Not Sure Where to Begin? Planning an Intimate Wedding That Feels Meaningful

 
 

A common question couples ask when we first meet is whether I have any tips for creating an intimate and/or non-traditional wedding day that feels meaningful and fun for both them and their guests. After a decade of photographing all kinds of weddings (and planning my own!), I’m excited to share what I’ve learned to help couples as they begin to shape their own day.

STARTING WITH THE WHY BEFORE THE WHAT

Where to begin? No matter how intimate a wedding is, it can still feel overwhelming. I’ve found it helps to ease that overwhelm by starting with the reason(s) you’re having a wedding!

A few helpful questions:

  • What excites you about your celebration?

  • How do you want to feel?

From my experience, it can be relieving to have a foundation to keep coming back to throughout the planning process!

 

Chris & Sarah had their dinner family style in the barn where they could chat and be with all of their guests.

Caroline & Josh love reading so they included a book swap for their guests!

 

DETERMINE WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU AND YOUR PARTNER

What are you and your partner genuinely excited about, not just for your wedding, but in your day to day?

  • Do you enjoy really good food? 

  • Are you most looking forward to the location and spending time with your people? 

  • Are you excited about photographs that put you right back in that moment?

These are the kind of questions that can be helpful to ask before any overwhelm — or thoughts of any “shoulds” — come into play. They can also help bring decisions back to your “why”.

As a real-life example, my husband and I were most connected to and excited about photography, hosting our families for a full weekend in a beautiful place, and sharing delicious food.

For us, it made sense to check in with our photographer’s availability early on to see which dates lined up. From there, we booked our rental within the same week. Shortly after, we booked our caterers!

More non-traditional wedding day tips
 

Devon & Dave celebrated with their families at The Thomas Delano House before heading into downtown Portland to meet their friends for a bigger celebration at Solo Italiano.

 

CHOOSING THE RIGHT VENDORS FOR YOUR WEDDING DAY

Another important part of planning a smaller celebration is choosing vendors you and your partner genuinely connect with.

Working with vendors you feel aligned with as people brings not only ease and comfort to your day, but also fun. Instead of feeling like a stranger is showing up, it can feel like a friend is there celebrating alongside you.

Let's see if we're a good fit
 
 

IF THE OVERWHELM HITS

Just a reminder — there are no rules! I’m sharing what worked for me and what’s helped the couples I’ve worked with, but the most important takeaway is: do you. A wedding can be the perfect opportunity to focus on whatever brings you the most joy as you celebrate life and the start of your marriage.

 

Christina & Danny had a costume party + lobster bake as their welcome dinner for 50 of their closest friends on the coast of Maine.

 

A FOCUS ON YOUR EXPERIENCE VS. EXPECTATIONS

I’m here to ask you questions that bring the conversation back to what is most important to you on your day and how you want to feel. As your photographer, I’m curious about how you and your partner ended up with your people all together in one space, and what brings you joy.

More than a “wedding” these are records of your community — a day to celebrate love in all of its forms and the stories that brought you all together!

Curious about the process with me? Let’s chat!

 

Thank you for being here!

I’m Sienna, the owner and photographer behind Sienna Renee Photography. Based out of Maine, I approach wedding days and families with a documentary eye. I value genuine connection and getting to know you and your people to capture you as you are.

 
Sienna Renee PhotographyComment