MOST POPULAR POSTS

Monday, October 12, 2009

Wedding: First look

Now onto the first look! Alex and I decided to see each other before our ceremony, so that we could take some photos beforehand. So our photographer Max kindly arranged a "first look," where Alex stood with his back to the door, and I came downstairs to see him. As soon as I peeked in the doorway, and saw my sweet, sweet husband-to-be all dressed up and waiting for me, I became overwhelmed with emotion and got choked up. I knew he must be nervous (my heart was pounding!), and he looked so sweet and charming that my heart just broke. Then Max told Alex he could turn around, and we saw each other for the first time, dressed in our wedding attire. It was so romantic and intimate, and the perfect way to start the wedding festivities together. xo

(My bouquet was arranged by my dear friend Abbey, who is such a talent; it was a simple bunch of delphiniums tied with pink ribbons. My dress and shoes were from J. Crew. Alex's pink-and-white tie was from the amazing FieldGuided on etsy; she even mailed us fabric swatches to make sure the pink was just right.)

(Photos by Max Wanger)

160 comments:

  1. that first picture of alex with his back to the camera gave me goosebumps...and you look positively gorgeous. thank you so much for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  2. beautiful - stunning. again, can't wait to see more :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. OMG Joanna...I am so choked up right now! And I haven't even seen the actual ceremony photos!!! You made a GORGEOUS bride!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Just lovely, Jo. It's so fantastic to finally see the photos and share in all your wedded excitement!

    Hooray!

    ReplyDelete
  5. thank you so much! oh my goodness, it was such an exciting moment, it still makes me giddy to see the photos :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Ah, Joanna.... you are the most gorgeous bride... seriously, you are just so beautiful, glowing, and happy.

    ReplyDelete
  7. You two are just adorable! And those curtains you're hiding behind? Wow!

    ReplyDelete
  8. These are awesome, can't wait to see more!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Lovely, lovely idea this was!

    ReplyDelete
  10. sweet pictures. I'm sure I would have cried in the same situation. I like your glowing smile.

    ReplyDelete
  11. gorgeous! this photography is excellent — can't wait for more. {and i love your hair!}

    ReplyDelete
  12. Oh wow...these photos are beautiful. You look gorgeous, Joanna! Thanks so much for sharing these with us. :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. What a cute idea! You two are such a lovely couple. I can't wait to see more pictures!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Oh, just gorgeous!
    Looks like such a lovely day!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. You look gorgeous - both of you! And you are just beaming. Love these pictures, you are so sweet for sharing them with us!

    ReplyDelete
  16. ah! misty-eyed and chills-filled here at my computer. you guys are so handsome together. and you can absolutely feel the nerves/jitters/excitement in each photo. max is such an incredible talent, and both of you are the perfect subjects. xo.

    ReplyDelete
  17. these are so beautiful! i LOVE your bouquet especially ... just simple and sweet!

    ReplyDelete
  18. trine2:44 PM

    you guys ! i sit here with tears in my eyes. you're so sweet

    ReplyDelete
  19. BEAUTIFUL, joanna! congratulations, you two!

    ReplyDelete
  20. so very sweet. you both look so very happy, not to mention gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  21. What a sweet moment!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I'm such a softie - all teared up! So lovely, thank you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Perfection! Congratulations to you both.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Thanks for sharing. You look radiant! Wow, I can't wait to see the rest!

    ReplyDelete
  25. So sweet! Nick and I plan on doing the "first look" too! Can't wait for more pictures! you look lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  26. oh my goodness. what a moment that must've been. i want to see and hear some more, these last two posts have been wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
  27. love these! so sweet. can't wait to see more. max did a great job with the first look set up :)

    ReplyDelete
  28. Utterly adorable, Joanna! And the arranged first look is so smart - we did the same thing and it made the photos go much smoother. I love you peeking through those gorgeous drapes!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Your giddy? I feel giddy just looking at these photos! You look so lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  30. ohmigoodness, i cannot WAIT to see the rest of the photos! these few are so lovely! :) you look gorgeous!

    xo. danni

    ReplyDelete
  31. ooooh my goodness! you looked so beautiful in your wedding dress! this is such a sweet moment to have captured. i can't wait till you show us the rest!!!

    i also love alex's glasses. i wish i knew what brand they were.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Max is amazing: he was able to capture the anticipation, giddiness, and goose bumps of this special moment. I’ve never seen a “first look” documented this well.

