While your wedding day will probably be one of the happiest days of your life, it can be associated with stress or make you feel overwhelmed with all of the moving parts, and that is sometimes unavoidable. There’s so much going on – getting ready, trying to welcome your guests and thinking about all of the small details you’ve been planning for the last year. That being said, it’s important to stay present at your wedding and enjoy all of the handwork you’ve put into planning for the last year or years, especially because the day often goes in the blink of an eye! Here are some of my tips for staying present, and why it’s important to stay in the moment.

How to stay present:

1. Take intentional pauses: Every so often remind yourself to pause and savor the moments, whether it’s looking at your guests, sharing a dance, or simply holding hands with your partner. This not only brings you closer to the present, but makes for great candid photos.
2. Engage your senses: Pay attention to the sights, sounds, smells, and textures of your surroundings to fully immerse yourself in the moment. 
3. Focus on your partner: Take time to be present with your partner, whether it’s having a laugh or just looking into each other’s eyes. So stick together! Many couples get separated after ceremony and cocktail hour that they rarely have photos together from the rest of the evening. Focus on being with each other and engaging in any way you can.
4. Trust your vendors: Delegate tasks to your wedding coordinator, and trust them to handle any issues that may arise so you can focus on enjoying the day. 
5. Take breaks: Weddings can be a lot, so make sure to take breaks when you need them, whether it’s a few minutes alone or a quick walk outside. 

Trust me when I say that being present will alter your day for the better! You’ll to be able to fully soak in the enjoyment and bliss of the day and as a photographer, I’ll be able to better capture all the little smiles you make at each other, and the genuine love between family and friends. And if you ever need the reminder to stay present, talk with your photographer so that they are able to stick by you in the chaotic moments.