Inspiration & Resources - Young Hip & Married

Over the last few years, more and more couples have chosen to elope, have intimate ceremonies or get legally married before their big weddings. And we all know why that’s been the case (thanks, COVID!).

Here at Young Hip & Married, we love an elopement! But we know they’re not for everyone (find out if an elopement is right for you!). But what if you could have the best of both worlds? What if you could get legally married in an elopement now and have your big wedding celebration later?

Of course, this option isn’t going to be right for everyone. If you really want to wait to legally tie the knot until you can have your big party, that’s awesome. But before you make that decision, here are 8 reasons why you may want to get legally married before your big wedding.

Vancouver elopement wedding — *by Erica Miller Photography*

You’re having a destination wedding

A great reason to get legally married before your big wedding is if your big wedding is happening overseas. Often, it’s difficult to get legally married abroad as there are a lot of hoops you need to jump through: paperwork, translations, waiting periods and even blood tests! In some countries, only residents are able to get legally married. So keep things simple and take care of the legally ceremony at home.

It takes the pressure off your big day

As you can imagine, a wedding day is often a high-pressure, high-stress event. So why not take some of the burden off your shoulders by doing the legal ceremony ahead of time? That way, you can rest easy during your party knowing the serious stuff has already been taken care of.

You don’t have to wait

Of course, the big reason why we’ve been seeing more elopements, intimate and legal weddings lately is because couples don’t want to wait. Many couples have watched as their big wedding day gets postponed time and time again. So if you’re tired of waiting, why not elope now and party later? You can always have your legal ceremony now and save the reception for a safer time.

elope now and party later when you get legally married before your big wedding — *by Erica Miller Photography*

You can enjoy the benefits of marriage

Sometimes it’s the logistics of life that encourage couples to get married on paper while they wait to have a bigger celebration. You may need to be legally married in order to share insurance policies or benefits, before a big move or big purchase, if work is taking one of you out of the country, or to be aligned with your beliefs about cohabitation or starting a family.

You get to celebrate twice!

This world could always use more joy, so let’s make the most of celebrating your love! With two weddings you can have two anniversaries, two parties, two awesome outfits, and two excuses to enjoy wedding cake. A smaller legal wedding also gives you something to be excited about as you continue planning your big reception.

Vancouver elopement — *by Erica Miller Photography*

You can include people who can’t attend your big wedding

A great reason to get legally married ahead of time is the people you can include. For example, if you have older relatives who may not be able to travel to your big wedding, you could include them in a local elopement. Or, if your big wedding is going to be adults-only, you could invite the special kids in your life to your legal wedding beforehand.

You can focus on the ceremony

We truly believe your ceremony is the most important part of your wedding (of course, as officiants, we’re a little biased). Without a ceremony, you don’t have a reason for the rest of your party! By getting legally married first, you can put all of your focus on this important part of your wedding. Take your time writing your own vows and choosing readings without getting hung up on any of the reception details.

Time isn’t guaranteed

If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that time is not guaranteed. No one knows how long they have on this earth and the last few years have shown us we need to take advantage of every second we get. Love is the most important thing and being able to marry your person while you can shouldn’t be taken for granted.

beach elopement in Vancouver — *by Erica Miller Photography*

PS: Your legal wedding doesn’t have to be dry and boring!

Just because you’re choosing to get legally married before your big wedding celebration doesn’t mean your legal wedding needs to be impersonal or less important than your big party. You can still have a sweet and sentimental moment that perfectly reflects the two of you: whether that’s in a ballgown at the top of a mountain or in jeans and a t-shirt at city hall!

Your legal ceremony is likely going to be shorter and have less frills than your large wedding reception. But you can still dress up, invite a few guests, have your wedding in a cool space, and hire a photographer to document your day. Check out our Awesome Elopement + Photography package for the perfect legal ceremony celebration!

Back in the day, a couple only got legally married before their big wedding if they had something to hide. But it’s 2022, so go ahead and celebrate! Your loved ones will be so happy you got married and still down to party whenever you decide to hold your larger reception.

So, have our 10 reasons above convinced you? Are you planning to get legally married before your big wedding day?

written by Riana Ang-Canning
feature image by Erica Miller Photography

One of our favourite places for elopements in Vancouver is Pitt Lake. This awesome outdoor elopement venue has everything you need for an intimate ceremony and stunning wedding photos: mountain backdrops, waterfalls, marshy grasslands, forests of trees, beaches and so much more. Best of all: It’s not hard to find a private spot for your Pitt Lake Elopement – no crowds!