    Your wedding dress and bouquet are fantastic; you look gorgeous.

    Congratulations, again, Jo! I can’t wait to see more.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Be still my romantic heart!

    That is the sweetest idea ever. You are both such a lovely couple.

    You both look beautiful... and the light in the photos is stunning. x

    ReplyDelete
  34. ariel, his glasses were from selima, a glasses shop in soho (new york city) that we love. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  35. thank you for all these sweet comments! i am so touched. :)

    ReplyDelete
  36. you guys should be in a j. crew ad! stunning and touching photos. can't wait to see more. oh and the invite was absolutely adorable and unique. perfect.

    cheers! and happy marital bliss:)

    ReplyDelete
  37. You look gorgeous!! The pictures are adorable!!!

    thesingular.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  38. you look so lovely Joanna! The first look was one of my favorite moments of our wedding day, and the pictures are so electric!
    I love how you can feel the anticipation, love and excitement!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Oh man, too, too sweet. You guys look electric with happiness. I've never heard of doing this - what a great idea.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Stunning bride, handsome groom, gorgeous photos. Thanks for sharing these!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Wow you both look gorgeous! So happy for you.

    ReplyDelete
  42. OMG! So adorable! Max is the Bees Knees, and I can't wait for him to shoot my wedding in July! Congrats! Can't wait to see more of your stunning photos! You and Alex are easy on the eyes... keep 'em coming!!

    ReplyDelete
  43. ridiculously adorable! what great photos to have!!!

    ReplyDelete
  44. your dress, your hair, perfection! what a fantastic location too.. love all the textures and the dark curtains and leather furniture. very classy.

    ReplyDelete
  45. very sweet pictures.
    Looooove the dress

    ReplyDelete
  46. Hooray for the beautiful couple (and for the extremely talented photographer)!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Have captured those special expressions

    ReplyDelete
  48. So lovely. I love how he captured the emotions of the moment! :)

    I bet you just can't stop looking at them all!

    ReplyDelete
  49. You look gorgeous, the moment was really well captured :) simply beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  50. thank you for sharing :) such a sweet moment, and I'm glad you had such an amazing photographer there to catch it!

    ReplyDelete
  51. aw, i love these! the two views from the curtains are WONDERFUL. and YOU look amazing. that dress looks great on you.

    ReplyDelete
  52. I LOVE the first look!! That is my favorite things at weddings. I'm so happy that it was captured on film. You two are just so adorable.

    ReplyDelete
  53. i simply cannot wait for the rest of the pictures. these pictures are too marvelous for words. i am so happy for you and your hubby, alex. congrats!!

    ReplyDelete
  54. Wow, how beautiful! The pictures just tell how intimate and moving that moment was! Congratulations!

    ReplyDelete
  55. Oh, these are so lovely! I am still debating whether or not to take pictures before my own wedding ceremony, and these beautiful photos make me think it would be a very good idea!

    ReplyDelete
  56. oh joanna i am so excited!! i have been waiting to get a peak of your wonderful wedding!!

    such a perfectly beautiful moment! so happy for you both & can't wait to see more!

    xo-

    ReplyDelete
  57. Wonderful! I LOVE your dress!

    One of my best friends from high school was married yesterday and we all spied on their first look that was outside. I think it's become a really touching part of the wedding day (as a relatively new "tradition")

    ReplyDelete
  58. Aww heart melting!! I love how you decided to capture the before moments.. Extremely happy for you too! This photos are perfect.

    ReplyDelete
  59. I love how Max captured the first look. And your hair is so beautiful!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  60. Aaaaaaaamazing, all just completely perfect. Looking forward to seeing the rest of it, and will be stealing the gorgeous extra-long bouquet ribbon idea, so sweet!

