Weddings are beautiful, but let’s be honest—things don’t always go perfectly. There’s stress, unexpected hiccups, and the occasional not-so-kind stranger who seems determined to make the day harder. 😅

But here’s the secret: the way you respond to these moments makes all the difference.

Lydia & Zak’s wedding last summer was the perfect example of how to hold onto joy, no matter what the day throws at you. 

I want to share some key lessons I took away—things that could possibly help you have a more peaceful, joy-filled wedding experience.

1. Build a Support System That Has Your Back

One of the first things I noticed that day, was how incredible Lydia’s bridesmaids were. When stress crept in, they stepped up—not just by being present but by actively protecting her joy by maintaining their excitement for what’s ahead.

➡️ Brides & grooms: Be intentional about who you surround yourself with on the day. Your bridal party isn’t just for fun photos; they should be your emotional cheerleaders!

As the photographer I will pay attention to these key people! They can help create a relaxed, happy atmosphere for the couple, which translates into the most genuine and joyful photos.

2. Expect the Unexpected (And Don’t Let It Steal Your Joy)

At this wedding, there was a stressful moment before the ceremony when someone from a nearby venue was less than kind to Lydia and her father. It could have set the tone for the day, but instead, Lydia chose to focus on what actually mattered—marrying Zak.

Was it frustrating? Absolutely. But did she let it ruin her morning? Nope!

➡️ Brides & grooms: Things will go wrong, but you get to decide how much power those moments have over you. Take a deep breath, lean on your people, and focus on the purpose of the day.

3. A Great Team Makes Everything Easier

One thing that stood out at this wedding? How smoothly everything ran—not because things were actually seamless  but because everyone worked together to do the best they could do given the situations.

✨ The groomsmen not only listened to instructions but were proactive (a rare but wonderful thing!).✨ The pastor was warm, reassuring, and made the ceremony feel personal.✨ The live music created such a beautiful and relaxing atmosphere.

➡️ Brides & grooms: If you can, you should prioritise picking vendors who genuinely care about you and your experience, not just the job they have to do. It sets the entire tone for your day when you are working alongside friends with pure motives.

Getting to know my couples, and making sure they feel comfortable in front of the camera is really important to me. The more I understand your vision, your vibe, and what’s important to you- what you don’t like and what you do like, the more I can capture photos that truly feel like you.

Final Takeaways – How to Have a More Joyful Wedding

💡 Less is More – A smaller bridal party can sometimes make things feel more personal, more peaceful, and often more budget-friendly!

💡 Choose People Who Uplift You – The right friends, family, and vendors will protect your joy and make the experience so much better.

💡 Let Yourself Be Taken Care Of – It’s your day. Let people serve you, celebrate you, and help take the stress off your plate.

💡 Focus on the Big Picture – Little things will go wrong. But at the end of the day, you’ll be married, surrounded by love—and that’s what truly matters.

Lydia & Zak’s wedding was a beautiful reminder that even with the unexpected, joy wins. And as a photographer, it’s always an honour to capture those moments. 💕