In an era where social media trends tend to have an overwhelming impact on wedding plans, it’s easy to get swept up in the pressure to create a picture-perfect day. But your wedding is so much more than an aesthetic occasion; it’s a celebration of your unique love story.

By prioritizing meaningful details that reflect who you are as a couple, you can create a wedding season filled with authenticity, connection, and cherished memories that last long after the final dance…and well beyond their moment of fame in your IG grid.

Here are some ideas to help you focus on what matters most—making this snapshot in time true to you and your love, as it stands in this chapter, to be remembered.

*Inspired by real Susie Saltzman client couples 🥰

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Pre-Wedding

1. Customize a ring that speaks to you and your love story

Your engagement ring is one of the most enduring symbols of your love. Choosing or designing a ring that reflects your unique taste with a nod to your relationship can make it all the more special. Consider incorporating elements like a stone from a family heirloom, a meaningful engraving, or a special setting that feels aligned with your style. Every glance will remind you of the story it represents.

Love the thought of an engraving but opting for a delicate engagement ring band? No problem. Consider engraving or customizing your wedding band in a special way, instead!

2. Soft launch your engagement

While history has seen many grand, splashy engagement announcements, a quieter, more personal approach can feel just as special. You might share your news first with close friends and family before posting on social media, or savor the excitement with a cheeky nod to that gorgeous new ring and let others fill in the gaps on their own. Here are some of our favorite ways to subtly announce an engagement.

3. Opt for a candid, lived-in engagement shoot vibe

Instead of highly styled engagement photos, consider working with a photographer who focuses on capturing natural, candid moments. Think cozy mornings together at home, your favorite coffee shop, or a hiking trail paved in memories. These authentic snapshots will feel more personal when you look back and capture your everyday magic as a couple— in the actual places where your relationship flourished.

4. Create space for quality time as a couple

The months leading up to your big day can feel like a whirlwind of planning and events, so carving out moments for connection is essential. Schedule date nights where wedding talk is off the table, or plan a pre-wedding getaway (or staycation) to recharge and focus on each other. These small pauses will help you stay grounded in the present season, when everything around you feels like it’s screaming it’s time to look ahead.

Wedding Day

5. Decorate with meaning

When it comes to wedding decor, think beyond Pinterest trends. Choose elements that reflect your shared passions and individual personalities. Love plants? Swap traditional florals for potted greenery guests can take home. Avid readers? Use book pages or favorite quotes in your invitations or table settings. These thoughtful details can make your wedding truly feel one-of-a-kind.

6. Consider a private vow ceremony

Sharing your vows in front of guests can feel nerve-wracking and even performative to some. If the idea feels overwhelming, consider having a private vow exchange before the ceremony. This intimate moment gives you the freedom to express your feelings openly, without an audience, in an intimate pre-celebration moment you’ll treasure forever.

7. Invite guests into your love story

Share details of your love story with your guests in creative ways. Include a timeline of key milestones in your relationship in your wedding program, incorporate songs that commemorate meaningful moments in your relationship, or leave personalized notes with favorite memories for each guest at their place setting. These touches create a sense of intimacy and make everyone feel more connected to your celebration.

8. Embrace imperfection

Remember, your wedding doesn’t have to look like a magazine spread to be meaningful and memorable. Lean into the moments that feel real and unscripted—whether it’s spontaneous laughter during your vows or a few extra seconds in a teary-eyed embrace with a loved one. These are the moments you’ll look back on and treasure.

Your wedding season is an opportunity to celebrate not just your love, but who you are as individuals and as a couple. By infusing your plans with personal, meaningful touches, you’ll create a celebration that feels authentic, intimate, and uniquely yours. Forget the trends and expectations—this is your story to tell, and it deserves to be as beautifully personal as the love you’re celebrating.