How to Plan a Relaxed Atlanta Wedding
Here’s how to plan a relaxed wedding in Atlanta. No really – it’s super simple – well it CAN be as simple or as complicated as you want it to be. The problem with relaxed or stressed or big or small weddings is that they all have many of the same parts. Some are required – but others are not required. So how DO you have a relaxed wedding in Atlanta? Good question.
As Atlanta wedding photographers we’ve seen SO MANY different weddings and we’ve been there for magical moments that we’ll never forget. We’ve also seen how a calmer vibe or pace can completely direct how the wedding day is going to feel. Of course the wedding photos show everything – the good, the bad, the vibes, the emotion – if you want a relaxed atlanta wedding then let’s get into it.
What Makes a Wedding Day Feel Relaxed
A relaxed wedding isn’t only about cutting out things you don’t want. It’s about creating the vibe and feeling and space to breathe. And you know it can sometimes be hard to find space to breathe on a wedding day. The timeline can be strict, and atmosphere choking, and that’s not how you want it. You want space to breathe, to enjoy, and to be with the people you love (especially that ONE person you love).
Relaxed Atlanta wedding days can include:
- Kind schedules that are realistic – and have built in buffer time.
- Less moments that feel forced, and more natural moments that just happen.
- A venue that is easy to work with, that doesn’t require constant flipping (unless you hire the right people to do that flipping!)
- Vendors that understand that you’re not made of money
When you or your partner feels rushed – it probably shows – and it’ll definitely show on your wedding day.
When wedding couples feel unrushed – that also shows. The moments feel more natural and you’ll actually feel relaxed. That’s exactly what you want on your wedding day. Look – the day goes fast – like REALLY fast and you don’t want to be hateful of life on your wedding day. Let’s make it great.
Start With an Intentional Vision (Not a Long Checklist)
One of the biggest mistakes with wedding planning is when you try to include EVERYTHING. Don’t do that. I know you’ll be tempted to include everything you’ve ever seen on Pinterest. That includes trying to have ALL of the traditions you *think* you should be doing. So what do you do? You start with a simple question.
What do you want this day to feel like? What do you and your partner want this day to feel like?
It’s really that simple at first.
If you’re truly planning a relaxed Atlanta wedding then some of the answers might look like:
- unhurried
- relaxed
- not fussy
- meaningful
- personal
- comfortable
When you get clear about how you want the day to feel – decisions get easier. You can decide not to do or have the things that don’t feel good. Don’t do the things that won’t support your vision for your wedding day. Don’t do the things that are the opposite of a relaxed wedding in Atlanta. Focus your energy on the parts of the day that matter to you the most, and that really matter to your partner as well.
Choose an Atlanta Venue That Already Has a Vibe
If it’s got anything – Atlanta is full of wedding venues that have VIBES. Name a vibe and Atlanta has a wedding venue for it. The right venue will do a lot of the work for you. A space with the right natural character, that has good light, and relaxed flow will also create a more relaxed wedding experience for you and your guests.
Here are some things to consider when looking at Atlanta wedding venues:
- How much are you/your wedding party going to have to move during the day
- Is the ceremony and reception near each other or far apart
- What is the natural light situation for the ceremony
- What about the natural light for the reception
- Does the space need A LOT of decor or will it work with minimal effort
Some Atlanta wedding venues are blank canvases which are great if you are up to the task of bringing in EVERYTHING to make it look and feel the way you’re imagining (or if you’re up to HIRING someone to do the work for you). Venues that feel welcoming from the moment you visit and that you can see working for your wedding day vision – those are the ones you want to examine closer.
Two quick relaxed Atlanta wedding venues to consider?
Build a Timeline With Actual Breathing Room
Look – your wedding day timeline is actually really important. It can be simple and you don’t need to have it broken down to every 5 minute block – but you should make an effort to write down the broad strokes of the day. Don’t overlook your wedding timeline.
Okay – as your Atlanta wedding photographer, bad wedding day timelines make these things more likely –
- fewer candid moments
- tension showing up in the photos
- missing opportunities for quiet moments
- photos looking and feeling rushed
Having space and buffer time makes sure that you and your partner have the chance to have those quiet moments. Quiet moments with each other, or with your friends, and with your family. Photography space built into your timeline enables you to connect with people instead of just running through the day alongside them. Take a breath between the events and enjoy your wedding day instead of just constantly watching the schedule clock.
Focus on Moments, Not Performances
One of the real differences of a relaxed wedding is that they choose to prioritize connection over perfection. You can have perfection and perfection will happen – don’t get me wrong – but not at the cost of losing connection with the people you love. Instead of trying to perform for the camera, or just checking off parts of the timeline – when you focus on connection – you’re able to focus on each other.
This can look like:
- Fewer posed interruptions
- Letting emotions happen naturally instead of directed
- Trusting me as your photographer to document what matters
- Giving those you love the moments they need to connect with you
I’m a candid, documentary wedding photographer and of course I thrive on wedding days. A relaxed Atlanta wedding makes sure that you will have real moments that don’t need to be forced – and it will definitely show in your wedding photos.
How Relaxed Wedding Photography Supports the Day
Photography is important. Wedding photography is important. You know this. Photography plays such a big role in the pace of the wedding day – more than many couples realize. A calm, documentary approach vs someone else barking orders and yelling at you – those things matter. I will never yell at you. I read the room. I pass the vibe check. I work with you no matter how you’re feeling and together we will make your beautiful wedding photos.
My relaxed wedding photography focuses on:
- Observing more than directing
- Directing just enough, as needed
- Capturing the real interactions
- Blending into the flow of the day
- Being Ninja and going unnoticed as I photograph
My photography will support the rhythm of your wedding day instead of controlling it. All of my wedding couples stay present and enjoy wedding as it unfolds – stress free – at least when it comes to the wedding photography.
Planning a Relaxed Atlanta Wedding That Feels Like You
Look – I’ll be honest with you – a relaxed Atlanta wedding isn’t about doing all the things “right”. It’s about making sure and creating a wedding day that feels very true to you and your partner. A wedding day with space to breathe, and connect so that you actually experience the moments that you’ve spent all this time planning.
I know you want a relaxed Atlanta wedding. You want candid documentary wedding photography that captures your love and the atmosphere of one of the best days of your life.
I’d love to hear from you about your wedding plans.