Pitt Lake is one of the largest lakes in the Lower Mainland and one of only a few tidal lakes in the world. At one end, it’s banked by Pitt-Addington Marsh Wildlife Management Area and Grant Narrows Regional Park. For those wondering about accessibility, many of the best trails around Pitt Lake are flat and easy to walk on.

Since it’s located near the SKY Hangar in Pitt Meadows, and since the scenery is drop-dead gorgeous, Pitt Lake is our go-to location when helicopter elopements are grounded.

Unfortunately, helicopter elopements are weather-dependent. When a helicopter can’t safely take off, our couples can choose to reschedule their helicopter elopement or proceed with an on-the-ground elopement (receiving a refund for the helicopter portion of their package, of course!). For couples who decide to tie the knot on solid ground, there’s nothing better than a Pitt Lake elopement!

Check out why we love Pitt Lake elopements (rain or shine!) and get in touch to book if Pitt Lake is the perfect spot for your Vancouver wedding!

Pitt Lake, Vancouver wedding — by Kelsey Rae Photography

pitt lake wedding — by Erica Miller Photography

Book Your Elopement Today!

We are so excited to welcome Keely, of Keely Rae Photography, to the Young Hip & Married team as our newest Vancouver elopement photographer. Read on to learn more about Keely, check out her amazing photography work, and see where she suggests you elope in Vancouver!

Please introduce yourself! Who are you and what do you do?

Hi loves! I’m Keely from Keely Rae Photography. I’m an intimate adventure wedding and elopement photographer based out of Vancouver, BC. I’m all about those sweet and silly intimate moments; I want you to look at your photos and feel like you’re looking at a moment from an old film. It’s all about your story, intimate nostalgia, and your golden little legacy.

What first drew you to wedding and elopement photography? How long have you been photographing weddings?

Honestly, I got into this business by accident! I wasn’t super into the wedding photography industry or even into cameras in general unless it was my grandfather’s old Nikon film. During the pandemic, I had an opportunity to work closely with a wedding photographer in Whistler, and well… the rest is history! Let’s just say that my love for wedding photography sparked the same way teenagers fall in love in rom coms… passionately and with an “I’m all in” kind of vibe.

What advice do you have for couples looking for an elopement photographer?

Make sure you connect with them! There are so many photographers to choose from, all with their own style and skills, so make sure you’re choosing someone with a style you love as well as with a personality you’ll connect with!

What is your favourite moment to capture on the big day?

I call them the, “Holy shit, we’re married!” giggles. They usually take place after that first walk down the aisle as a married couple, or after that first kiss during an elopement.

When you’re not busy with weddings, how do you love to spend your time?

Usually adventuring outdoors or camping, spending time with my partner and loved ones, reading in the same spot for hours on end, making multiple cups of coffee, learning how to make sourdough bread, and thinking about my photography business (cause your girl is a low key workaholic).

What are your favourite elopement locations in and around Vancouver?

Iona Beach

Iona Beach has everything from a long stretch of sandy shore to wild grass marsh! If you’re looking for something with a little diversity, this is the place!

Pitt Lake

A classic for sure. Pitt Lake is stunning year round. You could get married by the lake, in a mountain field, or even helicopter to one of the mountains!

Golden Ears Provincial Park

If you’re looking for epic views without the gruesome hike, Golden Ears is incredible.

Wreck Beach

Wreck Beach is definitely one of the prettiest beaches in Vancouver. Though you should probably know that this gem is a nude beach! So if you’re eloping here in the summer, I’d suggest a sunrise ceremony so you won’t have any nudie photo bombers.

Pacific Spirit Regional Park

Pacific Spirit Park is easily one of the most stunning forests with easy access in the Vancouver area!

Squamish Estuary

Squamish Estuary is probably my favourite spot for elopements – not gonna lie!

Lastly, where can we find you online?

www.keelyraephotography.com

@keelyrae_photography

To book your Intimate Elopement + Photography package, get in touch!

Welcome back to the latest in our series of vendor interviews! We are so excited to feature Kim Jay Weddings, a photographer based on Vancouver Island. Not only is Kim an incredible photographer who has had the pleasure of working alongside our island officiants, but she was also married by one!

Please introduce yourself! Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Kim Jay and I am an elopement and wedding photographer based on Vancouver Island.

