May 22 min read

private first look.

Private first look and parent first look at our vintage wedding in Moorestown, NJ | Meghan Kennedy 5/1/24

bride and groom portrait groom kissing brides shoulder

I will cherish our private first look for the rest of my life - Ryan waiting with his eyes closed to turn around and embrace me as his bride.

We had the opportunity to pray and laugh together and take in our wedding decor and family photos in the library of our historic mansion venue prior to our ceremony.

We highly recommend a private first look - it eased our nerves and allowed us a quiet moment to soak in the day together. We even spotted our golden retriever, Asher outside with April and one of our groomsmen, Big C.

We had a private first look with our parents in the library as well - a super sweet chance to embrace and admire one another, slowing down the momentum of the day for hugs, kisses, and well wishes.

I gifted Ryan and Dad special handkerchiefs with personalized notes thanks to custom embroidery by @sewchicbyjanette. Mom gifted me one of my own - a handkerchief from Grandma Grace as my "something blue."

One of our goals was to make it to our own cocktail hour - so we took as many photos as possible beforehand. We took bridal party and family photos out front of the Community House before walking down Main Street together to our traditional church ceremony at Trinity Episcopal Church. We tucked away in a hidden part of the church before our entrances down the cathedral aisle of the 1928 episcopal church.