Let Go of Tradition: Make Your Wedding Day Feel Like YOU

Dear Bride,

I know what it feels like to want something deeply personal for your wedding… but feel torn because tradition and expectations keep whispering that you should do it a certain way.

Can I tell you something from someone who’s photographed weddings for over a decade, and who also once felt this exact same tug-of-war?

You don’t have to check every traditional wedding box to have a beautiful, meaningful day. In fact, the most unforgettable weddings I’ve photographed weren’t the big, lavish ones. They were the intimate ones, the soulful ones, where the couple let go of all the “shoulds” and simply chose what felt like them.

So if you’re craving something simple and intentional; something cozy, heartfelt, and full of meaning instead of pressure, I’m here to say… you’re not crazy. And you’re definitely not alone.

You can do this your way. Here’s how:

1. Invite Only the People You Truly Want There

I know this one can be hard. There’s pressure to please parents or include distant relatives. But here’s the truth: this day is about the two of you. If that means a backyard ceremony with your closest people or a quiet mountaintop elopement with just your dog, that’s more than enough.

Presence over pressure. Every time.

2. Skip the Traditions That Don’t Feel Right

Don’t want to cut a cake? Don’t. Once couple had a tower of macaroons as their cake and it looked fantastic! Not feeling a first dance? Replace it with something more you.

I once photographed a couple who were both into martial arts and literally wrestled in their wedding attire instead of dancing. It was hilarious and so them.

Another couple sang a duet during the ceremony. One bride walked down the aisle to the Friends theme song composed in a soft, romantic way.

There are no rules. Just your story.

3. Make Your Decor Personal (Not Pinterest-Perfect)

You don’t need a picture perfect setup. You need pieces that mean something to you.

A few ideas I’ve seen that had everyone talking:

• Books stacked on tables instead of flowers

• Photos from your travels scattered throughout the venue

• Vintage postcards with handwritten notes at each seat

• A color palette based on your favorite blanket, not a season Meaning over magazine spreads.

4. Please Include Your Pets

If your dog is your baby, they need to be there. I’ve seen pups as ring bearers, flower girls, and VIP guests with floral collars. Some couples even made homemade biscuit favors for guests with dogs at home. You know what everyone remembers? That!

5. Build a Timeline That Matches Your Energy

You don’t have to follow the “wedding day formula.” You can get ready together if that soothes your nerves or take your photos before the ceremony so you can enjoy cocktail hour. Create a flow that supports you, not the other way around.

6. Make Space for Unexpected, “You” Moments

Some of the most memorable weddings I’ve seen had things like:

• A food truck instead of a sit-down dinner

• A vinyl guestbook

• Chicken nuggets as late-night snacks

• Handwritten letters at every place setting

• A “just us” coffee break between the ceremony and reception
  

These moments don’t just make your day unique — they become the ones you’ll talk about forever.

So if you’re sitting there wondering if it’s okay to want something quieter, more heartfelt, more real… Let me say it loud and clear: yes!

Let go of the pressure. Keep what feels right. Toss the rest.

Your love is one of a kind. Let your wedding be, too.