May 5, 2012 – The first look and official wedding pictures…

The 9:45 Express dropped me off right in front of Muriel’s Restaurant. As I fell out of the car (it was a big dress!) I was greeted with many tourists and the like wishing me luck and congratulating me.

The videographer and photographer ran ahead to where Doug was standing and said to give him five minutes to set up. As I stood there, QP (Queen Paula), rode up on her bike! It was awesome to see her as she was just getting home from Jazz Fest and was heading to go get ready for the wedding! We visited until the I was told it was time to go find Doug for the first look!

I walked through the pedestrian area in front of St. Louis Cathedral and entered Jackson Square through the big black gates in front of the Cathedral. I could see Doug there waiting for me. (Ashley was with me and was clearing the path so I would not have any tourists in my photos. There was a point when she actually yelled at people to tell them to keep moving. Ashley was awesome!)



The first look was also in our video. Lot’s of people asked what I said when I got to him. Watch the video and see if you can figure it out. I will tell you after the next few pictures.



Lizzie & The Doug // Same Day Edit! from // BRIDE FILM // on Vimeo.



Here is what was said:
Lizzie: “Hey. Guess What?”
Doug: “What?”
Lizzie: “I am here. Are you ready?”
Doug: “Wow….” :)






After the first look, we took a few pictures just the two of us. Here are some for you to enjoy.


Ashley kept us on task as all of the parents had arrived at Muriel’s. We all went upstairs to the private dining rooms and stood in front of someone else’s wedding cake to take the official family photos! It was pretty funny.

My family…


Plus his family…

Equals our new, bigger family.

Then we headed back to Jackson Square to take the bridal party photos. We were approached by someone who was checking for photo permits and (thank goodness) Ashley or Sarah had packed it and it was with us. We had a little fun:



We really had a blast even though it was pretty hot. One of the best memories I have is of carrying around a battery operated fan (from Cynthia) and when we stood in one place for photos, I placed the fan to keep air flow moving under my dress. It was really entertaining to everyone. It really was so much fun!

When it was time to start heading to the church, we headed back towards Muriel’s where Doug and I found our ride, Leon! Leon packed us up and we headed to Immaculate Conception.
 
From here Doug and I parted ways again. The next time I would see him would be on the altar.

I am really, really glad we did the photos and first look before the wedding. I LOVE the pictures and we would have have been able to do it without seeing each other before the wedding. I am a strong advocate of the first look! If you are thinking about doing it, I say go for it. It made the rest of the night run very smoothly.

Next up: The Ceremony!

Love and Hugs, Lizzie