My Turn to Get Married! – And How We Stayed True to Ourselves in the Process

Getting the email – “Your Wedding Photos are Ready” is SUCH a rush!!! I couldn’t wait to share them, and thought a blog would be fun because of the story-telling aspect. I’ve just learned so much about my ‘job’ from being on this side of the experience, and am itching to share. I found my match made in heaven in Sean, and together we planned the wedding of our freaking dreams. (Okay, probably more-so of mine, but he agrees that the vibes were immaculate lol)

All images by Virginia Blake Photo

We decided to get married in LESS than 2 months, for various life reasons, all of which I’ve been very open about. And I’m still not certain if that was crazy, or ideal. But it was definitely do-able! The time crunch played into our combined ADHD habits very well, and put just the right amount of pressure onto picking a date, reaching out to vendors, choosing colors, and finding my dress. The “venue” was Sean’s oldest sister’s backyard, nestled on the rim of the canyon. I knew from the very first day I visited their home that I could envision our wedding there. The lush green yard leading out to the most beautiful view, the covered porch that spans the length of their home, and the fact that it would hold so much meaning, getting to say our “I Do’s” in a place filled with love and family memories. And so the MOMENT she brought it up, our minds were pretty set.

The biggest choice we made right away was that our wedding would be a “micro wedding” (under 100 guests). From my experience in the industry, I’ve seen so many celebration variations, I’ve been involved in schedules ranging from 4-12 hours, and guest lists anywhere from 20-300. We both wanted the intimacy that comes with a dialed-down celebration, and quite frankly, the more accessible cost. I’ve also witnessed brides who barely get to enjoy their day because of all the pressure and logistics that just seem to stack up. Ultimately the MAIN goal was to protect our peace, keep anything that resonated with us, and to toss out anything that just felt like too much. We didn’t have a cake (because I dont even like it), instead, Sean’s mom and sisters handled the dessert table, and it was truly incredible. We opted not to have bridesmaids or groomsmen because of the extra cost and time that usually incurs, but trusting that our closest friends and family would still know how overjoyed we were to have them there.

We got ready together at our historical home in Canyon (yall, the lighting is a photographer’s DREAM). We felt there was no reason to spend the majority of our wedding day apart. This allowed time for the preparations, exchanging gifts, our first look/ private vows, and portraits. Ugh it was just so sweet and something I will never forget. The rest of the wedding felt like a BLUR, but I remember the moments leading up with clarity.

*A little appreciation plug for Diana Philips and Madison Layah (Velvet Veil Beauty)! They nailed my vision completely, and even exceeded it! I never knew I could feel that put together, and yet completely myself. I highly recommend doing a trial first – they took the notes I had from our trial and executed them perfectly. I was hoping for a look that wasn’t ‘fussy’ at all – ain’t nobody got time to fight with their hair all day – and I didn’t even do false eyelashes, because they just felt like too much for me.

Deciding on a dress in under 2 months is not something I would recommend, although it worked out smoothly in my case! I made an appointment at Ivory House Bride with some friends and Sean’s sisters, and as fun as it was, it was also surprisingly overwhelming. I felt all of these self-imposed expectations and doubts and left without deciding. At that point, I really needed to make a decision STAT if I was going to have time to order it, and get alterations. I scoured through dresses online, decided I absolutely loved the designer Jenny Yoo, but still felt clueless about the style that would be the most “flattering.”

On a whim, I popped back into Ivory House alone, stepped up to a rack, and immediately pulled this dress. Jenny’s sleek and minimal silhouettes are so far from what I though I’d pick once upon a time, but felt so fitting to who I am today. Miraculously it was within budget, and shipping time was only a week! Another vendor who deserves a heartfelt shoutout was my seamstress, who I can’t find online for the life of me! Her name is Cheryl Robinson, she’s located in Umbarger, and she got me in on such short notice! We had three fittings, and she removed the long train, reworked the neckline, and created a custom bustle within the span of like 4 weeks. I was stressing out a little thinking I may have made the wrong dress choice (since it was all such a rush) but she helped put me at ease with her mad skillzzzz.

We chose to do a first look so that we could drive the ceremony spot together, and not have to coordinate the whole “you can’t see the bride” thing. Through the entire planning process I really came to realize I’m not someone who likes all eyes on me. It’s one thing to stand at the front of hundreds of strangers at a client’s wedding, with my camera for courage. It’s another to present yourself in a space full of all your people, and know they’re watching every move intently. So with that realization, privately spoken personal vows also seemed like the move! And our photographer recorded them them for us, which was such a sweet gift!

I’m a sucker for anything poetic and meaningful, and this is the spot Sean proposed, the day we got the keys to our home. 3 months later, we said our vows here, and one day I hope we have children playing out in this little side yard.

