Having captured over 110+ weddings in Vancouver and around the world, I’ve seen countless love stories unfold—and each one has shaped how I view weddings. With all that experience behind the camera, I’ve picked up a few hard truths that couples need to hear.
These aren’t your typical, polished tips you’ve heard a thousand times. They’re real, honest “hot takes” from someone who’s been in the middle of the action, designed to help you create a wedding that feels more personal and truly yours.
Of course, every wedding is unique, and what works for one couple might not be the right fit for another. But these are the reminders every couple needs before jumping headfirst into the planning process. So let’s dive in—here are my unfiltered thoughts on what really makes a wedding day unforgettable.
1. If a Tradition Doesn’t Make Sense, Skip It
Somewhere along the way, weddings picked up a list of “must-do” traditions like the first look, bouquet or garter toss, and the father figure walking you down the aisle. But here’s the truth: none of it is mandatory. If any of these traditions don’t feel like you, skip them.
When you make choices that genuinely excite you, it shows. Your guests feel it, and your photographer captures it. Truthfully, the best celebrations I’ve worked on haven’t been about checking boxes—they’re all about celebrating their unique love in an authentic way.
2. An Intimate Wedding Doesn’t Mean a Small Experience
When people hear “intimate wedding,” they often picture something scaled-down in every way. This means a smaller venue, simple decor, and fewer details all around. Having an “intimate” wedding doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the wedding details you love. But, in my experience, smaller celebrations actually mean more of what matters.
With a smaller guest list, you have more freedom (and potentially money left in your budget) to create an experience that’s just as meaningful and beautiful as any large wedding. The atmosphere was every bit as magical as a 200-person event, but with the bonus of extra time to connect with each guest and be fully present in every moment.
3. You Deserve to Enjoy Your Day—Hire Professional Vendors!
The only thing you should worry about on your wedding day is celebrating. Hiring a team of professional vendors is the key to making sure you don’t have to stress over logistics. They’ll keep the timeline on track and handle any last-minute hiccups.
If you’re thinking about delegating tasks to a family member or your wedding party, think again. While it’s great to enlist the help of loved ones, you don’t want to rely on them for everything. Plus, you don’t want your friends and family running around putting out fires all day. You want them exactly where they should be, by your side, soaking it all in.
Need recommendations? I’ve worked alongside some of the best in the business and would love to connect you with wedding professionals I trust. Believe me, hiring the right vendors will be one of the best decisions you make.
4. A Wedding Is About the Guest Experience Too
Hear me out. First and foremost, it’s your day, and that’s absolutely the most important thing. But when your guests are genuinely having the time of their lives too, the whole energy of the celebration shifts. While you should always prioritize what you want, making the day easy and enjoyable for your guests lets them relax, mingle more, and dance even harder.
Thoughtful touches really make a difference: a welcome drink station, cozy lounge seating during cocktail hour, or an interactive food station where guests can build their own tacos or enjoy an ice cream bar. So yes, plan the day for you, but keep the guest experience in mind—it truly pays off in every way.
5. First Look is Your Choice
There’s a misconception that photographers push couples into doing a first look. Let me be clear: your wedding day, your rules. My job is to provide the information so you can make the choice that feels right for you.
Yes, there are benefits to a first look—mainly that it frees up time after the ceremony, allowing you to get all your couple and wedding portraits done before walking down the aisle. But if you’ve always dreamed of the traditional “see you at the altar” moment, then absolutely go for it!
What matters most is that the choice reflects your vision. Don’t let anyone talk you into doing something you don’t want. A good photographer adapts to you, not the other way around. I’ll work with your timeline either way, making sure you get stunning images without feeling rushed or pressured.
6. Your Wedding, Your Rules
It’s easy to get caught up in trying to please everyone. But here’s the truth: you can’t make everyone happy, and trying to do so only adds unnecessary stress.
Your wedding day is about you and your partner. When you lean into what truly makes you happy, the whole day feels more authentic. And that genuine energy doesn’t just make the experience better for you, it also shines through in your photos.
Some of my favorite wedding pictures are the ones that capture real, candid moments and emotions that only happen when you’re being true to yourselves. So don’t be afraid to break a few “rules,” and skip the things that don’t resonate.
Still Searching for the Perfect Photographer?
At the end of the day, the most memorable weddings are the ones that truly reflect the couple’s personality and vision. These “hot takes” come from years behind the camera and a genuine love for capturing real moments. As a photographer, I always remind couples: it’s your wedding, your rules. Lean into what feels right and choose a photographer who celebrates your individuality.
That’s where I come in. When you book a session with me, it’s all about having fun and capturing natural, documentary-style moments—with a touch of editorial elegance.
Ready for a personalized, fun photography experience? Let's chat. We can set up a free consultation to go over your wedding day details and answer any questions you have. I can’t wait to work with you and create lasting memories together!