Isn’t it wonderful when a wedding captures the couple’s everyday experience? Below, three couples discuss how they infused personal touches into their weddings…
Felina + Billy
London
Felina: “The stress surrounding weddings is undeniable. Daily, you’re inundated with inspiration from social media, Pinterest, and television programs. Sifting through everything while remaining true to your desires can be quite daunting. Opting for a humanist celebrant was one of our wisest decisions. This choice allowed us to tailor the ceremony entirely to our liking, devoid of any religious implications.”
“We also wanted to include cultural elements that resonated deeply with us. A lovely custom was using confetti in red envelopes. In Singaporean Chinese tradition, family and friends present red envelopes to the couple on their wedding day to wish them prosperity.”
“My uncle initiated the Yam Seng toast, which was truly moving in the most delightful way! For those unfamiliar, ‘Yam Seng’ is a traditional Chinese wedding toast, usually repeated thrice by the group, with each word — ‘Yam’ (drink) and ‘Seng’ (success) — pronounced louder and more extended. We performed it three times, symbolizing wishes for abundance, longevity, and fertility.”
“Hearing those words reverberate throughout the room, with so many loved ones participating, repeatedly, was just awe-inspiring. We could feel everyone’s joy and blessings enveloping us.”
Eillie + Derek
Oakland, California
Eillie: “We held our wedding at Sutro Heights Park, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean and the Sutro Baths. When we secured Sunset Reservoir Brewing Company for the reception, we discovered bike-sharing stations right next to both venues. Derek suggested that a few of us could cycle the three miles between the locations.”
“We informed our guests in advance. No one was taken aback, considering our love for biking — we even went biking on our first date — and 20 people ended up joining us.”
“My wedding attire was a two-piece. After the ceremony, I switched from my skirt to white pants for the bike ride, and then changed back into the skirt at the brewery. Since Memorial Day weekend in San Francisco isn’t exactly tropical, I asked my mom if I could borrow her COS coat!”
“The bike ride was pure joy. Cars honked and people waved as we rode along the Great Highway. Taking a moment to connect with nature and engage our bodies was genuinely such a relief. The ceremony was filled with so much adrenaline and emotion, so participating in something familiar and fun right afterward was a wonderful way to release energy and find my center before the reception.”
Mia + Artur
Portland, Oregon
Mia: “Artur and I first connected in art school in Minneapolis. Our wedding was an amazing opportunity to showcase to our families the kind of work we are passionate about creating. We designed the invitations and the wedding ‘branding,’ for lack of a better phrase. However, we faced challenges finding an altar concept that resonated with us. We wanted to allow the venue’s natural beauty to shine through while also personalizing it.”
“A few months prior to our wedding, Artur left for a work trip. With a spare gallon of orange paint lying around, I ended up painting all our interior doors orange. It was a bit overwhelming. Then, I transitioned from our doors to a primed canvas to create something for the altar. I adore the imagery of buds and bulbs and the anticipation they express before blooming. It was a surprise for Artur when he returned — just as the orange doors were.”
“Our home lacks walls large enough to display the orange backdrop, so it’s folded up for now. I hope that someday we’ll find a wall that fits perfectly. I loved the background, but I was so focused on Artur at the aisle’s end that it somewhat faded from my mind. It may sound cheesy, but when I saw Artur, all the other details didn’t matter. I could have married him in a grocery store.”
What ways did you use to make your wedding feel authentic to you and your partner? Was it through food, music, or what you wore? xo
P.S. Explore numerous other wedding posts, including one on home weddings and 11 wedding dos and don’ts.
(Billy and Felina’s wedding was captured by Taylor & Porter. Eillie and Derek’s wedding was documented by Sullivan Agency. Artur and Mia’s wedding was photographed by Jess Buckley.)
If you’re married, I would love to learn what small touches or significant choices made your wedding the most reflective of you as a couple.
**Designing a Wedding That Represents Your Unique Style**
Your wedding day is one of life’s most important milestones, and it should encapsulate who you are as a couple. Crafting a wedding that reflects your personal style calls for careful planning and meticulous attention to detail. Here’s how to create a wedding that genuinely embodies you and your partner.
**1. Identify Your Style**
Begin by pinpointing your personal style. Are you inclined towards modern minimalism, vintage allure, rustic charm, or something entirely distinctive? Reflect on your daily choices, such as home decor, fashion preferences, and hobbies. Compile a mood board with colors, textures, and visuals that resonate with you. This will act as a visual reference throughout the planning phase.
**2. Select a Meaningful Venue**
The venue establishes the atmosphere for your wedding. Whether it’s a seaside venue, a historic estate, a barn, or a sophisticated urban loft, select a site that corresponds with your style and carries personal significance. A location steeped in sentimental value can impart additional meaning to your celebration.
**3. Customize Your Ceremony**
Collaborate with your officiant to design a ceremony that represents your beliefs and values. Contemplate crafting your own vows to narrate your unique love story. Integrate rituals or traditions that hold significance for you, whether they be cultural, spiritual, or personal.
**4. Choose Attire That Resonates With You**
Your wedding attire should empower you and feel comfortable. Whether it’s a classic gown, a fitted suit, or something unconventional, opt for outfits that reflect your character. Feel free to infuse color, patterns, or accessories that convey your style.
**5. Develop Thoughtful Decor**
Your decor should cohesively represent your style. From floral displays to table settings, every aspect should resonate with your theme. Utilize your mood board to direct your choices in colors, materials, and design features. Personal touches, like family heirlooms or DIY elements, can impart warmth and individuality.
**6. Curate a Customized Playlist**
Music is an impactful way to express your style and establish the mood. Collaborate with your DJ or band to compile a playlist that includes songs meaningful to you as a couple. Consider adding live performances or distinctive musical components that reflect your preferences.
**7. Design a Menu That Narrates Your Story**
Food is an essential component of any celebration. Curate a menu that features your favorite dishes or cuisines that hold special significance for you. Whether it’s a formal dinner or a casual buffet, ensure that the dining experience aligns with your style and inclinations.
**8. Organize Unique Entertainment**
Entertainment can reflect your interests and hobbies. Think about incorporating activities that you and your guests will appreciate, like a photo booth with props reflecting your journey, a dance competition, or interactive games. This will foster memorable experiences for all.
**9. Create Customizable Favors**
Send your guests home with favors that are meaningful and reflective of your style. Whether it’s homemade sweets, bespoke candles, or small plants, opt for items that represent your personality and convey appreciation to your guests.
**10. Preserve the Day**
Engage a photographer and videographer who comprehend your vision and can capture the essence of your wedding. Discuss your style preferences and any particular shots you desire to ensure your memories are documented in a manner that mirrors your unique celebration.
By concentrating on these components, you can craft a wedding that genuinely reflects your personal style. Remember, the most vital element is that your wedding feels authentic to you and your partner, making it a day you will cherish forever.
