It’s a sentiment you hear all the time when you’re engaged – your wedding day speeds by in the blink of an eye. Amid the whirlwind of hosting your guests, dancing, taking in the decor, and all of the day’s “events”, ensuring that you and your partner can savor the significance of the day together is paramount. Here are some strategies to help you maximize your time with each other and create lasting memories with your loved ones.

Start the Day Together

Morning Moments: If you’re getting married, there is a good chance your partner is the person you want to be around the most when you’re stressed, excited, anxious, or al of the above! So why not start your wedding day together?

• Breakfast/Coffee Together: Enjoy a quiet breakfast or morning coffee together before the day’s festivities begin. This can be a peaceful moment to set intentions and savor the start of your special day.
• Getting Ready Together: Instead of following tradition, consider getting ready together, just the two of you. This can add a layer of intimacy and comfort, reducing pre-ceremony jitters and creating more shared memories.

Embrace the First Look

The Magic of the First Look: One of the most intimate moments on your wedding day can be the ‘first look.’ This doesn’t have to be a grandiose or staged event—sometimes, the most touching first looks happen naturally. Imagine the bride arriving to the hotel and the groom helping her out of the car, or a gentle knock on the hotel room door after you’re both dressed and ready. Here’s how to make the most of this heartfelt moment:

• Keep It Private: Have your photographer capture the initial reaction in a secluded setting. This ensures the authenticity of this private moment is beautifully documented.
• Alone Time: After the first look, spend 5-10 minutes completely alone with your partner before taking portraits. This little window allows you both to connect deeply and ground yourselves in the day’s emotional significance before your photographer rejoins you.

“Creating Space for the Moments In-between.”

If you’re been around, you’ll likely have read this phrase on our website or social media. It’s the foundation for how we approach a wedding timeline, and one of the things our client’s prioritize in their day.

Have a Private Meal: After the ceremony and the whirlwind of post-ceremony photos, carve out a little time for just the two of you. Sharing a meal is significant in many cultures, religions, and families. Begin your marriage with a “mini-date” inn fellowship with each other without any outside distractions.

If you don’t want to have a full dinner before the reception, you can shrink it down:

• Relish and Recharge: Arrange with your caterer to have some appetizers and cocktails served to you in a private space. This ‘mini meal’ allows you both to recharge and have a moment of peace amid the festivities.
• Join the Celebration Gradually: After enjoying your private time, join your guests for the last part of the cocktail hour. This strategy lets you mingle with your loved ones and eases you into the reception festivities without feeling overwhelmed. It also helps to cut down on table-side greetings during the reception.

Reception First-Look: It’s one of my favorite moments of the day when you see all of the planning come to fruition, and so special to walk around the room together to take it all in!

Private First Dance: With only your photographer and videographer present, dance to your song under the soft glow of the venue’s lights. This can be a profoundly moving and deeply personal moment that you both will cherish forever. You can do this in the reception space before welcoming guests in, or in a separate space altogether.

Commit to Staying Together

Navigating the Reception: It’s surprisingly easy for couples to get separated during the wedding reception as they mingle with different groups of friends and family. Here’s how to stay connected:

• Stick Together: Make a gentle pact to stick together throughout the evening. While it’s okay to interact with different guests, try to move as a unit.
• Photo Booth Fun: When you engage in activities like the photo booth or group dances, go together. This not only creates shared memories but also symbolizes your union to everyone else.

Your wedding day is a celebration of your love, commitment, and partnership. Spending it together is what truly matters. These tips aren’t just about keeping close; they’re about enriching your wedding experience and ensuring that when you look back, you recall a day spent in joy and unity, not just a beautiful blur.

These moments of intentionality will slow down time, allowing you to bask in the love and joy that surrounds you and enjoy every second to the fullest.

If you’re ready to start planning a wedding designed to be remembered, just click here to schedule a consultation with us.

Happy planning!

Haylee