Pinterest is often the go-to source of inspiration for almost anything we’re interested in – weddings, recipes, home décor, travel destinations, you name it. It’s an amazing tool when you already have a rough idea and just need a bit of extra inspiration or that one “aha!” moment to complete your vision.
However, like most apps today, the longer you scroll, the more options you’re presented with. And when the time comes to actually make decisions, all that inspiration can quickly become overwhelming and make it harder to figure out what you truly want.
As a wedding photographer, this blog post is my way of shifting the focus from imitation and perfection to meaningful, intentional choices.
Before You Plan Anything, Define “You”
As I mentioned, the internet is full of perfection — perfect décor, perfect venues, weddings that look like they’ve been pulled straight from a luxury magazine. But before choosing a color palette or deciding on a wedding theme, it’s important to pause and ask yourself a few key questions:
- How do you want the day to feel?
- What do you value most: intimacy, tradition, simplicity, fun?
Aesthetics play a huge role in our lives, and weddings are no exception. But what truly matters is placing emotion, feeling, and vibe above visuals. Long after the day is over, you won’t remember every detail — you’ll remember how you felt throughout the entire day.
Your Love Story Is the Blueprint
The purpose of your wedding should go much deeper than what’s visible at first glance. What does that mean? It means drawing inspiration from the most meaningful parts of your relationship, such as:
- How you met (is there a unique or special story?)
- Shared hobbies, favorite places, or rituals
- What makes your relationship uniquely yours
Once you put these things down on paper, inspiration flows naturally — for the type of ceremony you want, the music you choose, the food you serve, and the overall experience. In this way, inspiration becomes a reflection of who you are, not a replication of someone else’s wedding from the internet.
Normalize Choosing Not to Do Things
If you don’t see yourself in big weddings, long traditional timelines, or certain elements you see at every wedding but simply don’t resonate with — don’t do them.
Remember, this is your day. Choosing differently isn’t selfish; it’s intentional. You’re allowing your closest people to experience the most authentic version of you, not the version shaped by expectations or traditions that don’t feel right.
Choose Meaningful Details, Not Just Pretty Ones
Once again, it all comes back to the feeling and vibe — the things both you and your guests will remember long after the wedding. Before making any decision, ask yourself:
Is this important to us, or does it just look good online?
Whether you’re dreaming of a non-traditional ceremony, personal vows, music that reflects your true taste, including your pets, having your mother sing during your first dance, or any other personal touch — the focus should always be on authenticity and the felt factor, not just the wow factor.
Spend Where It Matters Most
Wedding planning can be a significant financial investment, especially when inspiration often comes from luxury weddings held at exclusive venues. But that doesn’t have to be the rule.
Prioritize what your guests will experience, not just what they will see. Acknowledge budget stress without shame. As you create your wish list, ask yourself whether each item is truly necessary and whether it aligns with your vision of an authentic, personal wedding.
Conclusion: If It Felt Like You, You Did It Right
The real win of any wedding is feeling present, comfortable, and connected. The best weddings aren’t the ones that look perfect — they’re the ones that feel true, real, and deeply representative of you and your relationship.
When you approach wedding planning this way, it can become a calm, beautiful experience — free from pressure and stress — once you let go of expectations and focus on what truly matters.