Make sure someone you trust is in charge of the details and timeline. Having a planner might not be possible for all couples. If you don’t have a planner, check with your venue to understand what their coordinator does and doesn’t handle as some details may fall outside their role. However not having someone to the lead takes away from your attention and day. While good vendors can certainly handle the lack of a planner, sometimes tasks needed will take away from the other reasons your hired them. Remember you are the guests of honor not the hosts. So you are there to enjoy the day and be celebrated, not running around doing things or being stressed by things outside of the moment you are enjoying.

Doing a first look will allow the two of you maximum time together on the day of with more room and time for you to spend together. Doing a first look does not take away from seeing each other at the ceremony. They are both special moments you can share together and allow you to be present in different ways. If seeing each other truly isn't something that feels right or is possible, exchange special gifts and cards ahead of time or in addition to of course.

You two deserve to have these memories together to enjoy the day, be grounded together alone, without distractions. You can have a meal or hors d'oeuvres together before the reception during the end of cocktail hour or prior to you joining in to give yourself some fuel for fun. This will allow you to enjoy conversation with guests at your table. Have your photographer spread out your photos so you can take small breaks getting more variety in your portraits and showing different locations and times of the day.

How big you go for family pictures is up to you. So this hint might not be applicable in a smaller celebration. Do you want one giant picture of both sides with the bride and groom? Do you want more traditional portrait breakdowns? Try to assign one member from each side to let those family members know. You can also let them know ahead of time this will be happening & where they should wait or go, before the day of the wedding. Have those assigned family members help gather those people at the wedding so they don't miss these important photos.

Capturing your wedding day details, the items you thoughtfully chose or were gifted, is a meaningful way to preserve the full story of your day. From your invitation suite to your rings, these elements deserve to be documented.  It’s best to have everything gathered and ready before your photographer arrives. This should include your flowers/boutonnieres, plus styling blooms (many florists are happy to include this), family or personal mementos, both sets of rings, full invitation suite and any custom paper goods (menus, vow books, programs, etc), any jewelry or handkerchiefs. Basically anything you have that you spent money on or were gifted for the day. If it’s meaningful or beautiful, I want to document it for you.

It's always best to plan for those situations you might not see coming. One of the key's to a stress free day is making sure you have ample time to enjoy and capture the amazing day you have planned for with less stress. Some of the most memorable moments in your day are unplanned so trust the flow.

You have hired professionals for a reason- let them do what they do best! The investment in your day is important & being mindful of budgets is necessary. Trusting their expertise will allow you to be more present and in the moment on your day.

With all the tips, tricks, and trends out there, it's easy to feel you should do things a certain way. At the end of the day it's your wedding and it should be about you two. Your love, your story, your vision and budget. Be it keeping with traditions that resinate or embracing unconventional ideas. The best wedding is the one that is true to you as a couple and combining things that are important to each of you.

I personally LOVE an outfit change during the day. It gives you different option for comfort level & gives you both the possibility of having a super fun look to wear out for more fun! However I totally understand the want/need to keep your original attire on. It is also fun to have an addition or removal to create a change. I have seen a jacket removed to reveal a fun print on a sleeve, the removal of a skirt off a dress, or addition of the veil for the ceremony, a total change into a new look to surprise the spouse is also ALWAYS a fun time for all!

Be sure you hold your kiss for a few seconds to be sure your photographer captures the moment.  Walk slowly back down the aisle and soak it all in together and even better plan a dip, kiss, or twirl at the end of the isle with your guests behind you cheering you on! You are now partners for life!