PRIVATE first look logistics.

I don't see any way around each of you having to drive there yourself if you want it to be as private as possible. I would say have the photographer go with FH and they can make sure he is positioned correctly and whatnot, but then you are stuck having to drive in a wedding dress (I wouldn't be into that). Personally, I have relied heavily on my photographer to coordinate the logistics of the timeline and first look. Have you had the chance to talk to yours about it yet?

I have, but this is a bit of a unique situation. I'll discuss it with him more and see what his thoughts are, as he's also super familiar with the area.

I'm thinking I'll just drive up in my dress, get out, and walk to the designated area. I'll keep my boots on for this portion of the evening....

The hardest part will be finding a private place, with nice views, not far from a road. Hm.

You could always have a friend or family member that you trust would respect that you only want you two there, drive you to and from? the same for him. You could text him when you're at the spot, have him face a certain way (I.E. towards the mountain) then walk up and do it like that. Away from the road, and respectively ask the people that drove you to stay in the car.

Allison, we might do that with the MOH & BM. We trust both of them explicitly, and I think they are the only people we wouldn't mind being in the area. Great idea!!

I think if you're cool with the photog being there, have him drive with one of you and communicate clearly to the other.

Are you sure you couldn't find a quite place at the ceremony site? I don't know the lay out of this private home/ranch... do they have any timber close by? Maybe the photographer walk him the a specific place and then come get you?

Just tossing ideas out, because driving in a wedding dress just doesn't seem fun lol.

Hire a driver?

Our photographer is driving FH to our spot and then the assistant is driving me. Will this work for you?

Sadly, the ranch is actually only about 10 acres, very small for this area. Houses on both sides, with a road on one side and a mountain on the other. I know the property well, and its mostly open horse pasture! There's SOME space, but we wouldn't be private at all.

I think I'm just going to drive a little ways out, and then somehow have his back turned and walk towarsd him. Tell him when he hears a car to just turn away, ha.

KM, I don't' know why (actually, it has everything to do with my control issues), but I can't stand being driven around by other people. It's the weirdest thing. His family really wanted us to hire a driver/car for after the ceremony, and we wouldn't. I just... I feel so helpless when someone else is driving!

I get that, but it really seems to be the best option for you. Getting over that aversion for one afternoon would solve a lot of logistic problems.

I know I wont' get FH in with the photographer, he absolutely does not like him. He W'ed his handshake, and it's been downhill every since. I think I'm going to ask the BM & MOH to drive us over there... and go from there.

W'ed his handshake?

"Double-youd"

As in, had a weak handshanke like George W. Bush.

He W'ed me!

That's a funny reason to not like the photographer. I mean, I judge weak handshakes too (how that relates to Bush? No clue) .. But hopefully your Fh can over that for the big day

We did a first look at the hotel that we were to stay at the night of our wedding. They had beautiful gardens and I pre-approved it with the staff.

The BM picked me up (alone) and when I arrived my groom was not quite ready so the photographer started taking shots of me alone and then got great pics as my groom "found me" in the gardens.

After the photos we rode to the venue together and then separated again for photo's, then met up again as I walked down the aisle.

My FH and I are being dropped off for our first look. I am going first and hiding on one side of a bell tower. Then FH is being dropped off. And follow the direction of the photographer who will be in sight. We will text for a pick up when we are done.

Bush is known for having a weak handshake, hence the name, ha. Thanks everyone!! I'll go for the drop off from.... someone.