    ReplyDelete
  61. You look gorgeous in that dress. I've been eyeing it on the jcrew website for the longest time and you pull it off so so so well. Congratulations. :)

    ReplyDelete
  62. don't you just love love?! you look so beautiful and timeless. you both look so happy. my husband and I saw each other before the wedding as well. it was great to spend that time together alone before going before all our friends and famil. I adore the photos and cannot wait to see more. thank you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  63. aw, I just choked up. You both look so beautiful!! Love these photos.

    ReplyDelete
  64. How lovely! What a wonderful idea to arrange to see each other beforehand and to make it such an intimate and beautiful moment. More Joanna, more! :)

    ReplyDelete
  65. You both are glowing. How romantic. Makes me miss my wedding day. Im so happy for you both.

    ReplyDelete
  66. i am so glad you went with that dress, it's like it was made for you!

    i can't wait to see the rest of the photos!

    ReplyDelete
  67. what a strapping man you got there Jo, what is it with men in suits? I just melt...

    the bride is pretty cute to I guess... =)

    ReplyDelete
  68. You look so pretty! And I love your bouquet. It's completely lovely. I think the pictures are so sweet, I got a bit emotional!

    Thanks for sharing your intimate moments with us!

    http://thebusiestbee.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  69. I love it! These pictures are so ridiculously adorable :)

    ReplyDelete
  70. Oh, Joanna! You look absolutely radiant!! I'm so happy for you guys! Can't wait to see the rest of the wedding!

    ReplyDelete
  71. OMG this looks amazing! Max did a wonderful job and you both look so handsome!

    ReplyDelete
  72. you wedding pictures are lovely so far...you certainly had a talented photographer!

    ReplyDelete
  73. Stunning. I remember seeing my husband for the first time, so glad I got to relive that moment through your photos. 50 years to you and Alex (at least!).

    ReplyDelete
  74. The peep through the brocade curtains is wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
  75. <3

    can't wait to see more!

    ReplyDelete
  76. Even I lost my breath when looking at these! What a special moment. So exciting. You look so gorgeous! Thank you so much for sharing these photos with us!! Can't wait to see more!

    ReplyDelete
  77. so beautiful! can't wait to see the rest!

    ReplyDelete
  78. Anonymous4:11 PM

    You both look so excited and wonderful. You are completely stunning and adorable at the same time!

    ReplyDelete
  79. Oh I love them - can't wait to see more!

    ReplyDelete
  80. Lovely, simple, and very romantic - I especially love the bouquet!

    ReplyDelete
  81. What magical images! You both look so happy and adorable. Your photographer captured you beautifully.
    x

    ReplyDelete
  82. this is just too cute for words!
    and i love the curtains
    and the first photo looks like this Armani ad from a Vogue magazine!

    <333333

    ReplyDelete
  83. oh, how cute are you! the photog captured the precise moment. i remember that "first looksy" all too well. it's makes your heart thump. pam

    ReplyDelete
  84. What an exciting moment Max captured. You look so so happy!! And so so beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  85. Holy crap you guys are cute. I love these photos.

    ReplyDelete
  86. You look so sweetly shy in that last one. Just lovely. And great choice on the dress...it's perfect on you!

    ReplyDelete
  87. Awww! You totally pulled at my heart strings with this one. SO INCREDIBLE.

    ReplyDelete
  88. Aww! My husband and I also did a first meeting before the wedding arranged by my photographer. It was the best decision we could have made! That is SUCH an intimate and emotional moment I was so glad to share it in total provacy (other than the photographer) and get my tears and nervousness out of the way before having to walk down the aisle with everyone watching. By the time the ceremony started all the nervousness was gone and I was able to just be happy and excited!! My hubby even made a cd of our most meaningful songs and played it while I sneaked up on him out in the garden! I'm so glad you all did the same!!

    ReplyDelete
  89. You are SO gorgeous, Joanna--you and Alex make me melt. Can't wait to see the rest of the photos.

