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As a wedding photographer that has worked everything from courthouse elopements and pandemic cliffside ceremonies to traditional events with guest lists that span 150+ and now focusing in on intimate weddings and elopements, I’ve picked up on a handful of tips that I KNOW can help relieve stress on the big day. So, no more fluff, let’s get into some of my biggest tips to ensuring your big day is stress-free.
TIP NO. 1: Keep it small and personal. Again, going back to the fact that I focus on intimate weddings now but have worked everything from 2 people to 150+, those events that have had less than 50 guests/attendees seem to be the most laid-back, stress free events. No one is worried about guests walking into the bridal suite, moments before the ceremony don’t feel too rushed before everyone starts to arrive, etc. And because it is a bit more personal there’s also less stress on the couple to make sure they spend the entire evening trying to make their rounds to ensure they’ve visited with everyone.
TIP NO. 2: Hire a coordinator. I’m not even going to dance around this one. Either a day of, month of, or full coverage (is that what they’re called? planners, chime in 😅😂) coordinator. I have never, NEVER, had a couple end up hiring a coordinator in some capacity and regret it. They’ve always been a god send. I know you may have the most reliable MOH or you have a team of moms, stepmoms, and grandmas at the ready to handle everything but here’s the thing: even if they DO have everything covered, this can sometimes still lead to some stressful situations because those people are also super important to you and you want to soak in the moments with them. Hire someone who is SOLELY there to run your day for you. It’s worth it.
TIP NO. 3: Allow yourself time, and then even more time. “Intimate” does not translate into short and cheap. I mean, it can, But typically my couples are opting for more intimate scenarios less because of expense and more because of intention. The deep-rooted intention that they want these moments shared with their closest inner circle and that they want to all enjoy these moments TOGETHER. To make this a stress-free scenario, we do not need to cut corners by limiting time. If anything, adding more time for more free-flowing moments and organic interactions will lead to each big moment having the permission to be slowly soaked in, adequately documented, and thoroughly enjoyed, rather than feeling like we all need to rush to the next event or space and then those memories being tainted with the feelings of stress lingering on them.
TIP NO. 4: Make sure everyone around you, vendors included, understand your priorities. If everyone knows you are prioritizing organic, candid moments, then no one is going to pressure you for scheduled, strict poses. If everyone knows you don’t care much about reception activities or games and would rather socialize, then no one will make you stop what you’re doing to pivot to something you don’t truly care about, etc.
Remember that it’s okay to structure your day as if you and your partner are the guests of honor. It’s about what the day is celebrating and should not be dictated by timelines, vendor constraints, other people’s preferences or beliefs, etc. I can’t stress enough how imperative it is that the people you have on your team can make the BIGGEST difference on your stress levels on the day of. From hair and makeup to decor, to photo and video. SO, if you’re looking for a photographer who is well-versed in constructing days singlehandedly that focus solely on their couple’s and their priorities and can do so in a way that will put you at ease in the planning process AND day of, make sure you hit that contact button below❤️ I’d love to chat, even if it’s just about planning questions!
About Kelsi Grant — Hampton Roads Intimate Wedding Photographer
Your wedding day should feel like you. Whether you’re saying “I do” with just your closest people by your side or planning a romantic micro-wedding, I’m here to capture every heartfelt moment. As a Hampton Roads intimate wedding photographer, I specialize in documenting love stories with an artistic and storytelling approach across Chesapeake, Norfolk, Williamsburg, Virginia Beach, and beyond. Let’s create a gallery of images that will take you right back to the emotions of your day—reach out to start planning your wedding photography!
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