And fill us in our your history with YHM Officiant Chris-Ann!

Chris-Ann was our elopement officiant and we couldn’t have been happier to have her marry us. We had a very non-traditional wedding – splitting up the vow ceremony, legal ceremony and party into three different events. This allowed us to have our wedding the way we wanted, and not have to sacrifice various aspects. We wanted to throw a big party for our friends, but still wanted to have the intimacy of a small family gathering, so this allowed us to incorporate our families and our friends into the celebration in a way that made the most sense.

Chris-Ann was so accommodating and relaxed for our legal ceremony, and that was exactly the vibe we were going for. We got married in the park with our immediate family as witnesses. It was perfect!

How long have you been in the wedding industry?

I started photographing weddings about 5 years ago. I’ve been full time for 3 years now.

What first attracted you to the wedding industry?

I’ve always had a love for photography. I got my journalism degree so I could shoot for publications. At the time I was big into concert photography and worked for a number of festivals on their photos teams. I love documenting what is happening, and telling a story through the images. It’s addicting! I got started in weddings like I think a lot of photographers do – a friend asked me to shoot their wedding and I did.

When you’re not busy with weddings, how do you love to spend your time?

Camping, road trips and going to festivals are how I spend my free time. Hanging out with my fur babies and my hubby when we are not exploring.

*Photo of Kim by Sara Rogers Photography*

What does Kim Jay Weddings do?

Kim Jay Weddings is a photography company that provides documentary coverage of weddings and elopements, with a modern, fine-art flare.

What makes your business stand out from other photographers?

The connection I make with my clients is so important to me. In order to capture people as who they really are, they have to let you in; building a relationship of trust is essential. I go out of my way to help people with their planning, and try and go the extra mile to keep them relaxed on their wedding day. A little thoughtfulness goes a long way.

If you had one piece of advice for couples looking for a photographer, what would it be?

My one piece of advice for couples looking for their wedding photographer would be to make sure you LOVE the photographer’s images and how they edit – because what you see is what you will get. It’s also really important to make sure you connect with them on a personal level. I work with my clients for over a year, or even two years sometimes. So having a good connection is key, and will make sure you have fun along the way.

What are the current trends in weddings and photography? What’s on its way out?

Elopements are definitely on the rise, which I love! I was an eloping bride myself. In fact, one of your officiants, Chris-Anne, was the one who married us! I love the intimate nature of elopements. There are less moving parts (and other’s opinions to worry about) so the day feels more stress free and more relaxed.

I think trying to fit couples in a mould and poses that don’t match who they are is on the way out – thankfully!

What are the biggest mistakes couples make with photography?

Not printing their photos! It’s such a digital world now, but images are enjoyed best when they are in your hands, not on a screen. I encourage people to make prints or an album so they can leaf through the memories for years to come!

Where can couples save? Where should they splurge?

Personally, I think that couples should splurge on photography because these are your memories! I’ve spoken with couples that wish they had hired a professional photographer rather than opting for their friend, and they echo that sentiment. I also think good food is key! A happy belly and good conversation are the pillars of a good party, so I’m all about splurging on quality food and drink.

Couples can save money by keeping things intimate! Cutting down that guest list to your closest people will cut the bill, and allow you and your partner to have more quality time with the guests you do invite.

Thanks so much to Kim for teaching us the value of photography and sharing so many awesome tips. You can learn more about Kim Jay Weddings via:

Website: https://www.kimjayweddings.com/

Email: kimjayphotography@gmail.com

Instagram: @kimjayweddings

We are so thrilled to announce that for the 7th year in a row, Young Hip & Married has won Best Wedding Officiant at the BC Wedding Awards!

Officiant Beth took home the title of Best Wedding Officiant for 2020 and Officiant Shawn was one of the top three finalists. We are so proud of our winners, our entire officiant team and the whole community of BC vendors who were recognized and showcased some incredible weddings from the last year.

Here are the wedding stories that earned us Best Wedding Officiant gold!

Marie & Tash with Officiant Beth

Tash and Marie were married in an intimate and beautiful wedding at Pacific Spirit Park last July. During their ceremony, Beth shared inspirational words that described what this couple meant to their friends and family, and what they meant to one another. She encouraged them to continue working together as a team and using their love to inspire everyone around them.

