When Marin Ruscitti and her fiancé, Donato, began planning their wedding, they were both committed to creating a day that was filled with special moments. While the overall planning process was “very stress-free,” despite “moments of panic…like our venue mixing up our date. LOL,” Marin said she still found herself looking for a way to meaningfully involve her grandmothers in her big day. After all, Jane Corrigan (aka “Nanny”) and Patti Anderson (“Grandma”) were the women who had helped shape her into the woman she had become.
In many weddings, the “first look” is the moment that couple’s choose to see each other dressed up for the first time before the ceremony. Marin, however, envisioned something different. Opting to keep her first glimpse of her soon-to-be husband for the aisle, she was drawn to the idea of a first look involving her grandmothers instead.
“The quiet moment alone with my grandmothers sounded so peaceful, especially knowing how nervous I’d be,” she added. “I also knew I would be so busy with so many people to talk to once our ceremony was over, so giving them that moment of gratitude and attention felt important.”
This idea not only honored the special bond she shared with these remarkable women, but also gave a unique twist to their beautiful wedding photos, captured by the amazing Harper Pictures at The Ace Hotel in Brooklyn.
As someone who lost her grandmother last year, this moment definitely made me teary! Grandparents, especially grandmothers, are just so special AND easy to take for granted, that taking a moment on your hectic wedding day just means so much. I wish I had done this!
Read on to hear more about what the moment was like for Marin and her grandmothers, below.
H/T to Cup of Jo for the story!
Marin: My ‘Nanny,’ who’s my mom’s mom, was staying in the same hotel. So, when I was dressed, I went right down to her room for a ‘first look.’ My eight-year-old sister tagged along, which was a special impromptu addition.
Jane: When Marin walked in, my tears came immediately. I’m going to cry again talking about it! Marin was that little girl who’d say to me, ‘Nanny, do you have a blanket?’ and then pretend it was a veil. So, to go through life with Marin and then get to see her as an actual bride, it was powerful stuff.
Marin: Earlier, while getting dressed, I had gone into this nonverbal, very stoic place. Everything felt surreal and there was a lot going on around me. But as soon as I saw my nanny, I felt an immediate ease.
Marin: Then my grandma, my dad’s mom Patti, arrived.
Patti: When I walked in, Marin was not just beautiful in her gown, she also looked so grown up. Memories flooded back. You take your granddaughter out on adventures, you do crafts together. The first look felt like a meaningful demonstration of her appreciation for us.
Marin: My grandma wore a headpiece to her wedding. I added it to my own veil and was excited to show her. She got married 60 years before I did, almost to the day, and she and my grandfather have such a beautiful love story.
Why Consider a Grandmother First Look?
For those knee-deep in wedding planning, thinking about engagement rings, wedding cakes, and the perfect bridal gowns, consider adding a personal touch like this to your day. A grandmother first look not only creates unforgettable memories but also honors the matriarchs of the family in a deeply meaningful way.
So, whether you’re deciding between wedding venues or sorting through honeymoon destinations, remember that sometimes the most touching moments can come from the simplest ideas. And who knows? This sweet twist on tradition might just make your wedding truly stand out.
P.S. Wondering how other couples did their first looks? Check out a few of our favorite first look moments here.
Vendors: Photos: Harper Pictures | Venue: Ace Hotel Brooklyn | Dress: Lola Varma from The One Bridal
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