Favorite Ideas from our own Wedding.

- When your Wedding Planner is Getting Married.

As a wedding planner who has planned and executed over 100 weddings, I knew exactly what I wanted—and didn’t want—for my big day. One thing I was certain about? Many traditional wedding elements can add unnecessary stress and eat up valuable time on such a special day.

So, when it came to our wedding, we broke away from the mold and focused on what truly mattered to us. Here’s how we embraced non-traditional elements that made our day unique, meaningful, and incredibly enjoyable.

1. We Kept the Guest List Intimate
We opted for a microwedding with only 30 of our closest friends and family members. Keeping the guest list small allowed us to spend quality time with each guest and create a more personal, intimate atmosphere. Plus, it freed up our budget to focus on making each guest’s experience unforgettable.

2. We Planned Our Attire Together
Instead of keeping our wedding outfits a secret, we coordinated and planned everything together. This collaborative approach made the process even more fun and ensured we were both on the same page. We also decided to see each other before the ceremony, which helped us stay connected and stress-free throughout the day.

3. We Took Photos Before the Ceremony
Rather than rushing through photos during cocktail hour, we scheduled all of our important portraits before the ceremony. This gave us quiet, intimate time together at our stunning mansion venue, soaking in the beauty of the décor and setup while being photographed. Seeing each other before the ceremony didn’t take away from the magic—it actually made it even more special.

4. We Skipped the Bridal Party
With such a small guest count, having a traditional bridal party didn’t feel necessary. Instead, I got ready with my closest girlfriends, sharing laughs and sweet moments. We made sure to capture fun photos and reels with them, so we still got the experience without the formality.

5. We Walked Down the Aisle Together
One of the most memorable moments of the day was walking down the aisle together. Holding hands, we descended the beautiful staircase to Sam Smith’s “Writing’s on the Wall” as our friends and family watched. It was an emotional and empowering moment that perfectly symbolized our partnership.

6. We Skipped the Cake
As a wedding planner, I’ve seen countless wedding cakes go untouched. Instead of a traditional cake, we invested in custom-stamped coconuts, which were a huge hit with our guests. Not only were they delicious, but they also added a fun, tropical touch to our day.

7. We Skipped Special Dances
Initially, we had planned on a choreographed first dance, but with our busy schedules, we didn’t have time to practice. Instead, we skipped the special dances altogether and opted for an energetic Hora Loca (Crazy Hour) with dancers, props, and live entertainment. It turned into an epic dance party, and we got amazing footage for our wedding film.

8. We Minimized Speeches
Toasts can often drag on and take up a significant portion of the evening. Instead, we transitioned straight into dancing after dinner. My best friend surprised us with a heartfelt but brief speech, and we kept other toasts informal—sharing one-on-one moments and taking celebratory shots with guests at the bar.

Why We Loved Our Non-Traditional Wedding
Breaking away from tradition allowed us to focus on what mattered most—enjoying every moment of our special day with the people we love. By simplifying the schedule and making unconventional choices, we created a wedding that felt authentic, personal, and completely stress-free.

If you’re planning your big day, remember this: Your wedding should reflect you. Don’t be afraid to ditch traditions that don’t resonate with you and prioritize what makes you happy. After all, it’s your day to celebrate your love in the way that feels most meaningful to you.

Decor & Planning: Ideal Events

Photo credit: Photos by Gasen

Venue: https://www.martin.fl.us/Mansion