    ReplyDelete
  90. thank you for these lovely comments! and rachael, i was feeling very shy, it was funny how that works! :)

    ReplyDelete
  91. what an amazing moment to capture! Beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  92. You could not be more beautiful, I say, as I type through my tears. And the shot above of your man chasing you with an umbrella . . . I'm choking back some serious emotion here, and we're perfect strangers. Unreal!

    ReplyDelete
  93. WOW!!!!!!! GORGE.

    ReplyDelete
  94. so gorgeous and lovely!!! thank you for sharing :)

    ReplyDelete
  95. gorgeous! just gorgeous.

    ReplyDelete
  96. I love these pictures! You look so beautiful in your gown... and Alex is very charming indeed!

    ReplyDelete
  97. my heart just skipped~

    ReplyDelete
  98. How sweet and romantic.

    ReplyDelete
  99. so gorgeous! thanks for sharing! and congratulations!!

    ReplyDelete
  100. Oh Joanna, you are simply stunning! You look so happy - congrats!!!

    ReplyDelete
  101. So sweet. How beautifully he captured your first eyefulls of each other!

    And the delphiniums. Pitch perfect.

    ReplyDelete
  102. oh my goodness. so beautiful! what great photos of your "first look"! you look absolutely stunning and I love your simple bouquet with pink ribbons. perfect!!

    ReplyDelete
  103. ohh my goodness joanna :] that's the sweetest thing ever! your dress is gorgeous and you two are gorgeous and i love it :] those photos are so classic and beautiful, they will be perfect to look back on when you have kids and stuff.

    ReplyDelete
  104. The first look is such a cute idea! Your wedding photos are great. Love the location too

    ReplyDelete
  105. AW! So precious and adorable. You two are too cute and I cannot wait to see more! Congrats again. xx

    ReplyDelete
  106. this is absolutely precious. i agree, i love the photo of your man with his back to the camera. there is immense anticipation and emotion insinuated.

    ReplyDelete
  107. Wow, congrats!!! What a gorgeous affair. Beautiful blending of old-world style and modernity. I LOVE it!

    ReplyDelete
  108. Oh that is so romantic! You look absolutely stunning. Congratulations!!!

    ReplyDelete
  109. this is so tender. you two make such a gorgeous couple!

    ReplyDelete
  110. They take my breath away. Such a heart-imprint!

    ReplyDelete
  111. sooo sweet! You are going to treasure these pictures.

    ReplyDelete
  112. omg... you are a stunning bride!! And of course, Alex is a handsome gentleman, isn't he!? (your flowers are lovely!)

    ReplyDelete
  113. You look like you stepped out of an old Hollywood movie. I can't wait to see more photos.

    ReplyDelete
  114. i love love LOOOOOVE the bouquet. So simple yet sophisticated and beauuuutiful, just like you! You made a goooorgeous bride! =)
    Can't wait for the rest of the pictures!

    ReplyDelete
  115. Pure glamour gorgeousness! Congratulations!!!!!!
    xx Trina

    ReplyDelete
  116. I almost missed this post! Your dress is gorgeous! So glamorous! These photo capture such a special moment, I almost teared up!

    ReplyDelete
  117. oh my goodness, thank you! your comments are so sweet, i am so touched and don't know what to say! :)

    ReplyDelete
  118. How adorable are you two?! Love it.

    ReplyDelete
  119. I love that you guys did this personal meeting prior to the ceremony! Gorgeous BRIDE and GROOM!

    ReplyDelete
  120. joanna, these are SO sweet. i love the pure love in your eyes, thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  121. this is the sweetest idea ever...you look absolutely gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  122. I'm soo glad I'm still checking up on my favourite blogs while on holiday this week..Joanna, you are so adorable! You look the perfect mixture of excited and nervous, I'm loving the peek-a-boo photo of you in the curtains. You and Alex look very suited, gorgeous couple, yay! congrats!

    ReplyDelete
  123. I love the dress! :)

    ReplyDelete
  124. Stunning bride :-D
    May i know the flowers used for your bouguet please .

