Over the past 8 years I've had the absolute pleasure of photographing 50+ stunning weddings. While capturing these days, I made a mental note of all the unique and practical touches each couple has chosen. Today, I want to share some of those things with you to hopefully inspire you to add unique touches of your own or recreate one of these ideas and make it your own to include on your wedding day!

 

Close-up of wedding couple's hands with teal and gold floral details on white dress against dark suit.
Wooden wall with mounted shelves displaying Lego potted plants and decor items against rustic paneling.
Wedding reception decor features elegant photo displays on wooden easels with floral arrangements and welcome signs.
Memorial chairs with purple ribbons and 'Reserved for Heaven' signs honor loved ones at an outdoor ceremony.
Three decorative gold hoops adorned with eucalyptus and flowers hang against a white draped backdrop with twinkle lights.
A rustic wooden welcome sign decorated with greenery and fabric draping stands on an easel at an outdoor wedding ceremony.
Colorful beaded curtain strings with glass and crystal elements hanging against a soft white backdrop.
Colorful origami paper cranes hang from strings against a white ceiling creating a whimsical floating art installation.
Colorful floral arrangement with orange coneflowers and wildflowers in blue and purple glass vases on a white tablecloth.
A festive fall display with orange and white pumpkins, floral arrangements, and decorative elements with the bride posing.

DIY Decor

Making your wedding feel like you is extremely important. One way to do that is through personalized decor. In my years photographing weddings I've seen some incredible DIY decor. Here are some of my favourites:

  1. Handmade Florals - make you bouquets with your bridesmaids
  2. Framed Lego - build them together and display them on your day
  3. Painted Engagement Photo - paint by numbers together
  4. Cricut Signs - grab your machine or visit your local library and get creative
  5. Simple Artificial Florals - it doesn't need to be real to be gorgeous
  6. Window Signs - can be done with paint or vinyl
  7. Beaded Backdrop - a simple diy that only requires pretty beads and fishing line
  8. Paper Crane Ceiling Draping - takes dedication, looks breathtaking
  9. Custom Centerpiece - make them your own and add elements that speak to you
  10. Seasonal Elements - pumpkins, mums, seashells, sand, etc.
A romantic outdoor photo series showing a couple dancing and dipping in an urban setting during autumn.
Bridesmaids in light blue floral dresses pose with vibrant orange and white bouquets in a sunny outdoor field.
Wedding party members in light blue shirts and navy pants kneel in front of rustic wooden barn doors.
Person wearing a dark green suit and glasses stands in snowy winter setting near rustic Brussels Four Winds Barn.
A couple walks along an autumn forest path with golden leaves and trees while a squirrel blurs past in the foreground.

personalized OUtfits

The best way to show off your unique style is through clothing. The best part, you don't have to stray from traditional wedding attire if that's not your vibe. Adding touches of your personality can be as bold or subtle as you'd like.

Outfit ideas I love:

  1. Colourful Suit - they don't have to be bright or bold, but add so much character
  2. Unconventional Tie - bowties, puff ties, or bolo ties might be your style
  3. Boots/Sneakers - always dreamed of wearing cowboy boots or chucks, do it
  4. Patterned Dress- for your bridesmaids or yourself
  5. Embroidered Veil - add a pop of colour to the white
A couple paddling together in a canoe on a serene river, shown in three black and white photographs.
Romantic newlywed couple sharing tender moments inside a classic light blue vintage car with floral bouquet.
A bride and groom share intimate moments in front of an ornate vintage mirror during their wedding photoshoot.
A couple in formal attire performs a synchronized drinking pose in a black and white wedding photo sequence.
A romantic wedding photo collection featuring a vintage truck, Starbucks stop, and a couple sharing intimate moments in an outdoor setting.

Unique portraits

As a photographer, I will always recommend incorporating something you love into your portraits. Couple's in the past have included their favourite hobby, sentimental places, favourite shops and more. Making for unique photos that show off your love in a completely different light than the traditional posed portraits.

A wedding photo showing a couple exchanging private vows with autumn trees in the background.
Bride hugging bridesmaid while another helps button her wedding dress in a rustic venue, black and white photo.
A couple in wedding attire share a candid moment while sitting together in a vintage car.
A wedding couple poses playfully against a rustic stone wall for their first touch.
Three groomsmen in matching green suits stand in the rustic Brussels Four Winds Barn decorated with string lights.
A couple in white wedding attire walks along a scenic beach path under trees at sunset.
A grandmother walking down the aisle tossing petals.
Sentimental black and white wedding photo of a father and daughter embracing on an outdoor deck surrounded by trees.

New Traditions

Old traditions are still here, but a new wave of "traditions" have begun! While some things remain the same, couple's are creating new ways to connect on their wedding day.

"New traditions" couple's are opting for:

  1. First Look - with their partner, wedding party, or parents
  2. First Touch - want your first look down the aisle? you might want a "first touch"
  3. Non-traditional "Flower Girl/Ring bearer" - flower grandma or beer bearer
  4. Private Vows - nervous for your vows? opt to do them privately
  5. Bouquet Dedication - flowers are expensive, dedicate them to mom
  6. Walking the Aisle Alone - it's your moment, let yourself shine
  7. Unplugged Ceremony - your photographer's got you covered


A bride in a white wedding dress stands in front of a rustic stone building (Brussels Four Winds Barn) with snow on the ground.
Wedding guests dance together on an outdoor patio during an evening reception celebration.
Black and white photos show bride and groom gathering around a rustic wooden wagon wheel in a countryside setting.
A wedding guest book table setup with framed photo, floral garland, and pens for signing.
A stone building entrance with white columns and arched windows showcasing a wedding couple in front of Macdonald Square, Elora.
A couple walks along a rocky beach shore on their wedding day in black and white photography.
Wedding party members wearing cowboy boots with formal attire stand in a line showing off their footwear.

Practical additions

If you're the couple that's all about practicality, do I have a list for you!

Some items you might want to consider having at your wedding are:

  1. Handheld Fan - great for summer weddings
  2. Decor that Doubles as your Signing/Cake Table - one less thing to worry about
  3. A "Guest Book" Canvas - you'll look at it every day on your wall
  4. Shawls/Blankets - great for guests at fall and winter weddings
  5. Comfy Shoes - you want to party all night comfortably
  6. Dresses with Pockets - keep you tissues close by
  7. Court House Ceremony - save your budget for your reception
  8. Magnetic Boutonnieres - no more pin pokes
  9. Artificial Florals - last forever and don't break the bank
  10. Emergency Kit - stain removers, hairspray, needle + thread, deodorant, snacks