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9 Tips to Slow Down and Enjoy Your Wedding Day

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Your wedding day will be filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories, but if you’re not intentional, it can also fly by in a blur. As a Charleston wedding photographer with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen how fast the hours go once the day begins. The good news is that there are ways to slow down, savor the moment, and truly experience your wedding.

Here are nine heartfelt tips to help you be fully present and enjoy every second of your special day.

1. Start the Day with Intention

Before the whirlwind begins, take a quiet moment with yourself or your partner. Whether it’s journaling, prayer, a walk, or simply sipping coffee in peace, this calm start sets the tone for a mindful, centered day.

2. Build Breathing Room Into Your Timeline

One of my favorite timeline tips is pad your schedule. Add buffer time between events, like getting ready, the ceremony, portraits, so there’s no need to rush. Even 10 extra minutes here and there gives you space to breathe, laugh, cry happy tears… and just be.

3. Have an Engagement Session First

This is a big one. I include a complimentary engagement session with all my wedding packages because it’s such a powerful tool for helping couples feel relaxed and confident on their wedding day.

During the engagement session, I get to know how the two of you interact, your energy, your smiles, your best angles. And you get a taste of what it’s like to be in front of the camera. By the time your wedding arrives, we’ve already built that trust and connection. You’ll know what to expect and feel like you’re working with a friend, not a stranger. That ease shows up in your photos and in your heart.

(Psst—it’s also a perfect chance for a hair and makeup trial, so you can see how your look photographs!)

4. Let Go of Perfection

Not everything will go exactly as planned. And that’s okay. Sometimes, the unscripted moments, like the wind catching your veil, the flower girl going rogue, or your partner tearing up unexpectedly, are the most magical. Embrace the beauty of imperfection.

5. Assign a Point Person

You don’t need to answer questions or solve problems on your wedding day. Designate a trusted friend or coordinator to handle logistics, so you can stay present and soak in every emotion without distractions.

6. Do a First Look

First looks are one of my favorite ways to slow things down. They create a beautiful, private moment for just the two of you before the ceremony, the crowd, and the full day sweep in. You get to laugh, cry, hug, breathe… and really see each other.

Bonus: it takes the pressure off and gives us more flexibility for portraits later!

7. Stay Together During the Reception

It sounds simple, but staying close to your partner throughout the reception helps you both stay grounded. Whether it’s dancing, greeting guests, or sneaking off for sunset portraits, make the day feel like yours by sharing the moments as a team.

8. Savor the Little Things

Feel the fabric of your dress. Notice the scent of your bouquet. Listen to the sound of laughter and glasses clinking. These tiny details are part of your story and being mindful of them helps slow down the pace and imprint the memories more deeply.

9. Trust Your Photographer

This one’s close to my heart. I’m not just there to snap pretty pictures, I’m there to guide you, pose you naturally, fix your veil, keep the energy flowing, and help you feel at ease.

By the time your wedding day arrives, I’ll already know what works best for you and your partner from your engagement session. You won’t have to worry about how to stand or where to look. I’ve got that down. You just get to be in the moment, and I’ll take care of capturing it all beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Your wedding day is more than a timeline. It’s a feeling. It’s the way your partner looks at you, the way your parents tear up, the joy in your friends’ laughter. And when you’re able to slow down and truly feel it all- that’s when the real magic happens. If you’re ready to create timeless memories together and enjoy every minute while doing it. Let’s talk about how we can make your day beautifully unforgettable!