Making time for yourselves on a wedding day is SO important. It is one of the most important days of your relationship, and most of the time, a bride and groom have little to NO time just to themselves. I feel like sometimes we get so wrapped up in the things we’re suppose to do on a wedding, and we forget about what it’s really about. It’s about the two of you agreeing to be there for each other forever, and it shouldn’t have to happen without having time for yourselves. Here’s a few ways that I make sure my couples have time to themselves.

Have a First Look

I know there are people out there that love traditions. The tradition of not seeing the bride before the ceremony started when arranged marriages were the custom. The couple wasn’t allowed to see each other because they didn’t want either of them to run away. Now a days, none of my couples are a part of an arranged marriage, and I’m a BIG advocate for first looks. I am total appreciative of others that want to hold that tradition strong, but I also make sure to let my couples know that with a first look you get about 40% more portraits of just the two of you. That’s more time for the two of you to be together. That’s more time that you can relax and not have to stress about getting in all your photos during cocktail hour. That’s also more time to celebrate with your guests. I love first looks.

Read Your Vows in Private

This is one of my new favorites. There’s something special about reading your vows between just the two of you, and it’s even more special when your vows are personal. One option would be to have your own “private” vows that you read to each other, with your photographer and videographer present to document all the special moments, and then have your generic vows during the ceremony. This way you get the best of both world. Special intimate moments between the two of you prior to the ceremony, as well as your family and friends getting to watch you make those promised in public. Then everyone is happy.

Post-Ceremony Togetherness

This is something else that I always try to incorporate with my couples, but this works best in connection with a first look. After the ceremony, most of my couples will sign the marriage certificate with their witnesses, but then afterwards, I let them have just a few minutes alone together. They get the revel in the moment, and enjoy  it all (even if it’s just a few minutes before they are announced), by this time most of the jitters are gone and they can really start to enjoy what just happened.

Secret First Dance

Your first dance doesn’t need to be a big affair. You don’t have to have a Beyonce, choreographed first dance to impress your guests. Me and my hubby didn’t even have a first dance because he hates to dance, and didn’t want to do it in front of everyone. I humored him, but wish I would have thought about doing a secret first dance with him. You could do this after your post-ceremony togetherness, or just before your venue lets your guests enter the reception space. You just need about 3 minutes, and it makes some magic.

I can’t stress the importance of those little moments! Your wedding day will come and go so quickly, and without taking the time to enjoy it, you might not even remember it. Don’t stress about the little things, but just enjoy the moments and you’ll remember your wedding day so much better!