Start With the Soul, Not the Aesthetic

When you get engaged, the first question isn’t how to plan your wedding — it’s what do you want it to feel like? Before diving into décor, moodboards, or colour palettes, start with the foundation: your wedding vision.

A strong vision anchors every decision — from choosing the right wedding photographer to selecting the perfect venue — and helps your wedding (and photos) reflect you, not just Pinterest trends.

Begin With Meaning

Rather than asking what looks good, ask:

• What do we want people to remember most about our wedding?
• Which moments matter most — the ceremony, the party, the quiet in-betweens?
• How do we want to feel when we look back at our photos?

For example, a couple who values intimacy might plan a smaller guest list with personalized vows. A couple who loves celebration might centre the day around music, dancing, and energy.

Photographer Insight:

“The most memorable weddings I’ve photographed had soul, not symmetry. Couples who leaned into their real personalities — not just what’s trending — always end up with the most meaningful images.”

Moodboards Are Great — Just Don’t Get Lost in Them

Pinterest is a useful tool, but it’s not a blueprint. Instead, draw inspiration from:

• How you decorate your home
• The music, books, or films you love
• Shared travel memories
• The clothes you feel most like you in

Your wedding should feel like an extension of your real life, not a photo shoot for someone else’s aesthetic.

From Vision to Visuals

Once you’ve clarified your values, translate them into sensory details:

Colour Palettes:

• Pick tones that match your mood — soft and romantic, bold and playful, natural and earthy

Lighting: 

• Choose light and airy for daytime charm or cinematic and moody for dramatic romance

Locations: 

• A cozy lodge, minimalist gallery, or rooftop venue can all reflect different vibes

Bringing these ideas to your photographer early allows them to shoot your wedding with intention, creativity, and alignment with your energy.

Explore: Wedding Photography Styles: Finding the Look That Speaks to You

Avoid the Common Pitfalls

Skip what doesn’t resonate. Avoid:

• Filling your day with disconnected “Pinterest ideas”
• Mimicking another couple’s vibe
• Ignoring your instincts in favour of social media validation

If something doesn’t light you up, it doesn’t belong in your wedding.

Let Your Vision Guide Every Choice

Once you’ve defined your wedding vision, use it as a filter for every decision:

Choosing a venue?
See: How to Choose a Wedding Venue That Photographs Well

Budgeting?
Start here: Canadian Wedding Budget Breakdown: Where Your Money Actually Goes

Booking vendors?
Read: How to Plan a Wedding in Canada — Month-by-Month Timeline

By staying rooted in what feels right, you’ll craft a wedding that looks, sounds, and feels like you.

Find a Photographer Who Aligns With Your Vision

A great photographer doesn’t just take pretty pictures — they help bring your vision to life.
Browse our directory of vetted Canadian wedding photographers who understand your style, your values, and the moments that matter most.