Now that I have a toddler, my New Year's Eve celebration is pretty subdued and I thought I would now be spending it at home quietly. But I found a much better way to ring in the New Year, with Katie and Michael and their wedding guests!

And what an iconic Woodland wedding it was. What is more Woodland than the Woodland Opera House and the Hotel Woodland? Because it was New Year's Eve, everyone had an excuse to party till midnight. Having performed at the Opera House when she was younger, it was important to Katie that she include this venue in the wedding.

With all the decisions brides have to make during their wedding planning, photographers will also offer them the option of a "first look". The first look means the bride and groom meet before the wedding so they can see each other before the ceremony. There are pros and cons to having a first look. Some couples still like the tradition of the groom seeing the bride for the first time as she walks down the aisle. Those who opt for the first look like that they can first see each other without the pressure of many people watching and can get some couples's photos taken, saving time between the ceremony and the reception. During certain times of the year, it is advantageous having a first look event while there is still enough daylight to get a natural look.

Katie and Michael liked the idea of a first look and, with the exception of a local Woodland bird adding his "opinion" of the whole event to the dress, it went well. You can see from these photos that it did not take away from the occasion and they loved having this special moment before the wedding.

Once the ceremony was complete, it was on to the Hotel Woodland to party and ring in the New Year. Best wishes to this delightful couple, now and in the future. You two are great and deserve the best!

DJ: Love In The Mix

Furniture Rentals: Blossom Farm

Photo Booth: Christopher Armstrong Photography