How to Make Your Salt Lake City Wedding Your Own: Tips from Bella Alder Photo + Film
How to Make Your Wedding Your Own: Tips from Bella Alder Photo + Film
Weddings are all about celebrating your love, your story, and your unique journey as a couple. So why settle for a cookie-cutter wedding that feels more like everyone else’s than your own? At Bella Alder Photo + Film, we believe that your wedding day should be a reflection of who you are, not just a generic event. We know that every couple has their own vision, style, and quirks—and we’re here to help bring that vision to life.
As a husband-and-wife team, we understand the importance of making your wedding personal and meaningful. We’ve been through the wedding planning process ourselves (I was barefoot on my wedding day, but that’s a story for another time), so we know how overwhelming it can be. But we also know that when you infuse your personality into your wedding day, it becomes something that’s truly unforgettable.
Here are our top tips for making your wedding your own, from creative ideas to personal touches that will make your day feel as unique as you are.
1. Start with the Vibe You Want to Create
Before you dive into all the details of your wedding, take a moment to think about the overall vibe you want to create. Do you want something romantic and intimate, or something bold and extravagant? Maybe you’re envisioning a vintage, Gatsby-inspired celebration or a modern, sleek affair. Whatever it is, your vibe will guide many of your decisions—from the venue to the decor to your attire.
At Bella Alder Photo + Film, we specialize in high-end, luxury wedding photography in Salt Lake City, and we love helping couples create a cohesive look that matches their style. Whether it’s editorial wedding photography or candid moments, we know how to bring out the best in your vision. Let your vibe set the tone for your entire day, and everything will come together naturally.
Tips:
Use color schemes to guide your design choices. Colors evoke mood—choose tones that align with the feeling you want to create.
Find a venue that matches your style. The right venue can set the foundation for your entire wedding. If you’re looking for stunning photos, choose a venue with natural light or unique architectural features.
Incorporate meaningful traditions or personal symbols into your theme. Whether it's a custom crest or a nod to your cultural heritage, small touches make a big impact.
2. Make Your Wedding About the Things You Love
Your wedding day is all about celebrating your love as a couple, so why not make it a reflection of your passions and interests? This could mean anything from choosing a favorite book or movie as inspiration for your decor, to picking a venue that speaks to both of you. If you love the outdoors, why not have a scenic mountain ceremony? Or if you’re both foodies, create a menu that reflects your favorite dishes.
We love working with couples who infuse their personalities into every part of their wedding. Whether it's capturing candid moments or creating fine art wedding photography, we make sure to highlight those personal touches that tell your unique story.
Tips:
Personalized vows or speeches are a wonderful way to express your love and connection.
Incorporate shared hobbies or interests into your decor or ceremony. For example, if you both love hiking, consider doing a first look in a scenic spot or a bridal shoot in the mountains.
Have a custom playlist with songs that mean something special to you both. It’s a simple touch that will add so much personality to your day.
3. Consider Your Attire: Wear What Feels Like You
When it comes to wedding attire, you want to feel like yourself, but the best version of yourself. Don’t feel pressured to wear something just because it’s traditional or expected. If you’ve always dreamed of wearing a bold, non-traditional gown, go for it! Or maybe you want a sleek, minimalistic look—do it! Your wedding attire should be a reflection of your personal style and the overall vibe of your day.
As a Salt Lake City luxury wedding photographer, we specialize in capturing every little detail—from the intricate lace on a wedding gown to the personal touches in your accessories. We’re here to make sure your photos reflect the real you, no matter what you choose to wear.
Tips:
Don’t be afraid to add something personal to your look, whether it’s heirloom jewelry, a vintage veil, or a custom jacket with your initials.
Consider comfort—you’ll be wearing your wedding attire for hours, so make sure you feel good in it. Comfort can enhance your confidence, and that shows in your photos.
4. Choose a Venue That Reflects Your Style
The venue you choose will set the tone for the entire day. Whether you’re imagining a grand ballroom, a rustic barn, or a minimalist modern space, your venue will impact everything from your decor to your photos. It’s the place where you’ll say your vows, share your first kiss, and dance the night away with your loved ones—so make sure it’s somewhere that feels special to you both.
As Salt Lake City wedding photographers, we’ve had the privilege of shooting at some of the area’s most beautiful and unique venues. We know that a stunning venue can elevate your wedding photos to a whole new level, so choosing the right location is key.
Tips:
Think about your ceremony and reception locations when choosing your venue. Make sure it suits your vibe and fits the number of guests you’re inviting.
Consider outdoor venues for natural beauty and breathtaking photos. Places like Red Butte Garden or the Grand America Hotel offer amazing photo opportunities.
5. Capture Real Moments: Candid vs. Posed Photography
One of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make when planning your wedding is whether to go for candid or posed photography—or a mix of both. Here’s the thing: both are important!
Candid photography captures the raw emotions of your day—the tears, the laughter, the joy—and gives you images that feel authentic and real. Posed shots, on the other hand, highlight the elegance and beauty of your wedding day in a more traditional way.
At Bella Alder Photo + Film, we specialize in both styles. We capture the candid moments that tell your unique story while also creating fine art wedding photography that will stand the test of time. The best part? We ensure both styles flow together seamlessly, so you get a complete representation of your day.
Tips:
Work with your photographer to find a balance between candid and posed photos. Your photographer should be able to guide you to capture the best moments in both styles.
Trust your photographer’s guidance when it comes to posing, but don’t forget to have fun! Authentic moments often come from natural laughter and spontaneous interactions.
6. Add Personal Touches Everywhere
Personalizing your wedding doesn’t have to stop with the venue or your attire—it can extend to the little things too. Think about the details that will make your day feel extra special—things like custom signage, a personalized wedding guest book, or a creative guest favor that reflects your style. Even the flowers, the table settings, and the seating chart can be customized to fit your unique vision.
Tips:
DIY elements can add a personal touch to your decor and can often be a fun, meaningful way to include your family and friends.
Personalized favors can make your guests feel appreciated. Think about items that reflect your personality, such as custom cocktails, local goodies, or handwritten notes.
How to Choose the Best Wedding Photographer in Salt Lake City
When choosing your wedding photographer, look for someone who understands your vision and is willing to work with you to make it come to life. As a husband-and-wife team, we bring a level of intimacy and understanding to your wedding day that you won’t get with just any photographer. Whether you’re looking for luxury wedding photography in Salt Lake City or fine art wedding photography in Utah, we’re here to create photos that reflect the essence of your love story.
Your wedding is one of the most special days of your life, and we believe it should reflect you—your personality, your style, your love. If you’re ready to make your wedding as unique as your love story, reach out to us today. We’d love to help make your dream day come to life with stunning photography that tells your story.
