Wedding Recap: Behind the Door

Posted on December 9th, 2010 by peanutbutterfingers

Before our wedding day a wonderful blog reader, Holly, commented with a story about how she and her husband-to-be shared special moment before they walked down the aisle together.

In her words:

“I just got married three months ago…My husband and I didn’t want to see each other before the wedding, but there was a picture that I wanted. It was us standing on either side of the door to the “bridal suite,” unable to see each other, but holding hands through a small crack in the door. The photographer was able to capture pictures of both of our faces, and then our hands together. It was at this moment that I became so excited and realized how much I missed him and couldn’t wait to see him at the end of the aisle about thirty minutes from that point. My voice was shaky when I responded to him saying “Hey, babe” which is what he always says, and I became all teary. I will remember that moment as long as I live.”

(You may see a couple of her pictures here.)

After reading Holly’s story, how could I not want to emulate that magical moment?

I spoke with our photographer beforehand and Ryan and I arranged to take a similar picture about 40 minutes before I walked down the aisle.

At around 4:50 p.m. on our wedding day, I heard one of my bridesmaids call out “He’s coming!” I could feel my whole body come alive with excitement.

I stood on the other side of a big, white wooden door, waiting to hear his voice.

When he said “Hi Sweetie,” I felt my eyes fill with tears.

I reached out for his hand and felt his warm touch immediately. 007_BehindtheDoorMy eyes began to water.003_BehindtheDoorRight before Ryan arrived, we had a little bit of a stressful situation occur involving the inability to get a key to lock up the room where we had all of my stuff and my bridesmaids belongings. (It sounds silly I know, but it was stressful at the time.) Through the frenzy, I kept thinking “I just want to talk Ryan.”

Finally I was able to talk to the one person who always knows how to calm me down and make all of my worries subside.

I was able to touch him and feel his gentle squeezes.

005_BehindtheDoor004_BehindtheDoor After snapping a couple of pictures, our photographer said something wonderful.

“Why don’t we just give them a minute?” 002_BehindtheDoor The moment that everyone left the room was so precious to me.

We were alone.

I started really crying. Happy tears. Tears of excitement and tears of sheer readiness. Ryan squeezed my hand and told me he couldn’t wait to become my husband.001_BehindtheDoor

I couldn’t wait to become his wife.

To be continued…

(All photos courtesy of the amazing Gina Leigh.)

Filed under: Wedding

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70 Responses to “Wedding Recap: Behind the Door”

  1. 1
    steph, on December 10th, 2010 at 3:17 pm Said:

    that was one of the cutest things ive ever read.

      

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  2. 2
    alex, on December 10th, 2010 at 3:19 pm Said:

    well, i know have full on tears in my eyes.
    sweetest thing ever.

      

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    alex Reply:
    December 10th, 2010 at 3:20 pm

    *now

      

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  3. 3
    Chelsey, on December 10th, 2010 at 3:20 pm Said:

    This is the BEST! I am not yet engaged, but I think I’ll be keeping this idea in mind for when I do get married to my wonderful boyfriend! BEAUTIFUL! :)

      

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    peanutbutterfingers Reply:
    December 10th, 2010 at 3:23 pm

    you have to do it… i will forever remember the moment when everyone left the room and we could just talk, laugh and cry together… just the two of us.

      

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  4. 4
    Lo, on December 10th, 2010 at 3:21 pm Said:

    this is so incredibly sweet! i love it!

      

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  5. 5
    Katy (The Singing Runner), on December 10th, 2010 at 3:22 pm Said:

    This is absolutely adorable. When I first read Holly’s comment, I knew that I want to have that same picture whenever I get married!

