How to Plan a Wedding That Actually Feels Like You
If there’s one thing I hope every couple hears loud and clear—it’s this:
You don’t have to plan a wedding that looks like anyone else’s.
Not your sister’s, not your best friend’s, not Pinterest’s version of perfect. Just yours.
As a documentary-style wedding photographer, I’ve photographed everything from barefoot elopements in the Smokies to intimate backyard weddings and 200-guest parties in historic hotels. And the ones that stick with me? They're not about florals or seating charts. They’re the weddings that feel like the couple.
So let’s talk about how to plan a day that actually feels like you—whatever that means.
1. Start with What You Care About
Before you look at venues or vendors, take 15 minutes with your partner and ask:
What are the 3 most important things we want to feel or remember on our wedding day?
Do we want it to feel like a celebration, a ceremony, a party, a quiet moment?
What would our perfect day look like if no one else had a say?
These questions cut through the noise and help you prioritize. For some, it’s a private vow exchange in the mountains. For others, it’s dancing barefoot under string lights with friends.
2. Ditch Traditions That Don’t Serve You
Hate cake? Don’t have one.
Don’t want a bridal party? Skip it.
Want to see each other before the ceremony and have a quiet moment alone? YES, do it.
You’re allowed to question everything. Every tradition should be a choice—not an obligation.
3. Build a Timeline Around Experience, Not Just Photos
I love a good golden-hour portrait, don’t get me wrong—but the best images happen when your day is built around real, meaningful moments.
Create space in your timeline to breathe, to connect, to laugh with your people, or to sneak away with your new spouse. It’s okay to want beautiful photos and a slow, present experience.
(Need help with a custom timeline? I always walk through this with my couples.)
4. Choose Vendors Who “Get It”
Hire people who understand your vision and respect your priorities. Whether it’s a florist, planner, or photographer, you want someone who listens—and vibes with you.
I always say: If you wouldn’t want to grab a drink with them, maybe don’t have them next to you on one of the most personal days of your life.
5. Make Space for Emotion, Not Perfection
Things might not go exactly as planned. The sky might be cloudy, your dress might get dirty, your playlist might skip.
But if the day is yours, it’ll be beautiful in ways no spreadsheet could predict.
TL;DR: Do You, Start to Finish
Your wedding is not a performance—it’s a memory in the making. Let it be real. Let it reflect who you are. The people who matter most will show up for you, not your table runners.
If you're planning an intentional wedding and looking for someone to capture the honest, heartfelt moments—you know where to find me.
Now booking 2025 & 2026 weddings across Tennessee, North Carolina, and wherever your story takes you.