After the wedding, the newlyweds wrote this review for Beth:

“Beth was incredible. We hit it off right from our first meeting, and felt comfortable and safe with her ideas for handling our intimate ceremony. The draft of the ceremony she first sent us showed how thoughtful and creative she is with designing the perfect ceremony for each of her couples. We are both teachers, and the end of term is a very hectic time for us, but Beth was beyond patient with delayed responses and last minute questions and changes. She made everything so easy and stress free; it was an absolute blessing.

At the wedding itself, her calm, generous presence really set the tone for our relaxed ceremony—exactly what we wanted. She exceeded our wildest expectations for a personally tailored ceremony illustrating our story and what is important to us. It felt like she was part of the family, she was so at ease and made everyone else feel that way too. We are so grateful for the time, care and attention that Beth brought to every part of the process, and we cannot recommend her highly enough. It’s been months since our wedding and people from our wedding are still bringing up how amazing Beth was and how special she made that crucial part of our big day.”

Kim & Parker with Officiant Shawn

Kim and Parker were married by Officiant Shawn at Brix this winter in a wedding that was all about family. Shawn explains his plan for how he made this ceremony one the entire family could feel involved in.

“For this wedding, the couple was bringing together their five children to form a new blended family. It was very important to this couple that their kids knew this wedding wasn’t just about mom and dad, but about all of them coming together. During my first meeting with the couple, I discovered their shared love for gardening and the outdoors. I came up with the idea to create a unity ceremony that incorporated their love of flowers and involved every member of the family.

I asked each member of the family to select their favourite flower. I then interviewed each person and asked them to share what they loved most about the other members of their family. I put together a big list for each family member about what the others most loved and appreciated about them.

On the day of the wedding, when it came time for the unity ceremony, I asked each member of the family to step forward and handed them their chosen flower. As they stood, I shared the acknowledgement I had written for them, telling them everything their family loved about them and why they were such an integral part of this new union. At the end, I asked everyone to place their flowers into a vase. I shared that while each flower was different, it was together that they became so much more beautiful than they were alone. Just like the flowers, each member of this family was unique and together, they would be creating something truly special.”

Here’s a sample of what Shawn said about a flower chosen by their daughter, Soph.

“Soph, you have chosen the Pink Mondavi Rose. This colour rose represents femininity, fun and happiness, which pairs perfectly with your witty and humorous personality. Your family loves and appreciates all the joy and happiness you bring to their lives. This is one of your greatest assets to your family. Always be who you are. You are loved and appreciated.”

Congratulations to all of the winners, finalists and participants of the BC Wedding Awards! We are so honoured to be recognized once again alongside our incredible vendor colleagues. Looking forward to even more wonderful weddings leading up to the 2021 BC Wedding Awards!

Who doesn’t love a quote about love?

We’re certainly fans, and so are many couples who choose to incorporate special quotes into their wedding ceremony. You may want to add a quote to your wedding program, say one during your vows or ask your officiant to share one during your ceremony.

If you’re looking for a sweet and special quote to include in your ceremony, check out our favourite 13 romantic movie quotes. The perfect way to combine your love for each other with your movie fandom!

“The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love, and be loved in return.” – Moulin Rouge

“When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.” – When Harry Met Sally

“Our love is like the wind. I can’t see it, but I can feel it.” – A Walk to Remember

“I love you. I knew it the minute I met you. I’m sorry it took so long for me to catch up. I just got stuck.” – The Silver Linings Playbook

“It doesn’t matter if the guy is perfect or the girl is perfect, as long as they are perfect for each other.” – Good Will Hunting

“I vow to fiercely love you in all your forms, now and forever. I promise to never forget that this is a once in a lifetime love.” – The Vow

“It’s like in that moment the whole universe existed just to bring us together.” – Serendipity

“So it’s not gonna be easy. It’s gonna be really hard. We’re gonna have to work at this every day, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, forever, you and me, every day.” – The Notebook

“Life is not the amount of breaths you take, it’s the moments that take your breath away.” – Hitch

“I love you without knowing how, why, or even from where.” – Patch Adams

“You don’t marry someone you can live with, you marry the person you cannot live without.” – PS I Love You

“I like you very much. Just as you are.” – Bridget Jones’s Diary

“It seems right now that all I’ve ever done in my life is making my way here to you.” – Bridges of Madison County

Happy 2020 friends! We’re starting this year off by sharing a little vendor love and spotlighting some of our awesome colleagues in the business. First up, a vendor interview with Justin of Justin Ho Photography!

All photos are, of course, courtesy of Justin.

