Wedding Trends to Ditch
(And What to Do Instead)

Your wedding should be a reflection of you—not a checklist of traditions or trends that don’t resonate. I’ve seen my fair share of weddings that stick to the script—and plenty that rewrite it entirely. This area is a playground for bold love stories, not a stage for cookie-cutter clichés. If you’re planning your big day and want it to feel like you (not some overdone Pinterest board), it’s time to ditch the trends that don’t fit this rugged, rainy wonderland.

If you’re the kind of couple who values authenticity over expectation, here are a few wedding trends to leave behind—and what to do instead for a celebration that feels uniquely yours.

The “Pinterest-Perfect” Wedding → A Celebration
That Feels Like You

Ditch it: The pressure to have a wedding straight out of a styled shoot is real. Perfectly curated tablescapes, matching décor down to the napkins, and a color palette that looks flawless on Instagram—but does it actually reflect you?

Do this instead: Instead of replicating a Pinterest board, focus on what makes your relationship unique. Skip the trends and embrace elements that genuinely excite you—whether that’s a moody candlelit dinner, a backyard ceremony under string lights, or a weekend getaway with your closest friends. Weddings should feel as good as they look.

Cookie-Cutter Vows → Words That Actually Mean Something

Ditch it: Reciting generic vows that could apply to any couple strips the moment of its depth and meaning. Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to speak your love story—why settle for something that feels impersonal?

Do this instead: Write vows that feel raw, real, and deeply personal. They don’t have to be long or poetic—they just have to be yours. Think about the moments that define your relationship, the challenges you've overcome, and the promises that truly matter. The best vows aren’t perfect; they’re honest.

The Never-Ending Guest List → An Intimate, Intentional Gathering

Ditch it: A huge wedding might seem like the norm, but the bigger the guest list, the more energy you’ll spend entertaining instead of experiencing your own day. Do you really need to invite that coworker you haven’t spoken to in two years?

Do this instead: Curate a guest list filled with people who genuinely matter. Picture your wedding day—who do you want by your side? Who will bring warmth, support, and the kind of energy that makes you feel at home? Your wedding is about your love, not social obligations.

Picture-Perfect Poses → Genuine, Unscripted Moments

Ditch it: Overly staged wedding photos where every detail is meticulously arranged can feel forced and lifeless. You don’t need a stiffly posed shot to prove your love is real.

Do this instead: Let go of the need to “perform” for the camera. Find a photographer who captures movement, emotion, and the quiet, in-between moments—the hand squeezes, the wind catching your veil, the way your partner looks at you when they think no one’s watching. The best photos aren’t perfect; they’re honest.

The Hour-Long Ceremony → A Short, Meaningful Moment

Ditch it: Long, drawn-out ceremonies can lose their impact. If you’re zoning out halfway through, your guests probably are too.

Do this instead: Keep it short, powerful, and intentional. Whether it's a heartfelt five-minute exchange or an intimate elopement with just the two of you, the ceremony should be about the words, the connection, and the meaning behind the moment—not just filling time.

Final Thought: Your Wedding, Your Rules

The Pacific Northwest isn’t here for safe bets—it’s all jagged cliffs, untamed forests, and skies that don’t play nice. Your wedding should be about you. Ditching the fads and trends isn’t about being contrarian; it’s about carving out a day that’s as fearless and free as you are. As your photographer, I’m all in for capturing the stuff that doesn’t fit in a box—the glances, the textures, the moments that scream you. Ready to toss the rulebook and build something epic? Let’s plot a wedding that’s as wild as this area is. Trends come and go, but your love story is timeless. Get rid of the expectations, lean into what matters, and create a wedding that feels effortless, deeply personal, and entirely you.

Ready to capture every raw, unscripted moment? Let’s connect.