top wedding day regrets

I photographed my first wedding when I was seventeen and over the last fourteen years I’ve noticed a few things couples regret doing and not doing when they look back on their day. Here’s a list of the top ones I’ve heard of so you can avoid them :)

no Hair & makeup Trial

This one can sound silly but there’s nothing more stressful than being in your head about how you look on your big day. Scheduling a hair and makeup trial ahead of time—especially if you’re getting married in Santa Cruz, where coastal weather and wind can affect the final look builds confidence, saves time on the wedding day, and helps you feel fully yourself when you step into photos.

feeling rushed

Outdoor wedding ceremony under a large tree with wedding couple, officiant, bridesmaids, groomsmen, and guests seated on white chairs.

This is the most common regret I hear Couples often say their day flew by so fast they barely remember it. Tight timelines leave no room to breathe, soak it in, or be present with each other.Building buffer time into your schedule—especially for getting ready, wedding portraits, and travel between locations can create a relaxed timeline that leads to more natural moments and better photos.

rushed photos

A wedding party walking outside on grass, with a large tree and sunlight shining through the leaves in the background. The group includes men in tuxedos and women in black dresses, with the bride in a white wedding gown holding a bouquet, all smiling and enjoying the moment.

When portraits are squeezed into tiny windows, it can feel stressful instead of grounding—and that tension shows up in the images. Building intentional space for wedding photos throughout the day. Planning photos before the ceremony frees up sooo much time for you to be able to have more time with your people after the ceremony :)

not getting video of the day

A bride and groom holding hands and smiling at each other in a forested area during their wedding.
CONTACT

Your wedding day flies by so being able to look back on it through video is the greatest gift you can give to your future self and future family. Having the voices of your loved ones giving speeches and being able to look back on your vows along with all of the little moments happening all around you is truly the best.

Interior of an A-frame cabin with a high triangular window ceiling. Inside, a woman is sitting in a chair as a hairstylist works on her hair, with a dog seated beside her. The room has various furniture and decorative objects, and natural light streams through the window.

skipping a first look

A bride holding a bouquet stands on stone steps in a wooded outdoor area, with a groom in a dark suit standing nearby, both present at a wedding ceremony.

Some couples skip a first look because they feel like they should, not because it feels right to them. Later, they wish they’d had a quiet moment together before the ceremony—especially if nerves were high. If you’re drawn to a first look, honor that. First looks allow for emotional, private moments and often give couples more time for portraits—without sacrificing the magic of the ceremony.

not Hiring a wedding coordinator

A couple getting married in an outdoor ceremony, exchanging vows under a floral arch, with an officiant standing behind them.

Guys, do yourself a favor and hire a wedding coordinator. This is essential for not having all of the stress fall onto you. Without one, couples (or their families) often end up managing timelines, questions, and logistics. Hiring a wedding coordinator allows you to fully let go. When someone else is managing the flow of the day, you can be present, relaxed, and focused on each other.

not eating or

drinking enough water

Group of five people dressed in formal attire, celebrating at a party or event with drinks in hand.

You need so much energy to have this many social interactions in a day so eating is a must. Low blood sugar and dehydration can lead to fatigue, irritability, and feeling disconnected from the experience. Plan snacks, hydrate early, and assign someone to remind you to eat. This is especially important for Santa Cruz weddings that involve beach walks, redwood venues, or travel between locations. Feeling good physically helps you stay present and enjoy your wedding day.