Before our wedding, I always stood firmly in the “no lessons needed” camp when it came to preparing for the first dance. I was convinced that it was silly and time consuming and no one would ever even notice that we’d re-learned the fox trot or waltz.
Buuuut…I have to admit, I think I’ve changed my mind.
Click to play our first dance song as you read along…
Little Joy – “Brand New Start”
Faking it for the crowd
When I hit the dance floor for my first dance with Sparks, I was really excited. Our song means a lot to us, and we had been so looking forward to sharing it with our guests. But when we stepped into the spotlight (no, literally, there was a spotlight), we both kind of looked at each other like, “Yep, probably shoulda taken a lesson or something.” I actually apologized to everyone while we were dancing. Can you imagine!? I looked at everyone and laughed. “Sorry! We didn’t take lessons!” Ha!
It turned out OK, though. Better than OK. We had a blast out there, and Sparks even broke out a few moves and surprised me. It was a wonderful moment. Do I wish we would have planned it just a little better? Um, yeah. But it was fun and I’m pretty sure everyone watching just thought, “That is SO Mr. and Mrs. Sparkler.” So I felt like it was a success. 
So I guess my advice is, practice your first dance. At least once or twice. Even if you’re as stubborn about it as I was.
Did anyone else forgo dance lessons? How did you feel post-dance?
Coming up: Photo booth fun
Get Caught Up!
All photos by Avery House
Ahhh, you guys are sooo sweet.
It comes thru in the pics that you two are truly enjoying yourselves… and just being you. The song is cute, gonna add it to my “very long list” of songs on our Wedding CD for our Honeymoon Road-Trip
these are some of my favorites…until we get to the smilebooth ones.
I will be about $1.29 poorer as soon as I get to my iTunes account, thanks to this post. Love the song, and you two look so blissfully happy I can’t even stand it!
You two just look so in love in these pictures. No lessons needed!
These photos are so sweet, you don’t need dance lessons when you are as happy as you two!
We’re actually using that for our last dance! I love it; it’s adorable. 
ohmygosh your dress! your hair!! You looks so amazing!! And look at your husband looking at you That’s love.
Congratulations!!
I feel like I would be someone to apologize too, so I love that! Beyond it all, at least you had fun with it.
You look amazing in that dress! Its so classic and beautiful on you. I think it’s a dress that is going to look amazing even many years down the road, you did great! And you both look so happy in love. Even for not practicing, your love shines through in these photos and your comfort with each other shows. I hope ours turn out as good
Looking at the photos, you’d never know you didn’t take lessons. You and Mr. Sparkler look happy, relaxed, and in love – isn’t that all that matters?! The spotlight made for some spectacular effects.
Our first dance was so awkward (and boring for our guests) because we did no preparation for it. Eh, I’m not that worried about it now, but we could have probably just skipped it entirely and saved everyone the boredom.
That last pic of the two of you is amazing!!!!
I have been searching high and low for this dress and have come to the sad realization that it is no longer being made. It is so beautiful. I am looking for something similar, what is the fabric? I cannot find a description anywhere
Your wedding dress is gorgeous!
Mrs. Sparkler, Chicago Age and Occupation: 27, Writer Fiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Publisher Engagement Date: July 21, 2010 Wedding Date: September 2011 Venue: Chicago Illuminating Company About Me: I’m a Southern lady living in the big city of Chicago. Well, lady may be a stretch, but I’m working hard to keep some Virginia charm in our sleek, urban, wedding-palooza! I’m addicted to marathons, not-so-famous bands, Chicago restaurants, and Mark Twain. I cry during SPCA commercials, and I think LOST was the best show to ever hit television. Mr. S and I met at a classy college mixer and, 7 years later, he’s still by my side. He’s the only child, laid back, free spirit... I’m the oldest of five kids, type-A, organizer. It doesn’t work on paper, but we’ve never paid attention to that stuff anyway. Somehow it works. And like they say, sometimes when you know…you just know.
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