I’m a twenty-something wedding photographer in Texas who photographs couples who are ready to celebrate their marriage. Building my business has been one hell of a ride, so grab a cup of coffee (or some wine - no judgement here) and join me for my life behind the lens.
Marrying Andrew was the best decision I ever made, and our wedding day was easily the best day of our lives. Being a bride myself gave me a whole new perspective on what my brides are going through. I have to admit, being in the wedding industry while planning my own wedding had its perks. I knew a ton of vendors and I had been to quite a few weddings. When it was my turn, I foolishly assumed it would be a walk in the park.
Spoiler alert: I was wrong.
Y’all, planning a wedding is STRESSFUL, even for the type-A, wedding vendor like myself. Looking back, there were a few mistakes that stand out in my mind. Don’t make the same mistakes I did, friends!
Looking back, this was probably my most embarrassing wedding mistake and it pains me to tell you about it, BUT I want to make sure you don’t do what I did! Being in the industry myself, I thought I “knew what I was doing”. There was even a point in my wedding planning process where I told Kelsea my coordinator that I wanted to be in control and to do all the things. Let me tell you, not too long after that email, I regretted my decision. There are so many little details that go into planning a wedding, and regardless if you are in the wedding world or if you’ve never been to a wedding, your coordinator is going to be a Godsend. Trust the professionals to do what you hired them for and love on them well. I am so thankful Kelsea took back the reigns when I realized my mistake, and looking back, I wish I had hired her from day 1 and not just month of coordination!
This seems silly, but after being married for over a year, I’m STILL getting emails from random wedding services. I made the mistake of using my regular personal email address when signing up for newsletters, wedding fairs, etc so I combat these emails every day. Make a separate email address to use only for wedding related activities. Trust me, you’ll thank me later for this one!
I LOVED all of our vendors, and that was something SO important to me. However, Andrew and I didn’t spend a ton of time exploring some of our options that they offered. For example – our dinner. Our dinner was delicious, BUT, it was one of those things that we didn’t put a ton of thought into. When I work weddings now and I’m handed a plate of fajitas or tacos, I get so excited because I LOVE Mexican food. Why the heck didn’t I do that at my own wedding?! Take your time, explore your options, and choose things that make you say YASSSSS!!
This same idea applies for mistake #4…
This is my biggest wedding regret, but before I get into this, I do want to say I loved my dress and I think it was perfect for our day. BUT, every single time I see a Hayley Paige gown, my heart breaks a little. I am OBSESSED with the detail and flowy ruffles of a Hayley Paige gown, but during my wedding planning, I would not let myself try one on or even walk into a boutique that carried Hayley Paige. I had assumed that gown of my dreams was way out of my price range, so I kept it out of sight, out of mind. Not too long after my day had come and gone, I found out that a local bridal boutique frequently has Hayley Paige Sample Sales or Trunk Sales, which would have put my dream gown into my price range. *insert crying emojis*
I photograph over 30 engagement sessions every year, and because of that, I didn’t give our engagement session the attention it deserved. I found a dress that worked, and grabbed a casual outfit out of the closet. Did my own hair and makeup and went on my way. Our photos were beautiful, but I definitely didn’t’ look or feel my best in them because I didn’t take my own session seriously! Andrew and I also didn’t include our pup Dolly, and I look back on that and totally facepalm. Find outfits that make you feel amazing and treat yourself to professional hair and makeup. These are special photos – don’t overlook the importance of this session!!
Were there any wedding day mistakes you made?? Tell me about them in the comments below!
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