How to Stay Present on Your Wedding Day
Why Being Present Matters for Your Photos:
Photographs are more than just a pretty picture; they’re reflections of the emotions and connections shared in a specific moment. When you’re fully present, your genuine joy, love, and excitement naturally shine through, resulting in photos that feel organic and timeless. In contrast, stress or distraction can lead to stiffness, forced smiles, or missed opportunities for those candid, emotion-filled images. Curated or forced moments can never compare to the beauty of something real.
A calm, focused mindset allows for:
Natural smiles and laughter.
Genuine interactions with loved ones.
The ability to soak in fleeting moments, like your partner’s expression as you walk down the aisle or the warmth of a congratulatory embrace.
Tips to Let Go of Stress and Focus on the Moment:
Getting married gave me a whole new perspective on what it’s like to be on the other side of things. Here are some tips that helped me (and others) have a smoother, more enjoyable day:
1. Delegate, Delegate, Delegate, Then Trust Them!
Whether you hire a planner or lean on friends and family, make sure they know exactly what to do. I personally created a folder with details and a go-to contact for any questions, so I wasn’t constantly being asked for guidance.
2. Start Your Day in a Way That Feels Right for You.
If you love peace and quiet, take time to read, journal, or simply relax in the morning. You don’t have to follow tradition and get ready with a big group. On the other hand, if being surrounded by friends and family energizes you, embrace it!
3. Be Realistic with Your Timeline.
The biggest stressor on a wedding day is feeling rushed. Build buffer time between events so that if something runs late, you can catch up. If you’re on schedule, you’ll have extra time to relax and enjoy spontaneous, meaningful moments.
4. Stay Close to Your Partner.
This day is about your love and marriage - celebrate that together! Take a moment to sneak away, hold hands, or catch each other’s eye from across the room. Staying connected allows for beautiful, candid photos and reminds you to savour the day as a duo.
5. Let Go of Perfection.
Not everything will go according to plan, and that’s okay. Unexpected moments, like a gust of wind catching your veil, a sprinkle of rain, a heartfelt speech that wasn’t planned, can create the most magical memories. Embrace the day for what it is, and let it unfold naturally.
6. Focus on Your Senses.
Tune in to the little details: the warmth of the sun, the touch of your partner’s hand, the sound of laughter from your friends, or the coos of your niece at her first wedding. Staying mindful of these sensations will ground you and make the day even more memorable.
Real Stories:
Kennedy + Pierre’s Dance Floor
When Kennedy and Pierre’s reception began, it quickly became apparent how warm the room was getting. The lack of A/C made it so hot inside that they decided to blow out all the candles to reduce the heat. By the time the dancing started, everyone was already breaking a sweat, so they made the spontaneous decision to move the party outside! The cool summer night and extra space allowed everyone to feel more comfortable and have even more fun.
Emily + Adam’s Ceremony
When Emily and Adam saw the forecast predicting rain in the next 20 minutes, they considered moving their ceremony indoors. However, Emily was determined to have her outdoor ceremony. With the help of her planners, officiant, and myself, we quickly gathered as many umbrellas as we could and placed them under the benches. We went ahead with the outdoor ceremony, and Emily got the vision she dreamed of. Everyone else stayed comfortable and dry despite a light mist, which, if anything, added a softness to the photos that is truly unmatched!
The Takeaway: Be Present, Be You.
By staying present, you’ll not only enjoy your wedding day more, but your photos will also reflect the true essence of your celebration, turning fleeting moments into lasting memories. So take a deep breath, hum to calm your nervous system, and let go of perfection. These precious moments may pass quickly, but they’ll live on in your heart and mind forever.
