top wedding day regrets

(and how to avoid them)

If you’re planning a wedding in Santa Cruz, you’re probably dreaming about golden light, ocean views, redwoods, and a day that feels like you. As a Santa Cruz wedding photographer, I’ve seen firsthand how these locations and timelines shape the overall experience. After photographing weddings here for years, I’ve noticed something interesting—many couples share the same regrets after the wedding day has passed. The good news? Most of these regrets are completely avoidable with a little intention and planning. Here are the top things couples regret about their wedding day—and what I gently encourage my Santa Cruz wedding photography couples to do instead when planning coastal and redwood weddings in Santa Cruz.

no Hair & makeup Trial

This is one couples don’t always think about until it’s too late.

Without a trial, wedding morning can feel uncertain or stressful—especially if hair or makeup doesn’t feel like you.

What to do instead: Schedule 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. It 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.

What to do instead: Build buffer time into your schedule—especially for getting ready, wedding portraits, and travel between locations. A relaxed timeline 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.

Many couples say they wish they’d slowed down when it came to photos.

When portraits are squeezed into tiny windows, it can feel stressful instead of grounding—and that tension shows up in the images.

What to do instead: Build intentional space for wedding photos throughout the day. A Santa Cruz wedding photographer who understands coastal light and timing can help guide this. A relaxed timeline allows moments to unfold naturally and creates images that feel effortless, emotional, and true to your experience.

final thoughts

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

Your wedding day doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to feel like you.

With intentional planning, realistic timelines, and the right support, you can avoid many common regrets and create a day that feels grounded, meaningful, and memorable.

If you’re planning a Santa Cruz wedding and want photography that feels natural, emotional, and true to your experience, I’d love to connect

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.

What to do instead: 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.

Many couples don’t realize how much mental space a coordinator holds.

Without one, couples (or their families) often end up managing timelines, questions, and logistics.

What to do instead: Hiring a wedding coordinator allows you to fully let go—something I highly recommend for Santa Cruz weddings with multiple locations or outdoor timelines. 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.

Couples often forget the basics in the excitement of the day.

Low blood sugar and dehydration can lead to fatigue, irritability, and feeling disconnected from the experience.

What to do instead: 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.