After photographing weddings for five years, I have witnessed all the rushed and stressful moments that come naturally with planning and executing weddings. On your wedding day, you’ll likely have so many things on your to-do list throughout the day and so many people asking you questions or wanting to celebrate with you that it can sometimes feel like you’re being dragged in all directions. It’s so easy to get lost in the logistics and the saying “hi” to all your guests and the dancing with your friends that sometimes you get to the end of the day and realize you barely saw your spouse the whole time.

After seeing couples go through this so many times and going through my own crazy and amazing wedding day, I thought it was time to share some tips on how to intentionally create some space in your day to slow down, be present, and soak up the day with your partner. I recommend incorporating at least one or two of these to create an intentional pause 🙂 Here are my five favorite ways, but please comment below if you and your spouse did something special to make time for each other on your day!

1. Exchange Letters or Private Vows Before the Ceremony

   This is probably the most common thing I’ve seen on this list, and for good reason! You can write each other letters or private vows in advance and then either read them to each other after the first look, or have someone deliver them for you if you don’t want to see each other before the ceremony. Pro tip, we can use this moment to record the sweetest audio for your wedding video, too!

2. Take a Walk Together After the Ceremony

   This is a great way to let the ceremony sink in for a couple of minutes before you celebrate with everyone. If your venue has the space, you can take a sweet 5-10 minute walk to chat about the day and let out all the excitement! Just remember to let your photographer and planner know in advance so they can give you privacy and use this time to gather family for photos.

3. Have a Private Dinner

   I can’t tell you how many couples don’t end up eating dinner at their reception. Once you enter, everyone is so excited for you and wants to see you and chat and it’s really hard to get food in! The best way I’ve seen to combat this is to take a little time before you enter the reception to have a private meal (alternatively, you could have your parents or immediate family join you if you want special time with them)! You can really enjoy the food you spent so much time picking out and then be fully present at your reception once you do enter.

4. Have Breakfast Together the Day of the Wedding

   I know some people don’t like to see each other the morning of their wedding, but I just think this is a genius idea! Wake up, have a special little meal together the morning of your wedding, talk about everything you’re looking forward to, and then go get ready with your friends!

5. Have a Private Last Dance

   I’ve been seeing these more and more the past couple of years, and I have to say it’s a perfect ending to the dance floor. If you’re doing a send off, you can have the DJ or band announce that everyone go outside to line up, and while your guests are getting ready you can have one last dance together before you head out, just the two of you.

Let me know in the comments if you plan to do any of these, or if you have any other great ideas! And if you’re still looking for a wedding photographer, feel free to reach out below 🙂