This Estate Wedding in Yountville, California, Kicked Off with an Emotional First Look

As Nneka looked back on her wedding to Cortney, she recalled some of the highlights as, "pouring Cortney’s grandma a mimosa while the bridesmaids got ready. My mom zipping my dress. My mother-in-law seeing her makeup in the mirror and saying “Damn, I look good!” Tapping Cortney’s shoulder during our first look. Waving at the hotel guests as we took our couple photos. Hearing the choir sing “Best Part” before walking down the aisle. Holding my Dad’s arm. Reading my vows. Listening to Cortney’s. Dancing into dinner as all of our guests spun their white napkins in the air. The heartfelt speeches. The merging of multiple cultures in one room. Tearing up the dancefloor until 2 am. The perfect day, for us." 

Out of all the many happy memories of the day, the first look, filled with tears, nears the top of the list of unforgettable moments. "It felt like time stopped. We were in our own world having the time of our lives with the people we love. Being a photographer myself, I always notice when my photo is being taken. James and the Perpixel Photography team did such a fantastic job of capturing the moment without disturbing the moment." For couple who might be on the fence about a first look, Nneka shares, "that it didn’t take a single sentiment or tear away from seeing each other when I walked down the aisle. All the butterflies were still present. We also didn’t have to worry about taking pictures after the ceremony. I just grabbed my cocktail, a handful of hors d'oeuvres, and mingled with guests before dinner. I’d do 10 more first looks if I could."

Keeping their priorities at the forefront through planning is key to how the couple was able to come away with so many highlights from the celebration. "We wanted to make sure our family and friends ate great food, drank delicious wine, and danced all night. That meant hiring the right DJ and extensively going over the wine and food selection. We knew that decor was important, but our most memorable experiences revolved around food, drinks, and dance," Nneka shares.