First Look locations in Central CT

theholograms

Okay CT Brides I posted in Reception but wanted to post here too.

Who is doing a first look and who isn't and why? (I am clearly still debating this issue with myself, FH says it is up to me.)

If you are doing them around Central CT, what are some good locations?

winterwendy12

DH and I did a first look. I was so happy to have done it, it gave us the opportunity to attend our cocktail hour and slow the day down a bit (cocktail hour was still a whirlwind for me, trying to organize some other photos anyway)/

We did ours at J.Christians in Wallingford (we got married at the Traditions Golf Course, and it was January, so indoor only options for us). J. Christians used to be a bank that was converted to a restaurant. You can check it out here:
http://www.jchristians.com/

I don't think it took anything away from the special moment of seeing each other at the wedding, either. It's a totally different set of emotions. I got to see and appreciate DH in his attire, and he got to appreciate me in mine. And then during the ceremony, we got to appreciate other as soon-to-be man and wife.

It's definitely a personal decision. We were very happy we did it, I think. Plus, it gave a nice change of venue (our ceremony and reception were both at the Seasons).

Good luck!

cdbishop

We aren't doing one.  Although I love the pictures that come out of it and it is nice to get formal pics out of the way to attend the cocktail hour, it doesn't make much sense for us as we are going our pictures at our reception site and that is not the same place as the ceremony.  I keep wondering if we should especially since my photographer and many others I have talked to say it is the best thing.  

What I am thinking of doing is picture but not a first look.  What I mean by that is a picture of us on either side of a door, we can reach out and hold hands, say something to one another and get a picture with the mystery still there.  I have seen it a bunch for weddings lately.  I attached pictures of what I am talking about 

MoonlightSilver

I am doing a first look! I've got a couple different reasons.

1. We're having the ceremony and reception at the same location, so there's no real "cocktail hour" for us to take pictures.

2. My FI and I will both show a lot more emotion on our faces when it's just us two (and a photog) than infront of everyone when I walk down the aisle.

3. I'm splurging a LOT on the photog, so I want to ensure I really, truly have enough time and attention on getting fantastic pictures, instead of slipping them in between ceremony and reception. Nevermind that I'll be taking pictures with family then, so my attention wont be on me and FI.

As for a location... no idea. Haha. I'm really hoping it doesn't rain and we can just find a nice place outside somewhere. 

Also, I've heard from other brides that doing a first look does *not* take away from the feeling you get walking down the isle, just the nervousness.

SunsetGirl26

I'm also doing a first look, although my family is totally against my decision. Photos are really important to me, and like PP mentioned I also want to make sure we have enough time to get all the great shoots and leave only the family pics for the cocktail hour.

SB1512

We're doing a first look too! our ceremony and reception are in the same place so with only an hour in between, we definitely wanted an opportunity for more pictures and doing pictures at places other than the ceremony/reception site.  we are also having a larger reception than we both wanted (probably 175 guests vs. our 115 ideal) so we would also like to crash cocktail hour and get an exta half or so of time to visit and talk to guests.  i also think it will be more special.  we thought about how if we waited for me to walk down the aisle, he's not really going to see me first (guests at the back will, my dad will, etc), so for us to have an alone time before the ceremony where he can really see me instead of freaking out that holy cow we're actually getting married haha

mrsrutkowski

I am not doing a first look - I am choosing not to because I like the tradition of not seeing each other before the wedding. I want to see his face as I'm walking down the aisle. Might sound old-fashioned I do understand how it helps with intimacy and timing though.

jessidelo

The Hillstead in Farmington is beautiful for pictures. I believe you have to pay to use their grounds though (around $150)