I’m starting a new blog series called “A Look Back,” and I’ll use this series to showcase specific moments or details from past weddings: bouquets, first dances, ring exchanges, etc. And, since it’s a moment that is becoming increasingly popular among couples, I thought I’d focus on first looks for the first installment in this series.

First looks are great–not just for the photographer, but also for the couple. They are great for me as the photog because, usually, having a first look means that we will get extra time for portraits, and the couple won’t have to miss their cocktail hour. In short, first looks provide lots of flexibility in terms of the timeline, and flexibility almost always means better pictures!

For my clients, though, first looks allow them time to really have a MOMENT. And that moment is, at the end of the day, why I think that first looks are such a good idea. As these photos will attest, first looks allow couples to really bask in seeing each other–to have an intimate moment without having to worry about immediately beginning their wedding ceremony.

In fact, I can now speak about first looks from personal experience. When I was married this past June, my (now) wife, Sona, and I decided to have our own. We did a very low-key first look in our hotel room, surrounded by our friends and family. At this risk of embarrassing myself, I’m sharing some photos from that moment. It was, for both of us, one of the most special moments of our lives, and I’m so, so happy we did it. And yes, I cried like a baby. Go ahead and laugh; I can’t blame you.

Bethany from Maypole Studios was our fab photog, and she took the next two images.

And now, here are some of my favorite moments from first looks at weddings I’ve shot over the past few years.

As I type this morning, snow flurries are falling outside. In April. Like, way later than is tolerable.

Just like everyone else in Chicagoland, I’m looking forward to SPRING. However, I’ve really enjoyed the break that winter has allowed. I make an active decision not to shoot too many winter weddings, so this is the time of year when I find myself pulling out the camera gear and dusking off the spiderwebs.

Well, that’s not the full truth. I did have a chance to take my camera out for a spin when we were in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica last month. You all know how much I love to travel; I’m in a constant state of wanderlust. And I’ve been lucky enough to share some great trips in the past (like Charleston, Turks & Caicos, and–most recently–the fab travel blog, Entouriste, featured my photos from our honeymoon in Santorini).

So, I  was thrilled to escape the gloomy Chicago winter and head to the small coastal town of Puerto Viejo. This was our first time in Costa Rica, but I know it won’t be our last. I absolutely fell in love with the place. Here are a few shots to tide you over until engagement sessions (which actually begin today) and weddings (next weekend) make a reappearance.

Let’s all think warm thoughts, okay?

Yep–that’s someone sleeping in that hammock.

A “soda” is a casual cafe. So, you see a lot of signs light this all over Costa Rica. “Soda Johanna” was our favorite in PV!

I loved that these trees had taken over this rusty abandoned barge.

Cacao grows everywhere in CR, and they produce some amazing chocolate there! These toasted cacao beans were turned into the most wonderful hot chocolate.

I’ve never experienced such naturally beautiful beaches before.

We stayed at Geckoes Lodge–an amazing property in the middle of the rainforest. We rented a 2-bedroom house on the property, and the house was completely open to the environment. I’m talking no walls, y’all! I’d stay there again in a heartbeat.

And this post just wouldn’t be complete without a photo of the very creatures that brought us to Costa Rica in the first place: SLOTHS! Meet Velcro–he’s the new love of my life.

It’s been a little more quiet around here this summer than usual, and that’s because I was busy getting married, going on my honeymoon, and beginning a new teaching position at Oakton Community College. So, I deliberately took on far fewer weddings this year. While it was nice to be able to focus on some big things in my life, I’m happy that booking season is upon us, and I’m already meeting some great 2013 couples!

In July, for our honeymoon, we spent just over a week in Santorini, Greece. Santorini has always been at the top of my “must visit” list. When it came time to pick a quiet and romantic destination to celebrate our marriage, we knew exactly where we’d go.

Needless to say, we made the right decision. Santorini is really a magical place. The island is very small. So, while there is certainly plenty to do and see, we never felt guilty for spending a day by the pool. It proved to be the perfect mix of exploration and relaxation.

Of course, I couldn’t head to one of the most beautiful places in the world without my camera. Our first night on the island, I couldn’t sleep because of jet lag. So, I woke up before sunrise and walked the whole town, camera in hand. Most of these photos come from that hour or two when I had the entire place to myself and watched the town come alive awash in early morning light. It was bliss.

I hope you don’t mind my sharing. I think it’s always good to know that your photographer actually likes taking photographs… even when she’s not getting paid to do it! Here’s hoping that your honeymoons are as peaceful and memorable as ours was!

Many of these images–and images from other travels–are available for purchase in my fine art gallery.

Blue, hot pink, and white: colors you see all over Santorini!

You also see lots of pups roaming the streets. We saw this guy every single day.

Ammoudi Bay–the location many recognize from Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants–was one of our favorite places to eat and people watch.

There are many (many, many) stairs taking you from Oia down to Ammoudi. Some people ride donkeys, but I just felt bad for the poor dears.

The stairs were totally worth it, though.

Kamari beach–our favorite spot outside of Oia.