Planning a wedding can be a whirlwind of decisions, especially when you’re not only a bride but also a photographer who’s spent years capturing other couples’ big days. I thought I’d seen it all, but planning my own wedding taught me so much more. Here’s what I learned about balancing priorities, budgeting, and, most importantly, making our wedding feel like “us.”
1. Capturing the Moments That Matter
As a photographer, I knew one of my biggest priorities would be capturing moments that felt authentic to us. We didn’t want it to be just another beautiful wedding—we wanted it to tell our story. We incorporated personal touches that meant a lot to us: from giraffes (because they’re my favorite animals) to a nod to our love for travel, golf, and even our mutual obsession with ice cream. These details not only brought the decor and day to life but also made every moment feel more personal and memorable.
2. Focusing on What Matters Most
Budgeting was, of course, a balancing act. But our approach was guided by what felt important to us. For example, we knew we wanted to splurge on the ice cream bar, which was a huge hit with our guests and a special treat that we both loved. Rather than allocating funds to things that didn’t resonate with us, we focused on elements that would make the day more meaningful.
3. Finding Balance and Compromise
Every family has opinions, and wedding planning can bring out strong ideas from everyone. While we appreciated our families’ input, it was essential to stay true to our vision. For example, we chose to incorporate the giraffe theme in a subtle way, knowing it might be quirky but felt so “us.” By finding compromises, like blending family traditions with our own personal flair, we struck a balance that honored both sides.
4. Telling Our Unique Story
Adding personal touches was one of the best parts of planning. We incorporated elements that represented us, like giraffes for a whimsical, unique vibe, and a travel theme that was woven through the day, reminding us of our adventures together. Our golf station was a playful nod to one of our favorite pastimes, and, of course, the ice cream bar brought a deliciously sweet note to the night. Each detail created a wedding that was not only beautiful but undeniably ours.
Conclusion
As a photographer, I’ve always believed that the best weddings are those where the couple’s story shines through in the details. Planning my own wedding showed me just how important it is to prioritize what you love, to stay true to your vision, and to let your personality shape the day. After all, weddings are about more than just the big moments—they’re about the small touches that make it unforgettable.
Photos by cheyannemphotography.mypixieset.com/
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