7 Ways to Be Present on Your Wedding Day (from a Photographer Who Just Got Married!)

I GOT MARRIED!!! 🥂

On October 10th (because we always say we’re 10 out of 10 😉), Tom and I tied the knot at Preston Peak in Toowoomba, and it was honestly the most beautiful, joy-filled day. The energy was high from start to finish — the dance floor was packed all night, our friends and family were buzzing, and it truly felt like one big party with all our favourite people.

As a wedding photographer, I’m lucky enough to attend weddings every weekend and see so many beautiful and unique celebrations. So when it came time to plan our own, I had a front-row seat to what really works (and what can make the day feel like it flies by in a blur).

The biggest thing I hear from my couples is that their wedding day goes so fast. So, I intentionally planned ours to feel calm, connected, and memorable. Here’s exactly how we made that happen.

1. We did a first look and private vows

This was one of the best decisions we made. We did our first look outside at the venue — just us (and our photographer). It was quiet, emotional, and so grounding. We read our full vows to each other, and they were honest and heartfelt in a way that wouldn’t have been possible in front of 80 guests.

Having that private moment completely changed the tone of the day. By the time the ceremony came around, all the nerves were gone. When I walked down the aisle, I wasn’t anxious about saying my vows or being the centre of attention — I was just excited. I remember making eye contact with so many of our guests, smiling, and taking it all in.

2. We built buffer time into our timeline

We left about two hours between our ceremony and reception — one hour for cocktail hour, and one for photos. That breathing room was everything.

We got to chat with our guests, have a few drinks, and take photos with friends and family without feeling rushed. Some of my favourite photos from the whole day came from this part — those candid, joy-filled moments where everyone is relaxed and fully themselves.

3. We had a sweetheart table

This was something I always recommend to my couples, and now I’ll forever swear by it. Having a little table just for Tom and me during dinner gave us time to actually talk, reflect, and enjoy the speeches without distractions.

We invested heavily in florals and candles, and our table looked so romantic — full of colour and light. Sitting there, looking out at all our guests laughing and chatting, was such a special memory.

4. Our wedding party sat down during the ceremony

This might sound like a small detail, but it made the ceremony feel so much more relaxed and present. We had seven people in our wedding party and decided that once I’d walked down the aisle, everyone would sit down and actually experience the ceremony with us. Tom’s groomsmen stood and waited with him while my side and I entered, then our wedding party all took a seat.

It instantly shifted the energy. No one was standing awkwardly or worrying about where to stand — they were comfortable, engaged, and fully in the moment. From where we were standing, it made the ceremony feel more intimate and natural, with the focus exactly where it should be.

5. We didn’t overdo the wedding party photos

We had four people on my side (including my brother as my man of honour — I didn’t stick to traditions!) and three on Tom’s. We kept it simple: one or two fun group shots, then focused on us. We didn’t need hundreds of wedding party photos — realistically, they’re not the ones we’d be hanging on our walls.

Our couple photos were short, sweet, and so much fun — we ran around at sunset, laughed the whole time, and just soaked in the post-ceremony glow.

6. We invested in a good DJ 🎶

Our DJ, Aaron Maybus, absolutely nailed it. He blended Tom’s love of heavy metal, my love of Taylor Swift, and our shared obsession with indie music perfectly.

Our first dance was to Sam Smith’s acoustic version of Latch — we were both nervous (because we’re terrible dancers!) but ended up swaying, spinning, and finishing with a dip before it transitioned into Disclosure’s remix. The second the beat dropped, every single guest flooded the dance floor.

We sent our DJ lots of music inspo, but he still managed to surprise us with absolute bangers all night. At one point, he came up to me and said, “Do you know Basshunter?” and I was like, “OMG YES.” We hadn’t listened to them since high school and it brought so much nostalgia. The dance floor was wild from start to finish.

7. We kept our guest list to 80 🥰

Eighty was the perfect number — big enough for an incredible atmosphere but small enough that we actually got to talk to everyone. Our friends and family are the most fun, loving people, and the energy in the room was unreal.

One of my favourite moments was standing at the front of the ceremony, looking out over our guests and feeling so much love, support, and happiness.

Our day was everything we hoped for and more — beautiful, joyful, and completely us. And because we built in those moments of calm and connection, it didn’t just feel like a blur. I feel like I have all these memories to hold on to.

So if you’re planning your wedding, my biggest advice is this: plan intentionally. Don’t be afraid to slow things down, do things your way, and prioritise moments over perfection. It’s your day — soak in every second of it. 🤍

Wedding Day Vendors
Photographer: Tay & Francis
Content Creator: Bridal Bliss
Celebrant: Love by Lara
HMUA: Blush’d Brides
DJ/MC: Aaron Maybus
Florist: Toowoomba White Weddings
Cake: Jillicious

Captured beautifully by Tay & Francis