Please introduce yourself! Who are you and what do you do?

Hey friends! My name is Justin and I specialize in wedding photography.

How long have you been in the wedding industry?

I’ve been in the industry for 7 years.

What first attracted you to the wedding industry?

I was first attracted to the people aspect. I’ve always loved capturing portraits, emotions and connecting with people. A wedding day contains every aspect of that. Where can you find a job where you’re constantly surrounded by love, excitement and pure joy? Being able to create meaningful and purposeful work that brings people joy is so fulfilling!

When you’re not busy with weddings, how do you love to spend your time?

Fun fact, I play competitive ultimate frisbee (not the kind you play with your dog at the park). Most days in the summer I’ll be training with my team to take a break from editing photos. I’ve had a chance to represent Team Canada and BC. In addition, I’ve played in the Philippines, Tokyo, Hawaii and Hong Kong! All this running just so I can enjoy copious amounts of ice cream.

What does Justin Ho Photography do?

Justin Ho Photography specializes in wedding and engagement photos in the Lower Mainland. Most recently, I’ve been capturing a lot of proposals as well , which I love!

What makes your business stand out from others?

I graduated in hospitality management. The thing weddings and hospitality management both have in common is that they are both relationship-based. The best kind of photos are ones that are YOU! I find that if my couples are having fun, and loving the personality of the photographer, it eases their nerves and creates genuine moments.

What is the process of working with you?

Once we do an in-person consultation and get to know each other, we start the process! If everything works out on both sides and we’re a fit, it begins with tips and guides. From a complimentary engagement shoot and timeline building, we keep in constant communication until the big day. Once your wedding finishes with pure joy and awesomeness, you get your photos delivered in an online gallery!

Share a wedding story! What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve ever worked on?

During our consultation, the bride said, “Who knows, maybe I’ll take my clothes off that day if it’s hot enough!” As we did our first look at Wreck Beach on a scorching hot August day, she wasn’t joking. After the first look, clad in just her veil, she ran into the water! These are the kind of spontaneous moments I love about weddings!

If you had one piece of advice for couples looking for a photographer, what would it be?

Find a photographer who has a great personality! Most people forget but your photographer will be with you for 80% of the day. It’s not just about taking great photos but an overall experience from start to finish.

What are the current trends in photography? What’s on its way out?

Do you remember when people use to deliver photos on CDs? Well, most people’s computers don’t even have CD drives anymore. It might not be long before USB drives will be on their way out too. I think with technology advancing so fast, people are going back to old school ways and using albums again, which stand the test of time.

What are the biggest mistakes couples make with wedding photography?

People will often pick a location they love with scenic backdrops. However, one of the biggest things about photography is lighting! I’ll always pick good lighting before a good location, but moments before good lighting.

Where can couples save? Where should they splurge?

I’m biased and obviously think photography is important to spend on. It’s ultimately your legacy that will be passed down from generation to generation. In terms of savings, look for used decor through different avenues (Facebook market place, Craigslist); there are new things available all the time!

What’s something people need to understand about wedding photography?

Wedding photography is not just clicking a button for a number of hours on your wedding day. It’s a craft which us photographers have taken the time to hone. After your wedding, we spend countless hours behind the computer editing the images and perfecting each shot.

Any last tips for couples planning a wedding?

Enjoy the whole process of planning, but also find time to separate yourself from it! Find date nights where you don’t talk about any wedding planning and enjoy the quality time together.

Thanks so much to Justin for sharing his wisdom and wedding photography philosophies with us. You can learn more about Justin and reach out to him via:

Website: https://justinkhophotography.com/

Email: justin@justinkhophotography.com

Instagram: instagram.com/jhophotography

Facebook: facebook.com/jhophotography

Here at Young Hip & Married, one of our values is the fact that we care more about your marriage than your wedding. And we think you should too! After all, why wouldn’t you invest just as much, if not more, into your lifelong marriage than you put into your one day wedding?

But it can be hard to prioritize your marriage, especially while in the depths of wedding planning. Wedding planning is tangible. There are clear steps, checklists and things you need to do. But in marriage, it isn’t always so easy.

While the secret to a great marriage isn’t always obvious – though we do have some great advice from our officiants here – there are some fun ways to start marriage planning, inspired by your wedding planning.

Here are 10 ways to turn your wedding planning into marriage planning!

