Tips for Brides on Embracing Their Wedding Day

Your wedding day is a momentous occasion filled with love, joy, and unforgettable memories. As a bride-to-be, you are about to embark on a magical journey, and your wedding day will undoubtedly be one of the most cherished moments of your life. To help you savor every second of this enchanting day, we've compiled some tips from my work as a wedding photographer that will ensure you shine with plenty of confidence and joy!

Take time to be present: Amidst the flurry of wedding preparations, remember that true beauty lies within you. Embrace your authentic self, and let your inner glow radiate through your smile. Take a moment to pause, breathe, and cherish the love that surrounds you. Allow yourself to feel the joy and excitement of this magical day, for it will reflect in your eyes and create a timeless charm that no veil or gown can match!

Cherish precious moments: In the whirlwind of celebrations, take time to cherish the precious moments with your loved ones. Embrace the hugs from family and friends, exchange tender glances with your partner, and laugh freely with your bridesmaids. These moments of love and connection will be the heart of your wedding day and will also be the moments that I work hard to capture.

Trust your dream team: You have carefully selected your dream team of vendors and wedding professionals…now it’s time to bring your vision to life. Trust in their expertise and allow them to work their magic while you focus on savoring each moment. Whether it's your talented hair and makeup artist or your skilled photographer (me!) capturing candid shots, let them work their magic!

Embrace the unexpected: As any bride knows, life is full of beautiful surprises, and your wedding day may have some unexpected moments. Embrace them with grace and laughter, knowing that these unplanned instances often become treasured memories in the tapestry of your love story! At one of my weddings, a flower girl dropped the floral ball and it rolled down the steps! These moments happen, and it often becomes a fun memory to laugh about later!

Emotion over perfection: Of course, every bride wants those magical Instagram shots (and I of course strive to deliver!), but I also capture the candid moments filled with feeling. As the day unfolds, focus on experiencing the emotions rather than chasing perfection. Your genuine happiness and heartfelt tears are what will make your wedding day truly extraordinary. Allow yourself to be vulnerable and open to the magic that surrounds you!

As you step into the spotlight on your wedding day, remember that it's not just about the grandeur of the event but the love that binds you and your partner together. Let the love and joy flow from your heart, and you will undoubtedly create a day filled with enchantment and everlasting memories. Congratulations, dear bride, on embarking on this wondrous journey of love and matrimony. May your wedding day be the beginning of a happily-ever-after that lasts a lifetime!

SIERRA + BRADY | WEDDING

“All that we love deeply becomes a part of us." -Helen Keller

Eden Vale Winery is one of my favorite places to shoot, and it set the perfect stage for Sierra and Brady’s stunning wedding day in Southern Oregon. This pair put their own touch and personality on just about every aspect of their special day, and the bride herself planned and designed all of the styling, using items from her former company (Minery Rentals, now Moxie). I loved that she put her heart and soul into the details, because it made it even more special. The pair opted to use one of our favorite vendors, Penny and Lulu, for the florals, and they never disappoint. They came up with these extremely special, rustic, textured bouquets that suited the rest of the decor perfectly. Their color scheme included hues of seafood green, pretty pink and corals, and a light grey. It was light and breezy, and I tried to capture all of the tiny and thoughtful touches, like the table settings and archway. I also loved Sierra’s dress, with it’s lace and sheer details along the bodice, and how soft and tasteful it was.

The day was filled with emotional vows, beautiful moments with friends and family, and capped off with the perfect sunset. Everyone danced the night away, and celebrated long after the ceremony was over. It was a huge privilege to document their day, and I wish them both so many years of unending happiness!