Planning your wedding should be one of the most joyful experiences of your life, but we all know it can get overwhelming with all the moving parts. After photographing over 100 weddings, I’ve picked up some tips that can help keep your big day stress-free and fun—just the way it’s meant to be.

At Willow + Rove Creative, I’m all about capturing authentic, emotional, and timeless moments, and to do that, I want to help you make sure your day flows smoothly. These five tips will give you a head start in making your wedding day enjoyable for you and everyone celebrating with you.

Tip 1: Choose the Right Locations – Keep Things Close

One of the biggest challenges on your wedding day is timing and logistics. From my experience, the most relaxed weddings happen when everything—getting ready, the ceremony, and reception—takes place close together, ideally at the same venue. This reduces travel time, minimizes delays, and lets you focus on the moment instead of worrying about moving from place to place.

But if your ceremony is at a separate location—maybe your family church or another meaningful spot—that’s totally okay! Just try to keep the driving distance to a minimum, especially if your wedding party is getting ready at different locations. The less time spent driving, the more time we can focus on capturing those unforgettable moments.

Tip 2: Unplugged Ceremony – Be Present, Not on Your Phone

Picture this: you’re walking down the aisle, and instead of happy, teary-eyed guests, you see a sea of phones and cameras snapping away. Not quite the dream, right? One of the best ways to keep your ceremony intimate and special is by asking your guests to put away their devices and just be present.

Let them focus on you and your partner, and leave the photography to me! I’ll capture every important moment, so your guests can fully enjoy the day instead of trying to get that “perfect shot.” Plus, when you look back at your photos, you’ll see genuine emotions, not screens or phones blocking the view. A simple sign or announcement before the ceremony can work wonders for setting this expectation.

Tip 3: Prioritize Natural Light – It’s the Key to Gorgeous Photos

Here’s something I always emphasize as a Knoxville-based travel wedding photographer: lighting is everything. The best, most flattering photos come from natural light, which is why I always plan to make the most of it on your wedding day. Whether we’re outside or inside, I’ll be keeping an eye on how the light is falling to make sure your photos look soft, beautiful, and timeless.

If your ceremony or reception is indoors, we’ll make the most of natural light by positioning you near windows. For outdoor moments, like portraits or family formals, we’ll aim to schedule these during the golden hours of the day when the light is soft and dreamy. And don’t worry about unexpected weather—rain or shine, I’ll bring the equipment we need to ensure your photos still turn out incredible.

Tip 4: Make It Personal – Your Story, Your Way

This is your day, and I want to help you make it feel that way in every possible detail. If there’s something special that’s meaningful to you—whether it’s getting ready at your childhood home or taking portraits at a spot that’s significant to your relationship—let’s do it! The more personal, the better.

I love it when couples choose locations or moments that reflect their love story. It’s not about following trends; it’s about making sure your wedding feels like you. If that means ditching traditional locations for a place that holds sentimental value, I’m all in! We’ll capture photos that reflect your personality and your journey together.

Tip 5: Embrace the Unexpected – Let Go and Enjoy the Moment

Let’s face it: something small might go wrong on your wedding day. Maybe the weather takes an unexpected turn, or a button pops off your dress. But guess what? It doesn’t matter. You’re marrying the love of your life, and that’s what counts.

When things don’t go as planned, just take a deep breath and remind yourself: “It’s just a ____ and it won’t ruin my day.” I’ve seen it all, and I’m here to assure you that those little hiccups will hardly be noticeable once you’re in the moment, celebrating with your family and friends. And remember, your wedding day won’t start without you—so there’s no need to rush or stress.

Wrapping It Up

Your wedding day should be full of joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments. At Willow + Rove Creative, my goal is to help you enjoy every second of it while capturing photos that reflect the essence of your love story. With over 100 weddings under my belt, I’ve learned how to keep things running smoothly and make sure you feel relaxed and carefree.

If you’re planning your wedding and want to chat more about how to make it as stress-free as possible—or if you’re interested in working with a Knoxville wedding photographer who’s all about creating meaningful, authentic images—send me a message! I’d love to hear all about your vision and help you bring it to life.

Your wedding day is meant to be a celebration of your love—let’s make sure it stays that way. 💕