Your Guide to Planning a Wedding That Feels Like You
Your wedding should be more than just a Pinterest board brought to life—it should feel like you. As a Colorado wedding photographer specializing in candid, documentary-style photography, I understand the importance of the visual elements of a wedding day. But what about the vibes? It’s easy to get caught up in traditions, trends, and what you think a wedding should look like, but the best weddings? They’re the ones that reflect the couple in every way. Whether that means swapping a dance floor for a video game lounge, choosing a unique Colorado wedding venue like your favorite brewery, or having your dog walk you down the aisle, this guide will help you plan a day that truly feels like yours.
Personal Touches: Making Your Wedding Unmistakably Yours
Choosing a Venue That Matches Your Relationship
Your wedding venue sets the tone for the entire day, but it should also feel like an extension of your relationship. Instead of just thinking about aesthetics, consider the energy of the space. Now, I’m not going to dive into all the different types of venues and what they offer— there’s tons of information out there about that (and I’ll be writing another blog post on this exact topic!). Instead, let me share how your relationship style and personality can help guide your venue decision.
For the adventurous Colorado couples: I photographed a wedding a few years ago at the summer camp the bride attended all throughout her childhood. The energy was immaculate. I showed up and wandered around the property for 20 minutes, looking everywhere for the bride and groom. Not in the getting ready space, not at the ceremony location.
I ended up needing to flag down some of the guests to ask where the bride and groom where.
“Oh, they’re in the lake!”
“By the lake?” I asked.
“No, in the lake,” they replied.
I quickly headed down the hill to find the bride, the groom, and a dozen of their friends on kayaks and swimming. Though their timeline was now running a bit behind, I pivoted and started snapping away as they splashed and laughed through the hot summer sun. The photos (and their experience) highlighted their love for the outdoors and the sentimental location where they chose to say “I Do.”
Instead of a traditional morning of getting ready, close friends and family spent the day canoeing, swimming, and just being together. If your venue can set the stage for experiences that reflect your life, it’s going to make your wedding day even more meaningful.
For the cozy, intimate wedding lovers: Imagine exchanging vows in a charming Colorado mountain wedding venue, surrounded by towering pines and the scent of fresh pine needles, with a fireplace crackling in the background. Or maybe a retreat center, complete with flower gardens and a pond full of turtles. An Airbnb wedding in Colorado offers flexibility—decor can be minimal because the space already feels warm and inviting, and you can extend the celebration into a weekend getaway with your favorite people. This especially speaks to the DIY enthusiasts who might prefer to adorn the space with personal items, rather than buying elaborate wedding-only decorations. If a cozy lodge is more your vibe, picture a candlelit dinner under exposed wooden beams, sipping wine as snow falls outside, making for the ultimate intimate and romantic celebration.
In summer 2024, I photographed my first Airbnb wedding and immediate fell in love with its laid-back energy. With the comfort of a house but the beauty of gardens and sprawling fields, it was easy to feel right at home. One downside to this is that the venue might not come with elements like a tent for the reception, so consider this in your budget and don’t be afraid to ask what’s included!
For the social butterflies: A vibrant Denver rooftop wedding or Colorado brewery wedding might be perfect. If your idea of a great night involves being surrounded by people, music, and an electric atmosphere, then a city-centric wedding venue is calling your name. A rooftop celebration with the city skyline twinkling in the background, where guests sip craft cocktails and dance under string lights. A trendy brewery where your guests can mingle over locally brewed beers, share laughs in a laid-back setting, and toast to your future with a pint in hand. Downtown Denver wedding venues bring a built-in buzz, making them the ideal backdrop for couples who thrive in lively, social settings. Plus, they offer plenty of room for creative food and drink options—think food trucks, mixology stations, or a midnight snack bar to keep the energy going all night.
For the effortlessly classy: An elegant manor can set the tone for a high-scale, upper-class wedding straight out of The Great Gatsby. Imagine opulent chandeliers, sprawling gardens, and a grand ballroom where guests sip champagne and twirl across a polished dance floor. If you love the idea of a wedding that feels both regal and timeless, a historic estate could be the perfect choice.
Activities That Represent You
Think beyond the standard wedding schedule—what do you and your people actually enjoy doing? If the thought of a non-stop dance party sounds exhausting, consider unique wedding reception ideas that will make your wedding feel like a true reflection of your relationship and the people closest to you. Are your friends avid gamers, outdoor enthusiasts, or shockingly good at Corn Hole? Do you spend your social time taste-testing different craft beers or mountain biking? Centering your reception or cocktail hour— or even designating time before getting ready for your ceremony— to doing the things that shape your life, you’re sure to feel more at ease and like yourself throughout your wedding day. This is also a perfect opportunity to incorporate activities that are meaningful to you and your partner.
Board games and cozy lounge areas for a relaxed vibe, perfect for couples who love a good game night.
