We decided to have a first look on our wedding day for a number of reasons. Chief among those were 1) I didn’t want to blubber and bawl my way down the aisle upon seeing Mr. C for the first time that day, so I figured if I were going to cry, I’d prefer to do it in advance and 2) we both felt quite strongly about getting 99% of our formal photos out of the way before the ceremony so we could enjoy more time with our guests at the party.
While I finished getting ready, the boys were hanging out in the pavilion with some beverages, patiently awaiting my arrival.
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Brother P, Best Man S, and Mr. C having a chat. / Photo by Lindsey & Beto Photography
Remember the rain I woke up to that morning? The skies had suddenly cleared, so we decided to attempt to take as many photos as possible outside. Hooray! We had some umbrellas on standby just in case, but the outlook was good for at least the next hour or so. Beto asked Mr. C to stand on what would have been our ceremony aisle (had we been following our original outdoor-ceremony plan) and wait for me to walk up behind him.
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Waiting on his bride / Photo by Lindsey & Beto Photography
I walked into the pavilion with the girls and ran into the groomsmen, who had a fabulous reaction to seeing me for the first time that day. I hoped Mr. C’s reaction would be just as great! I also got to see all of the reception decor and the ceremony setup when I walked into the pavilion (more on that soon!), which made me cry happy tears for the second time. Good thing I had my hankie.
About the time I calmed myself down and headed over to the door shown above, my mom noticed there was quite a bit of standing water on the ground between me and Mr. C, and suggested that I might not want to drag my skirt through all of that. So, Beto had Mr. C back up and reposition himself a little closer to the pavilion, around a slight curve. (I wish we had a photo of him backing up down the path!) Now there were fewer puddles between us, and it was still a pretty background.
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Waiting yet again / Photo by Lindsey & Beto Photography
I took a deep breath, adjusted my skirt, and headed toward Mr. C.
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Navigating the stairs (and thinking “Good thing the girls don’t have to walk down these on their own for the ceremony!”) / Photo by Lindsey & Beto Photography
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On my way… / Photo by Lindsey & Beto Photography
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Hi there! / Photo by Lindsey & Beto Photography
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Who’s there? / Photo by Lindsey & Beto Photography
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Awww / Photo by Lindsey & Beto Photography
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Going straight in for a kiss / Photo by Lindsey & Beto Photography
My mom and the groomsmen were watching from the pavilion. Love this shot.
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Peeking through the doorway / Photo by Lindsey & Beto Photography
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More kissing! / Photo by Lindsey & Beto Photography
Lindsey and Beto gave us a few minutes together to just talk and enjoy the moment.
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Yay! / Photo by Lindsey & Beto Photography
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Telling me he likes the dress / Photo by Lindsey & Beto Photography
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Talking about our mornings / Photo by Lindsey & Beto Photography
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Just the beginning! / Photo by Lindsey & Beto Photography
We definitely enjoyed our first look. Though I didn’t actually wind up crying when we saw each other (hooray for being more excited than tearful!), which meant one of my reasons for having a first look was moot, I still wouldn’t trade these moments for anything. Not only did we have a chance to simply talk a little bit with each other and shake off a few nerves before the day started to really ramp up, we have these beautiful pictures too! My walk down the aisle at the ceremony was a special moment of its own, so our first look didn’t take away from that one bit.
Next on the agenda: portraits!
Missed a Cauldron wedding-day recap? So far, we’ve had:
I love all these pictures: you both look so natural and happy! And your mom and groomsmen watching from the doorway is adorable: so cool your photographer was able to capture that, too!
What a great setting and pictures. You both look happy and relaxed. I definitely will be doing first looks pictures before my ceremony.
What a beautiful first look, the background is just gorgeous too!
Beautiful pictures. I love how he went right in for a kiss when he saw you!
Beautiful, the setting is fantastic. I love your hair.
aww you look beautiful, what a gorgeous place for a first look
Oh my gosh girl, I was the same way. I figured the first look would rid me of my tears, but all of the adrenaline stopped me from crying. Either way, first looks are great and you got some really wonderful photos! 
Awww this is so sweeet! I love the back drop its so lush and green! Yay for rain doing something right!
Miss Cauldron, New York City/Austin Age and Occupation: 33, Human Resources Fiance's Age and Occupation: 33, Technology Engagement Date: October 8, 2011 Wedding Date: September 2012 Venue: Pecan Grove at the Salt Lick About Me: I grew up in the Lone Star State, but moved to NYC after college to get a taste of the Big Apple, and never left. I love baking, yoga, Mr. C, and sunshine (not necessarily in that order)! Mr. C and I met on Match.com back in 2007, and our second date was at a Texas barbecue restaurant in Manhattan. It’s only fitting that after almost five years together, we are getting married at an iconic Texas barbecue joint. (Shiner Bock and brisket, anyone?) I’m proud of the life we have built together around our love for each other, Mr. C’s crazy dog Bosley, and fun sailing adventures on our boat, and I’m looking forward to celebrating our marriage at one seriously awesome party in September.
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