As we hit April, and more and more weddings were either canceling, postponing or downsizing to an elopement/micro-wedding, Katharine of Everything But the Vows and I started talking. We both run our businesses part time but with full time heart. We wanted to do a styled shoot to show couples how to have a stunning wedding- even during a pandemic and even with a smaller guest list. We brought in Wanton Poppies as our florist and planned the shoot at Silo Falls. Everything you see is done with 3 vendors and a venue. Since this wasn’t a real wedding we made the intentional choice not to use a hair and make-up artist for the safety of our models.
We also intentionally asked our girls to bring non-wedding dresses. We know many brides upon downsizing were ditching their large ballgowns for something simpler to fit their new theme. Many of these dresses were purchased at online retailers like Lulus, not bridal shops. You’ll notice we had one traditional white dress, a white lace jumper and 2 blush dresses. There are no rules during a micro-wedding/elopement! But notice where we didn’t pull back- lush floral bouquets, gorgeous ceremony pieces, and lush tablescapes help the entire wedding, no matter how small feel incredibly high end. And since guest count effects the budget the most- all of it becomes incredibly affordable!
When doing these smaller events, I want to stress- your wedding album does not need to suffer! As long as we incorporate the same moments, your album will be just as complete as a “standard” 8hr wedding. Keeping the getting ready (with the detail photos, dress photos, and zipping up the dress, putting on the suit etc) really set the stage for the day. Then it’s ceremony (we show 2 ceremonies), followed by family formals, couples portraits, and then reception. Even with 20 guests or less, a formal sit down dinner helps create the feeling of a “normal” wedding. Add in some toasts, a cake and a dance, and you won’t miss any moments.
My best advice when planning micro-weddings is, if you want it to feel like your wedding day (ie, feel like a traditional wedding day) all you have to do is keep the same moments (getting ready, dinner etc), wear a gorgeous dress with a veil and grab a gorgeous bouqets. It seems so silly but those few elements really do give you the sense of fully marking the day as a wedding day rather than the day you got married. I’m happy to share more one-on-one as you plan your own event! Love the vendors I worked with for this shoot? We have a discount when you book all 3 of us!
Vendors
Photography | Silver Orchard Creative
Planning | Everything But the Vows
Florals | Wanton Poppies
Venue | Manor at Silo Falls
Models | Emily & Robert, Gabrielle & Sarah, Ashley & Sean, Regis & Kim (in order of appearance)
