Big Wedding? Small Wedding? Its up to you! | Wedding Photography | Washington and Arizona

Big wedding? Small Wedding?

How to chose your wedding size, whether your in Washington, Arizona or anywhere else in the world!

The word “wedding” itself can seem so overwhelming to some people, whether you’re planning a big bash in Seattle, WA, or an intimate ceremony in Sedona, AZ. But why? Well, society has told us to be a specific way when it comes to weddings! Over time, wedding traditions have changed and evolved, which we absolutely LOVE. BUT I think many of us still feel the intense pressure of having a big wedding and what that means, whether it’s a sprawling desert affair or a cozy backyard gathering in Tempe, AZ or Bellingham, WA

If youre waffling between big wedding or small wedding lets evaluate a few things.

But first? Why is this important to me?

As a therapist, my goal is to support my clients in making strong, informed decisions for themselves. Whether that's standing up to a workplace bully or deciding whether or not to start medication. I believe this approach applies perfectly here, too. Hopefully, I can help you figure out what your wedding day truly means to you.

As a photographer, I want to capture the moments that matter most to you. If a big wedding doesn’t feel like it will capture those moments, or a small wedding makes you feel like you’d be missing out, no worries. Let's explore that together!

Here are some things I like to consider when deciding whether a big wedding or a small wedding feels right for you. Think of this like a fun “this or that” from Instagram stories to help guide your decision!

Who do you want there?

Are you dreaming of a wedding surrounded by a crowd of your favorite people, or do you prefer a quiet, intimate ceremony with just the two of you? Legal requirements for witnesses vary by state—Washington and Arizona, for example, both require two witnesses to sign your marriage license. If you’re eloping somewhere that doesn’t need witnesses (Like Colorado!) ? Go ahead and keep it just about you two! Courthouse weddings with a judge are also a simple, official option.

If having all your friends there to celebrate and dance the night away feels right, then throw that party! If family is your wold, consider having a cozy reception to honor them. The key is to think about who you want by your side as you declare your love, knowing this will make the decision crystal clear.

What part of a wedding is most important to you?

What I mean by this is, is it JUST important to get married, or is it ALSO important to have a fun, memorable party to celebrate with your loved ones? Do you want the traditional ceremony with all the formalities, or are you more excited about throwing an epic party and dancing the night away? Maybe it’s a little bit of both,whatever feels right for you!

Where do you want to get married?

TThis is important because it can genuinely help you determine the perfect size for your event, while also providing valuable insight into who is truly willing and excited to travel for the special occasion. As I mentioned earlier, the state you’re getting married in will also determine how many people are required to witness your ceremony. For example, Washington and Arizona require two witnesses, but other states may have different rules.

What is your budget/whats more financially improtant to you?

Some people prefer to be able to buy a house (in this economy????), and some people choose to have the party. If you want both, YAY! But not everyone has that privilege, and that’s OKAY! Ultimately, it’s about where your financial priorities lie. Don’t go wedding poor if you don’t want to. And if you want to celebrate your love later, you can ALWAYS do a vow renewal.

In conclusion: no matter what, YOU are the one who gets to decide how big or small your wedding will be. Don’t let family or friends pressure you into it.

Why i had a big Arizona wedding;

Take a peek at my own Phoenix Arizona wedding blog! For us, it was all about the people we LOVE, our friends, aka our community. We definitely wouldn’t be who we are as a couple without them. Bringing everyone together to thank them, share a meal, and party all night long was the most meaningful part of our day. And honestly? I wouldn’t change a thing.

At first, I thought I wanted a small wedding, but there was this little itch inside me telling me I’d feel like I was missing out without a bigger celebration. Turns out, that gut feeling was spot on. No Ra-grets here!

All this to say: it’s totally up to YOU. Whatever you choose, just remember I’m here. Whether it’s in Washington, Arizona, North Carolina, or anywhere else, I’m ready to capture those authentic moments of love between you and the person who means the most in this world.