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