Designing Weddings that Reflect the Couple's Essence
Crafting Unforgettable Moments
A wedding is not just a ceremony; it's a celebration of love, a merging of two souls, and a profound expression of a couple's unique connection. In a world of crazy TikTok ideas and jawdrapping instagram reels, the possibilities for your wedding are endless. The challenge lies in designing an event that authentically reflects the personalities and love story of the couple. Let's explore how to create the coolest weddings that are not only visually stunning but also deeply meaningful.
Marja & Charles in their custom attire; photographed by Fiona Battersby
Understanding the Couple's Story
Every couple has a story, and the first step in designing a wedding that reflects them is understanding that narrative. What brought them together? What shared interests, passions, or quirks define their relationship? Whether it's a shared love for travel, their pet, a common hobby, or a unique meeting story, these elements become the foundation for a wedding design that is uniquely theirs.
Designed by my clients; Photographed by Austin Gros
Designed by Lionhouse Events and Emily Baird; Photographed by Julia Wade
Personalized Invitations
The journey to a cool wedding begins with the invitation. I love to incorporate elements from the couples story and their wedding venue. Wherever possible, I use custom art or use symbols that hold special meaning to them. This sets the tone for the celebration and builds anticipation for the unique experience that awaits.
War Memorial Auditorium in Nashville photographed by Austin Gros
Race + Religious in New Orleans photographed by Erin Fox
Choosing the Perfect Venue
The venue sets the stage for the entire celebration. The venue should resonate with the couple's personalities and personal aesthetic. The venue should be a canvas that allows their story to come to life.
Signature Décor Elements
Everything is intentional. Wherever possible, I infuse the wedding with personalized décor elements that speak to the couple's identity. From custom signage to unique centerpieces, every detail should reflect their story. If they met in a bookstore, we’ll use it. Do they like to write notes to each other? Maybe there’s a note for each guest at their placesetting. If they share a love for a specific type of cuisine, weave it into the menu and table settings. The possibilities are endless and I love stretching my creativity to come up with special and subtle ways to infuse the love story with the design.
Art by Blaire Wheeler; photo by Justin Wright
Bourbon tasting photographed by Julia Wade
Interactive Guest Experiences
I like to create memorable experiences for guests that reflect the couple's interests. This could be a photo booth with props related to their favorite activities, a signature cocktail inspired by their travels, or songs and performances that hold special meaning. The goal is to make the wedding an immersive experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Personalized Vows and Rituals
The ceremony is the heart of any wedding, and personalizing vows and rituals adds a deeply meaningful touch. Encourage the couple to write their own vows, incorporating anecdotes and promises that are uniquely theirs. Consider incorporating rituals or traditions that hold personal significance, making the ceremony a true reflection of their commitment.
Custom Leanne Marshall dress so that Marja could feel like a Parisian sunset; photographed by Fiona Battersby
Bride’s 2nd look gave her room to move and dance late into the night! Photo by Erin Fox.
Customized Wedding Attire
The bride and groom's attire is a visual representation of their personalities. I encourage my clients to hire a stylist or to choose attire that not only aligns with the overall theme of their event, the season and venue, but also reflects their personal style. This could mean non-traditional colors, unique accessories, or even themed outfits that tie back to their story.
Capturing the Moments
A professional photographer and videographer are essential to capture the essence of the day. Work with them to ensure they understand the couple's story and vision, so they can capture candid moments and details that reflect the uniqueness of the celebration.
Designing the coolest weddings that truly reflect the couple requires a thoughtful and personalized approach. By weaving the couple's story into every aspect of the celebration, from invitations to décor to rituals, I can create an experience that is not only visually stunning but also deeply meaningful. In the end, the coolest weddings are the ones that leave a lasting impression on everyone who attends.
