Weddings are often filled with traditions that, while beautiful, can sometimes add unnecessary stress and structure to a day meant to be a celebration of love. More couples are realizing that breaking away from conventional expectations allows them to create an experience that feels personal, relaxed, and truly reflective of their relationship. By rethinking certain traditions, you can craft a wedding day that prioritizes intimacy, connection, and presence over rigid timelines and external pressures.
One of the most meaningful ways to do this is by reimagining the "getting ready" experience.
Instead of separating on the morning of your wedding, consider spending it together- Imagine waking up together, making coffee, and taking a slow morning in your Airbnb, looking out the window as the sunrise makes an appearance. You put the phones on silent (we’ve already let everyone know about addresses, timelines, etc.), take a shower together, and hold hands over breakfast. As your photographer, I come in after these sacred moments and document as you gather your wedding attire, put finishing touches in your vow books, and capture your partner helping you zip up your dress and/or tighten your tie. This is all possible because we have taken the chaos out of what is supposed to be an intimate day.
Here are a few ways my bridal couples have reimagined their “getting ready” experience:
- Waking up together and hot tubbing with their friends and family; then making breakfast
- Going for an early morning hike and sharing a cup of coffee at the peak
- Having a private vow ceremony - either laying in bed or at a private location
- Going for a group run
- Looking through photo albums of their years together
- Getting ready together, side by side
Ultimately, breaking traditions isn’t about disregarding the beauty of weddings—it’s about making choices that honor your love story in the most authentic way possible. Whether that means skipping the grand entrance, choosing to get ready together, or having a smaller, more personal gathering, your wedding should reflect what matters most to you. By stepping away from societal expectations and embracing intimacy, you’re creating a day that is not only beautiful but deeply meaningful and unforgettable.