A projector screen with your favorite movies or video games for a nostalgic or playful touch.
A Colorado outdoor wedding with a bonfire and s’mores, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere where guests can gather and share stories.
Live music or an acoustic set instead of a DJ for a more laid-back, intimate feel.
Interactive food stations like build-your-own taco bars, DIY s’mores kits, or late-night snack tables.
Nature scavenger hunts to get guests mingling and exploring the venue while creating fun, candid memories. Consider a prize incentive for winners!
Your wedding should be fun for you, not just what’s expected. If you and your partner love road trips, maybe have a vintage camper photo booth. If you're obsessed with trivia nights, a round of personalized wedding trivia could be a hit. The key is to create moments that feel natural and enjoyable for you and your guests.
Need to get inspired? Spend a date night listing wedding guests and noting their shared interests—sports, hobbies, or activities. Identifying common themes can spark ideas for incorporating meaningful, fun elements into your day while keeping it true to you as a couple."
This wedding featured a Polaroid camera that guests were free to use. Children and adults alike were running all over the venue capturing moments of their own. Then, they placed the images in a guest book and wrote personalized messages.
Arcade games set the stage for cocktail hour at this oceanside wedding venue.
Sentimental Details: Honoring the Things That Matter
Incorporating Family Heirlooms & Memories
Weddings are about more than just two people—they’re about family, history, and love that spans generations. Small details can make a big impact. How can you honor your loved ones at your wedding in a way that feels genuine and unique?
Sewing a piece of your mother’s dress into your own can feel like carrying a part of her love and history with you as you walk down the aisle.
Wearing your father’s favorite tie or a piece of his jewelry can make you feel like he’s right there beside you, even if he isn’t physically present.
Creating a display table with family wedding photos is a wonderful way to honor the generations that came before you, offering guests a glimpse into the legacy of love that led to this moment.
One bride I worked with tied her grandfather’s guitar pick into her bouquet, a quiet yet profound way to keep his presence close. Another couple designed their wedding rings using gold from family heirlooms, ensuring that their new beginning was tied to the love stories that shaped them.
Personal wedding details are more than just decorative—they are tangible, heartfelt ways to weave your family’s love and legacy into the fabric of your day, ensuring that your wedding isn’t just about one moment in time, but a continuation of something much bigger.
These details can be for the loved ones who are no longer with us, or simply there to make the day feel richer in meaning.
Fun Additions That Make a Wedding Unforgettable
Bring Your Dog (Yes, Really)
If your pup is your ride-or-die, why wouldn’t they be part of your wedding? Having your dog walk you down the aisle or be part of your ceremony is a personal and adorable touch. Dog-friendly wedding venues in Colorado are becoming more popular, making it easier to include your four-legged friend in your big day.
Pro tips:
Hire a pet concierge or designate a trusted person to bring them to the venue and take them home when needed.
If you’re doing a first look, consider scheduling a few photos with your dog before the ceremony.
Double-check the venue’s pet policy—not all venues are dog-friendly!
Personalized Drink Menus & Fun Reception Elements
Your reception is where the party really kicks off, so why not make it uniquely yours? Some fun ideas:
Custom beer cans for Colorado brewery weddings, with your faces on them (yes, it’s a thing and it’s amazing).
Signature cocktails named after your pets.
Cocktail hour games like cornhole, giant Jenga, or even pool tables.
Your guests will remember the experience just as much as the big moments.
The owners of this rustic barn supplied chalk for guests to sign their names on the walls or write messages to the bride and groom. Guests spent cocktail hour playing pool, too!
How Your Timeline Plays Into This (Tips from a Colorado Wedding Photographer)
Give Yourself Breathing Room
No one wants to feel rushed on their wedding day. Work with your wedding photographer to create a timeline that allows you to actually experience the day instead of sprinting from one thing to the next.
Take a Moment Alone Together
After your ceremony, carve out 15-20 minutes to just exist together. Whether you want to debrief on “what the hell just happened” or laugh about how you both started giggling during vows, having a private moment makes the day feel even more special.
EAT. YOUR. DINNER.
This should go without saying, but too many couples barely get a bite of their wedding meal. You paid for it, you were excited about it—don’t let anyone rush you away from your plate. No one wants to be hangry at their own wedding.
Final Thoughts: Create a Day That Feels Right for You
At the end of the day, your wedding should reflect you—not just what’s trendy or traditional. Whether that means swapping typical elements for something more personal or just ensuring you have the time and space to soak it all in, the best weddings are the ones that feel right for the couple getting married.
Looking for a Colorado Wedding Photographer Who Gets It?
If you’re searching for a documentary-style wedding photographer in Colorado who focuses on candid, heartfelt storytelling and capturing the little details that make your wedding yours, let’s chat! I specialize in documentary-style wedding photography with a natural, relaxed wedding photography so you can focus on what matters most—actually enjoying your wedding day.