The photographer suggested we do our first look photos on the top floor of the hotel. We’ve booked the ceremony on the sprawling, wraparound patio with uninterrupted, panoramic views of Williamsburg, the East River, and the entire Manhattan skyline. Later, the reception will be held at The Ides, the Art-Deco-meets-industrial-chic hotel bar decked out in shimmering white tiles and geometric windows. When we get off at the top floor, the photographer keeps me cloistered in the narrow elevator bank to make sure that Raj doesn’t see me before it’s time. When I hear the two men greet each other, I’m relieved at the sound of Raj’s voice. He’s really here. This is really happening.

“Okay, Eliza? When you’re ready, you’re going to make your way around the corner to the left, through the door, and onto the patio, where Raj is waiting for you,” the photographer calls. “Pretend like I’m not even here. Just walk up and say hello to him.”

I feel tingly with anticipation, even though this isn’t technically a real first look. The day I picked out my wedding dress, I showed Raj photos of myself in it on my phone. In hindsight, it’s funny that I had no idea I’d be marrying him in it. I fluff out my hair along my shoulders, smooth down my skirt, and take a deep breath.

Slowly, I make my way around the corner. The door from the bar to the patio is held open, and I can see Raj standing outside with his back to me. He’s clad in a sharp black tux, and it occurs to me that I have no idea where it even came from—if it’s a rental or if it was already hanging in his closet. There’s still so much I have to learn about him.

From the way he straightens up, I can tell he senses I’m behind him. I reach out to tap his shoulder.

“Hi there, beautiful,” he says, not moving.

“You don’t know how I look,” I say. “For all you know, I could be in my frumpiest pajamas, desperately in need of a shower.”

“Hmmm, yeah, maybe,” he says. “But you’re always beautiful.”

God, I can’t believe this man is somehow real.

Raj reaches behind him to hold my hand. His thumb grazes my diamond ring.

“No Ring Pop today?” he jokes.

“I ate it!” I say.

He whips around, a playful look of surprise on his face. “You ate my engagement ring?”

Click, click, click.

I can’t help it, I burst out into laughter. “It’s candy! What was I supposed to do?!”

Click, click, click.

He softens and embraces me for a lingering kiss. I wouldn’t be opposed to a lifetime of kissing this man.

Click, click, click.

“Wait, wait, wait,” Raj says, stepping backward. “You’re unbelievably stunning. Like, wow.”