“Nuptials. Sounds like something you get a case of. See: I felt a case of the nuptials coming on so I had a full-body fiancé.”

—Sloane Crosley; I Was Told There’d Be Cake

In case anyone was wondering, planning is coming along very well for the wedding. Met with the florist last week, booked the caterer, reception venue, and church, have someone in line for the cake and meeting with the potential DJ next week. Only a few other major minor details to get in place and it’s a go. We’re eXtreeeeeemly excited about our photographer, Tec Petaja, from Nashville…

I say it’s a small world because I was advocating for TOMS shoes last month and then Jeff showed me an AT&T commercial for them last week so it’s just been at the front of our minds and then here we have another connection with them. And I say that I’m scared only because I hope that our wedding is pretty enough for Tec to photograph I very much respect Tec’s work and am excited that we were able to book him. I call him a superstar because he and his lovely wife adorn the cover of the first issue of Southern Weddings Magazine and he is pretty much raved about all over the internets and beyond. View Tec’s wedding work here and commercial work here.

On that same note, Jeff and I are strongly considering doing a First Look in which we see each other before the ceremony and do a photo session in order to have a smooth transition from ceremony to reception…and also to get the most out of the day with Tec. Jeff and I both felt really strongly at first about not wanting to see each other until I was walking down the aisle but if we end up agreeing to see each other before the ceremony, I think we’d both be able to get all of our anxieties out of the way and be able to spend some time alone and enjoy our time together on our wedding day before being pummeled by family and friends (which we totally welcome). Also, I won’t be an overly-excited crying mess of a snot ball in front of everyone if I were to see him before seeing him for the first time at the end of the aisle. I worry about the loss of excitement, surprise, and overwhelming flow of emotions when we’ll first lock eyes in the church but I’ve been told that the quiet alone time beforehand is just as special. My friend from college, Sabrena, did a First Look before her wedding and she said it was absolutely the best decision she made. For photographers and engaged couples, I strongly suggest reading this blog post by California photographer Jasmine Star. She gives a great description and lists good reasons on why you or your clients should consider doing a First Look.