**I practiced this pose in the mirror 😉

Another important part of the day was seeing my family before all the hustle and bustle of the ceremony. So we invited them over to the house for a first look right before we headed over, and just kept it really natural. Nothing forced or performative, because it’s just not who we are. It was really fun to see them all dressed up too! I gave my mom a bouquet, because she never had the chance to be a bridesmaid, and the photos say 1,000 words. I didn’t actually get to see her face when we hugged, and that right there folks, is why we hire a good photographer.

We also hired a second shooter, because I knew while we were doing this first look, I wanted someone to capture the decorations at the ceremony spot! I wouldn’t have the chance to see everything set up before I was walking down the aisle, and I knew the photos would be all I had.

We couldn’t ask for a more perfect day. The weather, the way everything came together, the friends, family, and our coordinator (Bright and Borrowed) who helped behind the scenes, making sure everything was just right. And even had to order and pick up emergency table linens because something had gone wrong with the rentals we’d gotten. Planning was really stressful for me – pulling together an entire vision is not something that comes naturally, and it really was the handiwork of a lot of creatives coming together! I didn’t even really have a “theme” other than “backyard fall wedding, tons of lamps and twinkle lights, real flowers, lots of greens, & vibey as hell lol”. I created a binder for my sister-in-law and coordinator that had mock up of the table sets ups, the ceremony set up, etc. and they were so on top of it.

Though we didn’t have a bridal party, my friend Megan so graciously lent her time to capture digital super 8 video for us. While she offered to create a high quality production, we just wanted some candid, no pressure clips to look back on our day! You can find her work at Rare Gem Photo + Film, she’s amazing! And because she was around for the full day, she was there to help with my veil – sweet photo moments that were totally unplanned.

I’m here to tell you that it’s okay to break ‘tradition’. I walked down the aisle by myself. I love my dad very much, but I’m incredibly independent and have been so for a long time. It just felt right. Sean let me stand on the right side (usually reserved for the groom), so that my “good side” woud be facing the crowd! My grandparents didn’t walk with the processional because they can’t stand attention on themselves. We didnt have an extra wedding band, because I really only wanted one. All of these things tell our story, and I think it’s so important to stay true to yourself.

Tell me you’re a wedding photographer without telling me. We went out to Matt + Heather’s house a handful of times leading up to the wedding to nail down logistics, and to scope out the perfect light. How fast the sun went down, and what direction it came from. I knew that with sun setting a little after 6:40 that day, we needed to schedule the 15min ceremony for 6pm, then a quick set of family photos, with just enough time to grab sunset couple’s photos and head to a glowy candlelit dinner. It was cutting it a tiny bit close but was truly magical.

Also friends, practice your dip kiss. its pays off!

While we were taking the sunset photos, the florals and chairs were transitioned to the reception areas, and our second shooter captured the set up for us! We set up one long family table under the porch instead of having a separate sweet heart space. I wanted to enjoy dinner with our families, without the pressure of mingling so early. While I don’t LOVE that the guests were so far away, that was the most level spot we could find, and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves!

Sips and Giggles set up their bar, and not only was it beautiful, they just made everything so easy, and helped set the tone!

For both of us, the reception was a total blur. I remember the food being a major hit but I barely ate any, I was too busy watching everyone have a good time. While Sean was smart and grabbed some dessert, I completely forgot to! I never played cornhole, even though I spent a good chunk of time painting the boards, and I didn’t even see the smores being opened! I know it’s so cliche to say that your wedding happens in a flash, but I truly understand it now. So many things were happening around us, and you have to really intentionally take it all in. And for everything you DON’T remember, there are the photos 🙂

We had practiced a first dance a few times, with the hopes that I’d become comfortable enough to do it at the wedding – but I kept feeling an unexpected sense of anxiety build up, so we ultimately decided we wouldn’t do it. We snuck onto the dance floor as “Come Home to You” started playing (not the song we’d planned on at all), and to my embarrasement, everyone cleared the floor to give us our moment. But it was cute, and spontaneous, and a memory we’ll hold onto as we think of our day!

The takeaway – After years of capturing I do’s, I felt like an expert. But being a bride brought so many things to light. You have to let go a little and trust your village. I’ve been trying to take every lesson learned and fold it into the way I serve my future clients. While my job is to deliver beautiful photos, my purpose is to protect the experience of the couple behind them. A wedding day should feel a little lived in, and leave lots of room to enjoy it with your partner. Really feeling like I couldn’t ask for anything more than our perfect day. 10/10/25.

All Vendors:
Photographer: Virginia Blake Photo + Video
Coordinator/Decor: Bright and Borrowed (Nickelynn)
Hair/Makeup: Velvet Veil
Dress: Ivory House Bride
Flowers: Fleurish Designs
Welcome Sign/Banner: Ella + Lou
Catering: Fat Monkey BBQ
Bar: Sips and Giggles
Chair rental: Lauren Hall
Guestbook Phone: After the Tone
Video: Rare Gem Photo + Film
Digital Super 8: Camp Snap Camera
Invitations: Designin’ Minds
My ring: Lewis Jewelers
Cookies: Sean’s sister Heather <3