    The pictures are absolutely gorgeous and I love both of your expressions. :)

      

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  6. 6
    Jackie (ananda prana), on December 10th, 2010 at 3:24 pm Said:

    So beautiful! I’m tearing up at work ;)

      

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  7. 7
    Stefanie, on December 10th, 2010 at 3:25 pm Said:

    Oh my gosh! Those pictures turned out wonderful! I can’t wait for the rest… :)

      

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  8. 8
    Erica, on December 10th, 2010 at 3:30 pm Said:

    Very touching, now I just hope no one comes into my office as I try to pull myself back together. That is such an amazing moment that I too hope to experience soon.

      

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  9. 9
    Alicia, on December 10th, 2010 at 3:31 pm Said:

    such a cute idea!! totally borrowing it someday!

      

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  10. 10
    Alexis, on December 10th, 2010 at 3:35 pm Said:

    crying at my desk. lol. very cute!

      

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  11. 11
    Jess, on December 10th, 2010 at 3:36 pm Said:

    What a great idea! I love your wedding recaps..Your pictures are beautiful and really showcase how much you two love each other :)

      

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  12. 12
    Maria @ Oh Healthy Day, on December 10th, 2010 at 3:37 pm Said:

    So beautiful! I’ve been planning on doing this at my wedding too.

    Can’t wait to see your other photos as well :)

      

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  13. 13
    Molly, on December 10th, 2010 at 3:38 pm Said:

    This is happening at my wedding. Those pictures are to die!

      

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  14. 14
    Holly, on December 10th, 2010 at 3:41 pm Said:

    Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful :D
    I think my favorite is the first one..but also the fourth one- I love Ryan’s expression in it. It’s like you can just FEEL his love for you.
    Gorgeous Julie, absolutely gorgeous!!

      

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  15. 15
    Sarra, on December 10th, 2010 at 3:47 pm Said:

    Love love love love love love love x a million!!!!

      

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  16. 16
    Amanda (Eating Up), on December 10th, 2010 at 3:52 pm Said:

    Awww that was such a cute telling of that story!

      

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  17. 17
    Liz, on December 10th, 2010 at 3:52 pm Said:

    Aw, these are adorable. When you look at the 5th one quickly, it looks like you’re almost going to make the turn to the other side of the door. I was like ‘no, don’t do it!’

      

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    peanutbutterfingers Reply:
    December 10th, 2010 at 3:55 pm

    haha i wanted to SO badly! i did show him my shoes. ;)

      

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  18. 18
    sassy molassy, on December 10th, 2010 at 3:58 pm Said:

    Aw, that is so sweet! I love the story and the adorable photos.

      

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  19. 19
    Bee Goes Bananas, on December 10th, 2010 at 3:59 pm Said:

    Wow, this is one of the most powerful posts I’ve read in a long time! I’m even getting butterflies thinking about my big day. I hope to do something like this for our wedding! The pictures are so lovely Julie! You must be so happy!

      

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  20. 20
    Caree @ Fit-Mama, on December 10th, 2010 at 4:08 pm Said:

    that story just made my day!!! :)

      

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  21. 21
    Michelle, on December 10th, 2010 at 4:08 pm Said:

    Damn … you made me cry at work!

    It looked liked a beautiful moment and one that the two of you will always cherish.

      

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  22. 22
    Mariana, on December 10th, 2010 at 4:12 pm Said:

    Awwwwwww so sweet!

      

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  23. 23
    Heather (Heather's Dish), on December 10th, 2010 at 4:15 pm Said:

    um, you shouldn’t make me cry at work :)

      

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  24. 24
    Emma (Sweet Tooth Runner), on December 10th, 2010 at 4:32 pm Said:

    Oh seriously Julie your wedding posts never fail to make me cry! So beautiful! :)

      

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  25. 25
    Allie (Live Laugh Eat), on December 10th, 2010 at 4:41 pm Said:

    Waterproof makeup is on my wedding to-buy list :) So sweet.

      

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  26. 26
    Leanne, on December 10th, 2010 at 4:42 pm Said:

    oh my god… im adding this to my wedding day. What a fantastic idea.