Inviting guests to your wedding becomes…

Inviting your friends and family into your life! You know how you sit down with your spouse-to-be to create your wedding guest list? You spend all of this time thinking about all of the important people in your life and who you want to be there to celebrate this milestone moment with you. Well, that doesn’t have to end after you say I do.

Those same people who you chose to witness your love and share in the joy of your wedding should be a part of your married life too. These are the people who support your relationship and maybe even model a great marriage for you. So invite them over for dinner, head out on a double date, host a party, catch up over coffee and keep these special people involved in your married life too.

Your wedding to-do list becomes…

Planning your life together just as intentionally. A wedding to-do list is often a comprehensive document with charts and tables, numbers and names, and more items than you can count. It’s likely something you started working on, at least in your head, months and months before the big day. So if you’re willing to put that much time, effort and planning into your wedding, why not do the same for your marriage?

Take that intentional attitude and apply it to your relationship. Of course, your marriage probably doesn’t need a to-do list. But it does need you and your partner to be prioritizing it, thinking about it and working on it even harder than you worked on your wedding.

The first looks becomes…

Surprising one another. If you do a first look, or decide to exchange cards or gifts with your partner before the ceremony, you know what it’s like to plan a little surprise. It’s exciting! You might have had butterflies and you just couldn’t wait to see the other person.

Keep that same excitement by planning little surprises throughout your marriage. This can be as small as grabbing your spouse their favourite chocolate bar when you’re at the gas station. Or it can be an elaborate date that you whisk them off to without any clues about where you’re going or what you’re doing. Little surprises that put a smile on your partner’s face are a fun way to transition wedding planning into marriage planning.

Writing your vows becomes…

Living your vows. Remember all of those things you promised to uphold in your marriage? All of those things you said about loving in sickness and health, supporting one another and never watching an episode of your show on Netflix without the other person? Well, now is the time to live up to all of that.

Your vows are important. The promises you made to one another at your wedding are the bedrock of your marriage. You should live them every single day. That’s not to say you won’t slip up. Of course, there will be days when you get frustrated and when you don’t live up to those vows you made. But every single day of your marriage you should be working towards those vows.

Taking wedding photos becomes…

Cherishing memories. Wedding photos are one of the best ways to remember your special day forever. But there are so many more special days to come throughout your marriage. So take the time to cherish these memories as well.

A few ways you can cherish your marriage memories include keeping a journal to document your days, celebrating milestones with special attention, doing a photo session on your anniversary, putting together a scrapbook of your favourite moments, and taking time to regualrly reflect together on your marriage and life.

The first dance becomes…

Making time for romance. We all know the trope of a couple who has been together for so long that they feel more like roommates than spouses. They only talk about logistical things, like figuring out who is going to buy milk on their way home from work, and spend nights together scrolling through their phones on opposite ends of the couch.

Don’t let the romance leave your marriage. Remember all of the love and romance that was wrapped up in your first dance? Infuse a little bit of that into your marriage. That doesn’t mean you have to ballroom dance every day (but if you want to, go for it!). There are lots of small and meaningful ways for you to be romantic such as holding hands, sending sweet texts out of the blue, kissing for a little longer than expected, completing chores without being reminded, planning thoughtful dates and writing love notes.

Choosing your wedding menu becomes…

Cooking at home together. One of the most fun wedding planning activities is choosing your menu. Who doesn’t enjoy tasting great food and putting together a wonderful menu for you and your guests to enjoy? Bring that same fun back into your kitchen at home.

Cooking together can be a great activity for spouses. It’s a chance for you to be creative, work together, chat about your days, have a little fun and produce something tangible. It’s a great way to connect and hone your culinary skills. If you’re not so savvy in the kitchen, you can sign up for a cooking class together or just head out on a food tour or restaurant crawl.

Wedding toasts become…

Telling the people in your life (including each other!) what they mean to you. At your wedding, you may have had people giving toasts. Often these include sweet stories about you, the couple of the hour, and well wishes for your marriage. But why do we need to wait for a wedding to tell our best friend how much we love her, thank our parents for their constant support, and make our brother laugh with a hilarious story from childhood? We don’t!

While it might be weird to start giving toasts everytime you go out for dinner with friends or family, it’s not weird to tell the people in your life what they mean to you. Keep that “wedding toast” spirit with you when you interact with your loved ones. And that includes your spouse! Don’t forget to take time in your marriage to appreciate one another, show gratitude and say again just how much you stinking love him or her.

