Embracing Authenticity

Your wedding day is a celebration of your love and commitment, a momentous occasion that deserves to be cherished. As you start planning for your big day, you may come across beautifully styled wedding shoots that seem to have come straight out of a fairytale. While these styled shoots can be inspiring, it’s important to remember that your wedding won’t look like a styled shoot – and that’s a good thing! Here’s why:

1. Real Emotions and Genuine Moments

Styled shoots are meticulously planned and staged to capture picture-perfect moments. However, your wedding day is filled with genuine emotions and authentic moments that cannot be replicated. From the tearful exchange of vows to the laughter and joy shared among family and friends, these moments are unique to your relationship and can’t be recreated in a styled shoot.

2. Your Personal Style and Taste

Styled shoots often follow specific themes or trends, adhering to a certain aesthetic. While these shoots can be visually stunning, they may not necessarily align with your personal style and taste. Your wedding should be a reflection of who you are as a couple, incorporating elements that are meaningful to you. Embrace your own unique style and create a wedding that feels authentic and true to you.

3. Real People, Real Connections

Styled shoots often feature models or professionals who are skilled at posing and creating a picture-perfect look. On your wedding day, it’s all about you and your loved ones. Your wedding will be filled with real people who have real connections to each other. The laughter, hugs, and tears shared among your closest family and friends create an atmosphere of genuine love and support that simply cannot be replicated in a styled shoot.

4. Imperfect Perfection

Styled shoots are meticulously styled to achieve perfection in every detail. While this can be visually appealing, it’s important to remember that perfection is not what makes your wedding day special. Embrace the imperfections and unexpected moments that arise throughout the day. These moments are what make your wedding uniquely yours and add to the beauty of the overall experience.

5. The Element of Surprise

One of the most exciting aspects of a wedding is the element of surprise. From the emotions that fill the room during the first look to the surprise performances or unexpected moments, your wedding day is filled with spontaneous and unpredictable moments that can’t be replicated in a styled shoot. Embrace the unexpected, as these surprises often become some of the most cherished memories of your special day.

6. Genuine Connections with Vendors

When planning your wedding, you’ll have the opportunity to work with a team of talented vendors who are passionate about bringing your vision to life. Unlike a styled shoot, these vendors are invested in creating a day that reflects your personality and love story. They will work closely with you to understand your unique vision and incorporate personalized elements into every aspect of your wedding.

7. Sentimental Value

Every detail of your wedding day has sentimental value, from the heirloom jewelry you wear to the personalized vows you exchange. These meaningful touches create an atmosphere that is rich with love and history. While styled shoots can be visually stunning, they often lack the sentimental value that comes with incorporating personal elements into your wedding day.

Your wedding is a celebration of your love, and it will be a one-of-a-kind event that can’t be replicated. Lean into the authenticity and genuine moments that come with your wedding day. Embrace your personal style, the imperfections, and the unexpected surprises that make your wedding uniquely yours. Your wedding won’t look like a styled shoot, but it will be a day filled with love, joy, and cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Adding an Editorial Touch to Your Wedding

Your wedding day is a magical occasion filled with love and joy. It’s an opportunity to showcase your personality and style as a couple. But, now that we’ve covered the ways your wedding will differ from the photos you see of styled shoots, let me tell you how to set yourself up to achieve a similar look from your portraits!

One way to make your wedding truly stand out is to add an editorial touch. By incorporating unique and creative elements, you can create a wedding that feels like it’s straight out of a magazine. Here are some ideas to help you infuse an editorial flair into your special day:

1. Personalized Invitations

Start the editorial journey right from the beginning by designing custom wedding invitations. Create a cohesive theme that reflects your style as a couple. Consider using unique materials like handmade paper or incorporating custom watercolor maps of your venue on the invites. This will set the tone for your wedding and give guests a taste of what’s to come.

2. Creative Venue Selection

Choose a venue that stands out and has a story to tell. Look for spaces that provide interesting backdrops and architectural features. Consider venues like museums, art galleries, or historical landmarks. These locations can serve as the perfect backdrop for stunning editorial-style wedding photos. Your venue is not one space that you want to overlook if style and imagery is important to you.

That being said, prioritizing venue doesn’t mean it has to be expensive! You can get married in some of the most beautiful scenery in the world for just a few hundred dollars. Check out the National Park Service website or read my blog on How to Get Married in a National Park to explore more of this option.

3. Fashion Forward Attire

Break the traditional mold and opt for fashion-forward attire that exudes editorial charm. Look for unique wedding dress designers or consider customizing your gown with special details. For the groom and wedding party, explore creative suit and accessory options to add a touch of individuality.

Bold choices and unique details are really what’s going to give your wedding that editorial touch.

And if you’re debating… a dress change is always going to be a yes from me!

4. Attention-Grabbing Decor + Details

Elevate your wedding decor with attention-grabbing details that have an editorial feel. Incorporate unique floral arrangements, statement centerpieces, and artistic installations. Mix different textures, colors, and patterns to create a visually dynamic setting that truly makes a statement.

Some of my current favorites are floral installations in funky/pastel colors and vintage car rentals.

5. Signature Cocktails and Food

An editorial wedding wouldn’t be complete without an innovative food and beverage experience. Work with your caterer to create signature cocktails that reflect your personalities or design a custom menu with unexpected flavors and presentation. Food stations or interactive food displays can also add an element of creativity and engagement.

Food trucks, cocktails with cotton candy on the top or a champagne tower all make great photo ops for the couple and for guests!

6. Editorial Photography

Hire a photographer who specializes in editorial-style photography. Look for a professional with a keen eye for detail and the ability to capture your wedding as a story. Consider incorporating editorial poses, unique angles, and creative lighting techniques to truly make your wedding photos shine.

Bring fun hats, light wands and a party dress to change into for your reception and get some direct flash photos, while still capturing the party vibe.

7. Statement Tablescapes

Create statement tablescapes that leave a lasting impression on your guests. Incorporate luxe linens, unique tableware, and personalized touches like custom menu cards or individualized place setting elements. Experiment with different table arrangements and centerpieces to create a visually captivating dining experience.

One of the most overlooked details that I see are chairs. If you’re going for an editorial look, steer clear of plastic tables and chairs and (in my opinion) the majority of linens and tablecloths too!

Conclusion

By infusing an editorial touch into your wedding, you can create an unforgettable experience that showcases your unique style and personality as a couple. Embrace the creativity and artistic elements to make your wedding feel like a beautifully curated magazine spread. But ultimately, remember that your special day will be a reflection of your love story, told in a way that is truly one-of-a-kind and the messy moments will be worth so much more than the perfectly posed kind.