How to Make Your Wedding Stand Out From the Crowd
As a wedding photographer, I’ve photographed a lot of "traditional weddings" - church ceremonies, ballroom receptions, the classic white dress, etc. - and I adore those types of celebrations. But let me tell you, the weddings that really stick with me, are the rule-breakers and the couples who say, “Nah, let’s do this OUR way.” This actually seems to be happening a lot more often in 2025, as couples stop thinking about what they "should do" and start thinking about what they "want to do".
So if you're ready to step away from the "traditional" and want your big day to feel as unique and personal as your love story, here are some of the most epic, non-traditional wedding ideas I’ve had the pleasure of capturing. Buckle up—things are about to get interesting!
Ditch the White Dress
Who says you have to wear white? Rock a black gown, a vibrant red number, or even a jumpsuit. I once photographed a bride in an emerald green dress and crown that made her look like a queen straight out of a fantasy novel. It was chef’s kiss perfection. Want to keep a little bit of tradition? Go with a white dress, but add a colorful bow (they're SUPER on trend this year)!
Fancy Footwear? Heck Yes!
Now I love an amazing pair of heels as much as the next girl, but that's not everyone's vibe. Don't feel obligated to wear "traditional footwear". Just recently I had a bride and groom who wore matching custom made Converse Tennis Shoes - they even had the words "Bride" and "Groom" stamped on the bottom. And one of the most beautiful luxury weddings I photographed in Colorado had a bride who was wearing a custom made pair of white cowboy boots covered in Swarovski crystals that cost more than most high end wedding dresses. The vibe? Fan-freaking-tastic!
Forget the Church—Get Married in a Wild Location
Want to exchange vows on the top of a mountain overlooking the Pacific? A neon-drenched nightclub? How about a fairytale garden? I once photographed a couple who said their vows in a Botanical Garden while their guests stood around them amongst the most gorgeous trees and flowers. The vibes? Natural, raw and totally them!
Wedding Party? Nah, Make It a Wedding Crew
Let’s be real—traditional wedding parties (bridesmaids and groomsmen) can be hard to organize. Instead, create a ‘wedding crew’—a mix of your ride-or-dies who can wear whatever makes them feel fabulous and stand on whatever side they want to. Make sure the people standing beside you are there because they mean the most to you, not because they're a certain gender or because you need to even out the sides. Are you a Bride with a best friend who's a guy? Fantastic, he's now your "Guy of Honor"! Or maybe your mom is really your best friend, have her standing beside you! Do you have five besties and your partner only has four? That's totally cool!
Food Trucks & Midnight Snacks Over Formal Dinners
Sit-down dinners can be stuffy, expensive and, honestly, half the time people don't even finish their whole plate that cost you over $50 per person. Why not bring in your favorite food trucks and let guests choose their "fare"? Then, have a late-night snack bar with pizza, tacos, or an epic build-your-own nacho station to keep your guests satisfied and ready to party. Nothing makes guests happier than unexpected, delicious eats!
Are You a Superfan of Something? Don't be Embarassed, Embrace it!
I've had the pleasure of photographing a lot of "themed" weddings over the years, and they are always a blast! Lord of the Rings, Dungeons and Dragons, Bridgerton, The Great Gatsby...to name a few. I once had a couple who got married by an officiant dressed as a Jedi. Then afterward we drove to a local Drive-In theater where they stood in front of a marquee with their names on it and had a light saber battle. Trust me, that's a moment they will never forget - especially since they have the epic photographs to prove it!
Make It a Wedding Weekend
Why limit the fun to just one day? Turn your wedding into a multi-day affair! It's easier than you think. You may have to cut the guest count a little to make it work, but imagine 25 or 30 of your closest friends and family watching you get married one day and then all meeting up for more fun the next day? I remember a lovely couple who did just this - the first day was a beautiful and intimate ceremony followed by a "grazing reception" with a live band. The next morning at sunrise, everyone met up to hike Bishop's Peak - where they sat on blankets and watched the sunrise while the bride and groom had their "second dance" (the photos were stunning). Later that day, everyone went wine tasting!
Exit with a Bang (Literally)
Sparklers? Classic. Confetti cannons? Better. Cold Sparklers? Yes, please. But my all-time favorite? A couple who donned custom leather jackets and made their grand exit on motorcycles while their guests cheered them on. It was a total rockstar moment!
Unplugged Wedding? Or Go Full-On Livestream?
Some couples want an intimate, no-phones ceremony - and as a wedding photographer I absolutely appreciate this because cell phones hanging into wedding aisles have ruined far too many amazing photographs. But, that doesn't mean you can't embrace technology and take the opposite approach. I've had several couples who live-streamed their entire ceremony so friends and family from all over the world could see it - and they managed to do it from a vantage point that didn't interfere with any of their wedding photos! A trusted friend with a good cell phone (or even a cell phone stand) is all you need. Totally cool!
In the End...Do Whatever the Heck YOU Want!
At the end of the day, the best weddings are the ones where the couple is 100% themselves. So if you want to walk down the aisle to heavy metal, have your dog as your ring bearer, or throw a wedding that’s more costume party than formal affair—DO IT and I'll 100% be there to photograph it for you! Trust me, as a wedding photographer, these are the moments I live for. The unexpected, the personality-packed, the wildly “you” details that make your wedding stand out.
So go ahead—break some rules, make new traditions, and have a wedding that’s as legendary as your love story. Just make sure you have a totally open minded wedding photographer there to capture it all...contact me today!