This past year has been challenging for all of us, especially those newly engaged couples trying to plan their dream day. Venue’s long daydreamed of by brides were closed to the public, parks, and destination locations temporarily out of commission. For a moment, planning a wedding seemed like an impossible task. But, through the dim light of it all, something magical began to surface; couples started getting creative and planned an at-home wedding.
I have always loved shooting at-home weddings, and this past year has done nothing but reinforces those feelings. Covid may have put a temporary halt in wedding planning, yet, the forced reevaluation of what a “dream wedding” looks like, resulted in some breathtaking ceremonies. The phrase “love conquers all” is a powerful statement and one I have been lucky enough to witness first-hand.
Photographing in the privacy of a couple’s home has been something I’ve always enjoyed, even more so for a wedding. An at-home wedding brings more than just beauty; there is a certain grandeur that accompanies it. The sense of familiarity, comfort, and the unique sentiment of hosting your special day at home results in a day that is authentic and original.
Although the intimacy of an at-home wedding cannot be trumped, for most brides, this can seem like a daunting task! It’s always challenging when the mental image you hold of your day isn’t painted quite the way you’d pictured it. As an NYC photographer, I can tell you first-hand that you are guaranteed to produce some beautiful photographs no matter where you call home.
At-Home Wedding Details
For me, I’m all about the details, and it’s my job to bring them to life in a way that accents you and your home! Finding balance is key; the focus should fall on highlighting your home’s unique aesthetic in a way that accentuates its individual features. As a wedding photographer, I’m always on the hunt for inspiration when I shoot. There truly is beauty in everything; sometimes, you just need to shift your perspective!
There are a few things I would recommend to really make your at-home wedding ‘pop’ and give you the romantic ambiance you deserve on this day. The number one I honestly can’t stress enough – flowers! You can play around and have so much fun decorating with florals, and they really bring a home to life! You might want to consider creating arrangements that evoke the season or colors that blend well with the tones of your home.
Another must, always, always consider the weather! They say rain on your wedding day is good luck, and that may (or may not) be true, but if you’re not prepared with tents or a shelter, it won’t feel very lucky. Stunning ivory sailcloth or a blush marquee-style tent creates an enchanting atmosphere that photographs beautifully and keeps you dry!
Preparing Your Space
There are many things to consider before an at-home wedding ceremony. If you can, reserve rooms to dress in. For the bride, this time is so important. Cherish the last hours before walking the aisle; take the time to love and appreciate those in your dressing room. You’ll want to remember these moments with the women who helped you get you there. Most brides recall their wedding day as somewhat of a blur. My job is to capture these moments and turn them into memories for you so that they may never be forgotten.
As a wedding photographer, I love to tell the story of my couple. At home, this is especially easy. A home is full of sentiment and contains many nooks and crannies with special meanings. Typically, there is a sense of comfort at home; this is such a bonus for me, as it allows me to capture genuine moments and raw emotions as they are experienced!
Working in New York as a wedding photographer has exposed me to every kind of varying location you could imagine. Whether your wedding is held at your family’s grand estate or a more intimate setting such as your townhouse; it is guaranteed to be remarkable. Remember to have fun, stay true to your style, and remind yourself that no matter the decor, the love you two parade on this day will shine through in each and every photo.
