Are you someone who flips to the last chapter of a book to see how the story ends? Or do you prefer to savor the newness of the story and watch the plot build? Then I’m going to encourage you not to flip to “the back” on your wedding day. With so much focus on the ceremony and reception it’s easy to forget to plan the first part of your day. But there is a ton of fun to be had, a billion ways to personalize, and special memories to be made in the time leading up to the big event.
First, changing up your morning can start the day off with spunk, sweetness, and genuine uniqueness that breathes you. In fact, I wrote a whole blog about “5 Ways To Personalize Your Wedding Before You Put Your Dress On”, but why stop there? Make your entire day personalized. After all, it really is your day!
On a wedding day, your guests enjoy the ceremony and the lovely reception, but what about the whole chunk of the day before that? The stuff that only you see? Does it look like you? Feel like you? Does it create unforgettable memories you and your spouse will forever laugh and smile about?
I want every second of your day to feel as special as you are and for the uniqueness of your love to be felt and shown throughout the day. Because I want that for you. So add a little advance planning to make sure you enjoy every single minute of your big day:
1. Beyond the white dress.
Your wedding photos don’t have to be just you in one white dress. So here is permission to step out of the box. To wear and rock whatever says “you”. If you’re a girl who loves to throw on a hat, wear it on your wedding day. If you love to wear jean jackets, pop it on for some photos. You can even get the jackets personalized. Or, hey, grooms, choose that maroon suit. Own those white shoes. Rock the style that you love.
Your attire is one of the most fun parts of wedding planning. Every girl dreams of that magic moment when they say “yes” to the dress. Is it flowing? Is it fitted? Sleeved? Strapless? I bet while reading this you have a dress in mind.
Can’t quite decide on “the” dress? Why not buy two dresses! I’ve photographed brides who had a blast in two different dresses! So, you could pick a wedding dress, and a reception dress. Or buy a convertible dress for two different styles without changing at all. Feel great while you’re walking down the aisle, and feel good when you’re dancing.
Grooms can wear a fun shirt underneath their tux or suit jacket with polka dots or a design to wear without the jacket on and feel like himself. Ultimately, I just want you to feel like yourself in what you’re wearing. Nobody can do you better than you.
2. First looks…or none.
Are you considering a first look? Maybe yes? Maybe no? Either choice is fantastic because it is your choice. You don’t have to do a first look because your sister did. Or wait to walk down the aisle because your best man did. I love that you get to make this choice. There is no wrong answer here! If you need help deciding, check out my blog on first looks.
First looks are not just for you and your spouse, although that is typically what people think of. They can be for you and your grandpa, you and mom, your groom and his dad, the bride and her bridesmaids, or brothers, or groomsmen, or besties, etc. If you have someone special that you want to have designated time for, do a first look with them. Get creative! How about the dog? No muddy paws! A first look with anyone is a great idea or schedule some fun time with them. Either way, having these people be a part of your day will lift you up from the beginning.
3. Personalize photo locations.
The bridal party is all gorgeous and all smiles, now what? Where do you want to go when you’re all ready? What type of locations do you want photos taken at? Is there someplace that screams you? Or do you need help finding that special spot that fits your dreams? I have tons of great ideas.
It may look different than what you’ve seen in other wedding photos, but that’s good. Because you are different from what others see. You are you. I have taken photos in a steel yard, on a beach, on top of sand piles, in cow-pens, pastures, national and state parks, and the list goes on and on.
Each place fit the couple perfectly and made the photos that much more special. I love to dream with my clients about how to enhance personality to beautifully tell the story of their love as much as possible. Because of that, my clients have a heartfelt love for their wedding photos on so many different levels- not only because of the outcome, but also the experience.
For more help, check out my blog “choosing the best locations to take your photos”.
4. Love letter exchange.
With all of our digital communication, not many of us write down our wow-I-love-you thoughts to our “almost spouse”. That snap won’t be around as a precious memory. We won’t have a text string ten years from now to look back at and smile.
So, I am a huge believer in writing notes to each other because you can treasure it forever and sometimes that is the best way to say what you feel. I wish I would have written Mitch a letter. There was so much I was feeling that day and I’m so glad I was able to say what I said during our first look, but I wish I could’ve shared so much more. At the time I couldn’t get it all out. I couldn’t process everything I wanted him to know. But, getting it on paper helps. Writing it down makes you give every word special care on the most special day of their life.. and start the day off sharing those promises and being in touch with each other’s hearts.
5. Personalize lunch!
When did it become a thing to believe you can only eat a few slices of ham on a cracker for lunch on your wedding day? I say- enjoy it! Have your favorite food. Mac ‘n cheese? Your favorite delivered? Why not! What food is going to add an extra smile to your wedding day?
Maybe you want to enjoy something on your own time! I photographed a wedding couple at Runza. It is their absolute favorite food and the photos of them enjoying their Runzas and each other are absolutely priceless!
As you can see, there is a lot that happens before your ceremony. Whether that’s enjoying a special meal together or reading a letter from your love, enjoy it. Make it personal. Make it yours. And I’ll capture it all. Because there is no one like you. Not one person. And the fact that someone as special as you is marrying someone as special as your spouse is a whole lot of unique amazement! So make every minute of your day personal.