      

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  27. 27
    Shayla, on December 10th, 2010 at 4:53 pm Said:

    Wow this totally made me cry!!! So beautiful and sweet Julie – I wish I did this for my wedding! Can’t wait for the next part of your recaps :)

      

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  28. 28
    Ebru, on December 10th, 2010 at 5:03 pm Said:

    This was just precious Julie! Love your photos, too cute for words!!!! :)

      

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  29. 29
    Mary @ Bites and Bliss, on December 10th, 2010 at 5:15 pm Said:

    That’s beautiful. I can almost feel the happiness as corny as that sounds. I mean, seeing someone is one thing..but feeling them without seeing them is so much more. Especially when it’s in a situation like that. Gorgeous :) Thank you for posting this.

      

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  30. 30
    Angela, on December 10th, 2010 at 5:25 pm Said:

    Oh my goodness, so sweet! Tears!

      

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  31. 31
    janetha g. @ meals & moves, on December 10th, 2010 at 5:27 pm Said:

    dangit this made me bawl like a baby. i love it!

      

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  32. 32
    Katie @ Healthy Heddleston, on December 10th, 2010 at 5:29 pm Said:

    This is one of the photos we forgot to do :(

      

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  33. 33
    Hope, on December 10th, 2010 at 5:41 pm Said:

    This is so incredibly beautiful! I am trying to hold back tears at work. I totally want to do this when I get married. I think it so sentimental and special :)

      

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  34. 34
    Clare @ Fitting It All In, on December 10th, 2010 at 5:48 pm Said:

    *When* I get married, I’m definitely doing that same thing. The pictures are just…beautiful. I say that about every single wedding picture you post!

      

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  35. 35
    Marlo, on December 10th, 2010 at 5:52 pm Said:

    Tears!!! Ah…… These wedding posts make me cry! Blast!

      

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  36. 36
    Jaime, on December 10th, 2010 at 5:58 pm Said:

    Holy Cow, Julie. I don’t know that I’ve ever cried/teared up so much on any post!!! WOW!!! Those pictures are amazing and you can just see the love/excitement/emotions in your faces in the pictures. Beautiful!!

      

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  37. 37
    Fallon, on December 10th, 2010 at 6:14 pm Said:

    That is so sweet. Something I will keep in mind for my big day one day. ;)

      

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  38. 38
    Nancy K @ NancysPerfect10, on December 10th, 2010 at 6:26 pm Said:

    AWW, this is so special! I teared up.

      

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  39. 39
    BIOCHEMISTA, on December 10th, 2010 at 9:56 pm Said:

    No lie, I just got so choked up when I read this!!!! LOL, I’m such a sap :)

      

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  40. 40
    molly, on December 11th, 2010 at 12:45 am Said:

    Oh man you made me tear up. Those pictures are absolutely beautiful and such a great idea. I hope to remember to do this when I, if I, ever get married.

      

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  41. 41
    Marie, on December 11th, 2010 at 1:53 am Said:

    This is absolutely beautiful; such a wonderful idea! The pictures came out perfect!

      

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  42. 42
    Melissa, on December 11th, 2010 at 11:06 am Said:

    What a beautiful moment! Brings tears to my eyes to feel the love and happiness you two share!

      

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  43. 43
    Jenna, on December 11th, 2010 at 1:23 pm Said:

    What a moment! I wish you two all the best!

      

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  44. 44
    megan, on December 11th, 2010 at 6:24 pm Said:

    this is too adorable. that stressful situation definitely made for some of my favorite pictures on your special day. as ironic as that is! you guys are so cute & i’m very happy for you both! good luck with everything!!

      

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  45. 45
    Jamie @ Food in Real Life, on December 11th, 2010 at 6:39 pm Said:

    total sobfest! this is so sweet julie!

      

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  46. 46
    Nicola, on December 11th, 2010 at 8:17 pm Said:

    aw wow that is so sweet. what a beautiful moment

      

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  47. 47
    Jessica, on December 12th, 2010 at 8:58 pm Said:

    i am totally doing this on my wedding day! how romantic!!