Going on your honeymoon becomes…

Taking time together throughout your marriage. Your honeymoon, while likely a pretty epic trip, doesn’t need to be the one time in your marriage that the two of you take some time away together. Prioritize your alone time, especially when you get busy with work, kids, the house and your other obligations. Carve out time for just the two of you.

You don’t have to go on big expensive trips to achieve this. Taking time together can be as simple as dropping your kids at the in-laws for the afternoon and heading out to your favourite brewery to catch up. Or maybe it’s a weekend trip to a nearby town you want to discover. Or maybe it is a big international trip to Paris or New Zealand (if it is, can we come?). Throughout your marriage, make time for just the two of you.

Eating wedding cake becomes…

Still eating cake. No need to change this one. Who’s mad about eating more cake?

written by Riana Ang-Canning
feature image by Erica Miller Photography

Of course, your wedding should be all about you and your spouse-to-be. But if you are planning to invite guests, you can’t totally forget them. So what do guests really want? It’s simple! They want to celebrate your love in the most comfortable, sincere and joy-filled way. Fulfill these 11 things and all of your guests will be raving about how yours was the best wedding ceremony ever!

Every guest wants…

To not have to stand for too long

No one wants to stand forever. And they especially don’t want to do it when they’re all dressed up in fancy clothes and uncomfortable shoes. Your guests’ comfort is a big deal. Ensure your ceremony has enough seating for everyone and that guests aren’t being asked to stand for too long.

No one minds standing while you make your way down the aisle, but they will get antsy if they have to stand for a full 30 minute ceremony.

Something personal

Your guests want to hear something personal. Everyone has been to the same boring wedding ceremony but they haven’t been to your wedding. Make it your own by sharing personal vows or picking a special reading. Insert your own voice into you ceremony to truly make it yours.

To not be out in bad weather

Of course, you can’t control Mother Nature. But you can do your best to limit your guests’ exposure to bad weather. This starts by preparing them ahead of time. If you’re getting married on a snowy mountaintop or a sandy beach, your guests need to know so they can dress accordingly. Provide lots of details on your wedding website.

And if you’re planning an outdoor wedding, ensure you have a back up plan in case the weather doesn’t hold up.

Something that is so you

Your vows are not the only place where you can inject some creativity into your wedding. From the outfit you wear, to the music you choose, to the decor you have, every element of your wedding ceremony can be uniquely you. Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box: have your dog be your ring bearer, wear sneakers instead of dress shoes, or play something from the Foo Fighters as you come down the aisle.

To be able to see

As the stars of the show, everyone wants to be able to see your smiling (and probably crying) faces as you say your vows and exchange rings. The worst experience for a guest is to spend the entire ceremony craning their neck or cursing the tall guy in front of them for blocking their view. Talk to your venue and do your best to ensure that your special moment will be seen by all of your important people.

To be able to hear

Just as vital as seeing, your guests want to be able to hear you! What’s the point of picking out a beautiful reading and writing heartfelt vows if no one can even hear them? Work with your venue and officiant to ensure you have a sound system so everyone can pick up every meaningful word.

To understand what’s going on

If your ceremony is really out of the box, or if you’re incorporating a language, religion or culture that is unfamiliar to your guests, let them know what’s happening. You can do this by providing information in a ceremony program, on your wedding website, on signs at the ceremony, or by asking your officiant to make an announcement. You don’t want to leave your guests feeling confused. Instead, invite them into this important experience by explaining your traditions.

To understand what comes next

After a ceremony, a lot of guests are left wondering, “Well, now what?” They assume there’s a reception but many are a bit fuzzy on the details of where and when. Make things easier for your guests by having these instructions readily available. You can include a timeline on your wedding website, your programs and/or signage at the ceremony. You can also have your officiant or DJ make an announcement.

If you’re planning something for right after your ceremony, like a group photo or a special cocktail hour, you’ll need to remind guests about this so they know where to go.

The ceremony to start on time (or as close as possible!)

No one likes waiting around. Your guests would love if your wedding ceremony could start on time, pretty please. And, confession, your vendors would love this too! Of course, everyone understands little delays. But making your guests wait around for more than 15–20 minutes is never appreciated. Plus, you’ll be super stressed if you’re running late and things are falling behind schedule.

A short ceremony

Let’s be honest. Even if you have the coolest traditions, the most heartfelt vows, tear-inducing readings and the best officiant (who? us?), no one wants the ceremony to last forever. A beautiful and meaningful ceremony can (and should!) be achieved in 30 minutes or less. If you’re planning a ceremony that will last a few hours, get ready for guests to be fidgeting, checking their phones, and getting up for bathroom breaks.

