Bonnie pulled up, wedding gown tulle piled up on her lap with her maid of honor, Shilo next to her in the drivers seat. This was my first time meeting Bonnie. I was lying if I said I don’t get nervous before meeting a bride for the first time. The little butterflies, wondering if we will click, wondering if the light will stay golden and beautiful. The first few minutes of shooting I felt all my butterflies just melt away. Bonnie was so relaxed. She has  joyful personality and radiates a warmth that makes you feel so comfortable to be around her.

We were able to take a few shots of Bonnie by her self before Jeff showed up for the first look. They were prepared with a blindfold as not to ruin the surprise as we tucked Bonnie away and Shilo went to lead the groom down to where we were shooting.

The first look is a big moment. The first time a groom see’s his fiancée not just as his girlfriend, but as his BRIDE. These are some of my favorite moments. Shilo and I stood back a ways to give Bonnie and Jeff a little bit of room and privacy. (If room allows me, I always shoot the first look with my longest lens possible so I am not intruding on an intimate moment).  With this golden light, and with these two beautiful people, I felt a simple and complete bliss.