    ReplyDelete
  125. Jo you look stunning as always. Your dress is amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  126. i love the idea of seeing each other before the ceremony...

    ReplyDelete
  127. you look so pretty, so sweet. lovely

    ReplyDelete
  128. jo...what a magical moment...these shots captured such beauty between the 2 of you...sweet + precious moments to treasure for eternity...what a handsome couple! congratulations on your new adventures together...(ps. ♥ both of your smiling eyes)xoxo jo (unfortunately i currently had to close down my blog due to stalker issues...mustering up courage to reopen...)

    ReplyDelete
  129. Adorable! You guys look amazing...congrats again!

    ReplyDelete
  130. You look gorgeous! I love your bouquet ... so pretty!

    ReplyDelete
  131. this is so wonderful and meaningful. i am getting so tired of having all my friends get married and the sole focus is the expensive dress, the ring, the gifts-- and i never hear anything about how much they love their spouse-- which should be the point of the wedding.

    thanks for reminding us :)

    congrats again,
    Clarice

    ReplyDelete
  132. I am tearing up a bit...this is so beautiful and your description takes my breath away. oh and I have to mention those photos! your max is my idol! xo t

    ReplyDelete
  133. Oh Joanna, you are just lovely.

    And as much as I love the tradition of the groom not being allowed to see the bride before the actual wedding, I think this was a very acceptable exception!

    A wedding is supposed to be about the individual couple (oxymoron?) and that's exactly what you did by doing this. I love it.

    ReplyDelete
  134. Oh I just love the first two. They are so mysterious and happy :) Beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  135. Such a cute idea! I love your bouquet :)

    ReplyDelete
  136. I adore first-look photographs. They are so special...and these are truly a joy because you can see how happy and excited you both are!

    Also, I can't believe Abbey arranged that bouquet...she really is so talented. I think her 52 weeks of bouquet arranging made for some great practice for your wedding!

    ReplyDelete
  137. so beautiful joanna and alex! congrats again, your wedding is so pretty and heartfelt and happy. i love the part of you each thanking your moms. i love that.

    ReplyDelete
  138. I think I just said "awww.." out loud. I should stop reading this blog during coffee break.. LOL

    ReplyDelete
  139. so happy to have a few moments to catch up on your wedding photos -- what a stunning day it must have been! adored the venue and you looked amazing!

    congratulations to both of you and wishing you many, many wonderful adventures together!

    xo

    ReplyDelete
  140. those are gorgeous photos! :)

    ReplyDelete
  141. i got choked up just reading this! i love weddings

    ReplyDelete
  142. you&Alex are the sweetest thing!I want to get married to my giorgione asap!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  143. This is so sweet and such a great idea. Lovely photos!

    ReplyDelete
  144. That is so beautifully romantic! You two will be happy forever. I'm a lot older and wiser (well maybe not) than you are and I can tell a true love couple. Congratulations one finding him and to him for finding you.

    Love the bedtime stories. Just wait 'til you have that baby to bond over!

    ReplyDelete
  145. oh my goodness, it was such an exciting moment. I think you have most beautiful bride. You must give her some unique gift like jewelry as woman really loves jewelry. Can I help you in choosing lovely ring foe her.

    ReplyDelete
  146. Carolin1:43 PM

    Such a great idea to see each other before the ceremony without all the people around.
    So intimate. Your are so amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  147. Hi Joanna,
    I stumbled back across your blog today and thought it was time to fess up- I stole your gorgeous hairstyle for our 2010 wedding! I was looking for something relaxed and creative and fell in love with yours the moment I saw it. You can see photos here: http://www.saralilphoto.com/index2.php#/rgallery2/1/ if interested! Thanks so much for the inspiration. You're gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  148. Getting married is a tough decision, I love this article look great
    Taxi Remisse

    ReplyDelete
  149. marriage brings much illusion, look great
    auto rental for weddings

    ReplyDelete

Nice comments only, please! (That means you, anonymous.)

Site design by Apartment One
Federated Media Publishing - Style