      

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  48. 48
    Kate @ahealthypassion, on December 13th, 2010 at 12:46 am Said:

    what a great idea. your pictures are beautiful!

      

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  49. 49
    Chicago Cuisine Critique, on December 13th, 2010 at 1:50 pm Said:

    This is so sweet. What great pictures to capture the moment. I’m so glad you recreated that idea, it really is a great one.

      

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  50. 50
    Cassie, on December 29th, 2010 at 11:00 am Said:

    This made me tear up. What a sweet moment!

      

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  51. 51
    gabriella @ embracement, on April 17th, 2011 at 8:32 pm Said:

    I’m just catching up on all your wedding posts and this is just the BEST. I teared up. I’d love to do something like that when I get married.

      

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  52. 52
    Britt M, on July 8th, 2011 at 12:26 am Said:

    I LOVE this idea!!!! I am right in the middle of the wedding planning process right now, and will definitely be making plans to include this :)

      

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  53. 53
    Our Wedding Photos Have Arrived! « Greek Yogurt & Apple Slices, on August 1st, 2011 at 6:08 am Said:
  54. 54
    Jane @ In the Pink and Green, on August 4th, 2011 at 10:56 am Said:

    This is so sweet, I so wished I would have done this at my wedding!! Also, I loved your shout out on Cup of Jo! :)

      

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  55. 55
    Sara B, on August 4th, 2011 at 1:13 pm Said:

    So amazing. Makes me teary and want to do the same thing someday. So exciting to be featured on Cup of Jo! Though you are already a pretty big deal yourself ;)

      

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  56. 56
    Wedding: Special Moments «, on August 10th, 2011 at 1:06 am Said:
  57. 57
    Koren, on August 24th, 2011 at 8:02 am Said:

    These pictures and the story behind them are beautiful. Congratulations!

    What I love most is that it encapsulates what a wedding is really all about – one moment shared by two people in love.

      

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  58. 58
    A Twist On The “first Look” « Wedding Blog • It’s a Bride’s Life • Real Brides Blogging til I do!, on September 4th, 2011 at 9:20 pm Said:
  59. 59
    Nat, on September 7th, 2011 at 2:27 pm Said:

    I’m getting married next month and my fiance wants to be traditional and not do the “first look.” I love this because it gives you that precious moment without an official first look. Oh, and I totally just cried at my desk.

      

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  60. 60
    Two Years | Peanut Butter Fingers, on September 7th, 2011 at 8:17 pm Said:
  61. 61
    Ainsley, on October 15th, 2011 at 9:42 pm Said:

    What a cute idea! I had never thought of that!

    My husband and I did the first look. Just us and the photographer. I walked up behind him on a bridge, when really I wanted to run to him! It was a great moment with the just the two of us. It didn’t ruin the walk down the aisle either. I still teared up walking down the aisle.

      

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  62. 62
    Kristen, on October 18th, 2011 at 11:34 pm Said:

    I just saw this on pinterest and thought…. that girl looks familiar! Had to come see if it was on your wedding page and sure enough, here it is!

      

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  63. 63
    Lily, on December 15th, 2011 at 11:36 pm Said:

    just saw this photo re-pinned my someone I know on Pineterest and was like, wait, I “know” those people. So cute!

      

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  64. 64
    Connie the Cookie Monster, on January 12th, 2012 at 3:44 am Said:

    this story is so sweet you have no idea. i felt my eyes watering up too (i’m a sucker for cheesy happy things like this) u and ryan are so cute together!

      

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  65. 65
    Southern Wedding Tradition: Another Alternative First Look « Southern Weddings Magazine, on March 22nd, 2012 at 6:00 am Said:
  66. 66
    Maridex, on April 4th, 2012 at 11:52 pm Said:

    I was on Pinterest and saw that your handhold-behind-the-door photo circulated! Super cool :)

      

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  67. 67
    To Look or Not to Look | suchafabulouslife, on May 8th, 2012 at 9:31 pm Said:

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