To connect to your love story

At the end of the day, your guests are your favourite people. These are your family members and friends who love you and are so honoured and excited to celebrate your union. Even if it starts to rain, the rings go missing and your wedding party gets stuck in traffic, your guests are still going to be there, smiling up at you throughout your ceremony.

They’re here for your love story. So give them the opportunity to connect to it. Let them know who you two are as a couple, how incredible your love is, and why you’re getting married. It’s not about a dress or dinner or flowers; it’s about you two. Your ceremony should reflect that. A personal ceremony that’s written just for you two by an officiant who takes the time to get to know you is a great way to share your love with your guests.

Feature image by Emily Nicole Photos
Written by Riana Ang-Canning

Please enjoy the following vendor interview with Macy of Macy Yap Photography. Learn all about Macy’s style, why she wants to get to know her couples, and her belief in love no matter what!

Please introduce yourself! Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Macy Yap, a wedding photographer and visual storyteller passionate about capturing beautiful moments through my lens. I appreciate all the intricate details that come in planning a wedding and enjoy being both the creative director and capturing every important moment throughtout such an important day.

How long have you been in the wedding industry?

I’ve been in the wedding industry for 5 years; 2 years in Asia and 3 years here in Vancouver.

What first attracted you to the wedding industry?

I love the beautiful details that go into a wedding and all the hearfelt moments that come with it. You’ll see me starting the day trying to think of how I can creatively capture the little intricate details that I know my couples put so much love into. It’s small things like unique engravings on your wedding rings, the witty wedding favours, the beautiful designs, which reflect my couples personalities.

I also remember five years ago when I shot my first wedding; the reason I do what I do is because weddings move me. It’s all about the different connections. I think about how a father must feel when he realises his baby is walking down the aisle. I think about how flower girls feel as they admire the little bouqets and details and how happy they are to be in a princess dress. I think about the first look when couples gaze into each other’s eyes, and try to feel how they must be feeling at that very moment. And capture that emotion.

When you’re not busy with weddings, how do you love to spend your time?

I’m a massive foodie! I’ve lived in 7 countries and the first thing I do before stepping foot on new soil is research as many restaurants and cafes as I can. I like knowing about specialty local dishes and discovering hole in the wall restaurants. I’ve got my food excel spreadsheets to prove it!

What does Macy Yap Photography do?

Macy Yap is a fine-art wedding photograper based in Vancouver. She enjoys capturing raw moments and loves telling stories through her photographs.

What makes your business stand out from other wedding photographers?

I love getting to know my couples because knowing who they are, understanding their chemistry and connection makes me bring that story to life through my pictures. It’s my job to make them comfortable in front of my lens and for us to enjoy the process together.

How can couples work with you?

They can email me! Or call me. (Contact details below!) I love learning about my couples, how they got together and their vision of their dream wedding so I can help make that dream a reality.

Share a wedding story! What’s the most memorable wedding you’ve ever worked on?

I remember photographing a wedding for a couple in their sixties. It was a beautiful, intimate and heartwarming moment to witness two people at this age exchanging vows. There were many tears shed and it was such a happy day. I’ve met many folks in their 40s and 50s who feel like they no longer have a chance to find love. But I truly wholeheartedly believe that regardless of age, gender, distance… there is no excuse to not take a chance on love. Everyone deserves to be happy and you should never shut yourself down.

If you had one piece of advice for couples looking for a photographer, what would it be?

Connection and style is key. Go with someone you get along with, who will make the wedding process fun for you, who understands your vision and can make it a reality. Know the style that you want and go hunt down your dream team.

What are the current trends in wedding photography and what’s on its way out?

I prefer to not think about trends. I believe couples should do what they want, whichever way they want it. I want to be part of their adventure whatever it is or wherever it may be.

Where can couples save? Where should they splurge?

It all boils down to what you want. What is most important to you? If you want to focus on food, maybe your budget on florals would be lower. Trim down the guest list to the most important people in your life. Any place can be a great wedding venue with the right stylist, planner and vision board.

Any other tips for couples planning a wedding?

Enjoy the process. At the end of the day, my wish for my couples is that they have fun and can be in the moment.

Special thanks to Macy of Macy Yap Photography for taking part in this wedding vendor interview. For more info, visit: