Helpful Tips For Your Nature-Inspired Wedding

01. HOW TO CHOOSE A WEDDING LOCATION

Selecting a wedding location is one of the most exciting parts of your wedding planning journey! Follow the tips and tricks below for a smooth and easy hunt for the perfect spot:

• Start your venue search early to get first dibs on your favourite location and date.
• Consider a family property – backyard, and farm weddings are among some of my favourite weddings to photograph. You’ll have the flexibility of including plenty of personal touches, not to mention the sentimental value of a location that is important to you and your family.
• Keep your guest count in mind when considering the capacity limit of venues.
• Be mindful of venue accessibility for the guests you’ve invited, and make sure it’s a safe and inviting space for everyone.
• Look for a sustainable venue that shares the same values as you do.
• Embrace what is important to you, and make sure the venue reflects your style and personality.
• Consider alternative dates like Friday, and Sunday weddings in place of Saturday dates, or winter weddings.
• Ask about a rain plan, and backup plan in the event of an emergency (pandemic).

02. BEST SPONTANEOUS PHOTOGRAPHY MOMENTS OUTSIDE

The unexpected is magical, and I’m here to capture all of the events that unfold during your special day. Here is a list of some of my favourite moments at outdoor weddings that you might want to include:

• Private vows in a location special to you and your partner before the ceremony.
• Eco-friendly flower petal toss as you and your partner walk down the ceremony aisle as an officially married couple. Lavender, rose petals, fresh herbs, or leafs, and a mix of micro flowers are biodegradable and will look beautiful in your photos!
• Include your pets if they are an important member of your family! I’ve seen pets included in adorable ‘first-looks’, walking down the ceremony aisle, and apart of couple photos.
• Don’t hold back on an adventurous moment – some of my favourites include couple photos in a canoe, hiking to an important location (proposal spot etc.), incorporating your horses, and/or cows in photos,
• Your first dance as a married couple can be outside under the stars and patio lights!
• Sparkler send-offs are another great way to make use of your time under the dark sky during reception. You can embrace this as an intimate moment with just you and your partner, your wedding party, or open this time up for all your guests! Keep in mind the more intimate this moment is, the more eco-conscious it will be.

03. eco-friendly ideas for your outdoor wedding

From one outdoor lover to another, I understand that you’ll want to make an eco-conscious celebration. I’ve gathered a list of some great ideas to incorporate below:

• Reduce food waste – opt for plated dinners rather than buffets to avoid excess food, and donate any extra food to shelters.
• Rent when possible – you can rent items like dishes, glasses, linens, steel straws, tuxes and suits for the groom and groomsmen.
• Choose reusable items over disposables, make up-cycled wedding decor, and buy used wedding decor. Check facebook groups, and marketplace for second hand items like linens, tableware, lighting, and more.
• Buy a pre-owned wedding dress – Second Dance bridal boutique, located in St. Catharines ON, has a beautiful selection of sustainable dresses for your special day!
• Consider incorporating potted plants as your centrepieces rather than single use cut plants to reduce extra waste.
• Avoid single-use dishes and utensils, and have your guests bring their own cup.
• Choose an eco-friendly wedding registry or have your guests donate to a charity of your choice.
• Keep things intimate – the smaller the guest list, the less waste you will produce.
• Donate leftovers and decor – donate food to shelters, leftover flowers to nursing homes, clothing to sustainable boutiques, etc.
• Volunteer with your wedding party – this is a great way to give back to your local community!
• Last but not least, consider learning through this helpful resource from an eco-conscious couple: Levi & Leah’s Zero Waste Wedding.

04. Additional moments to consider to make the most of your special day

• Make time to embrace a special hobby or passion throughout your wedding day. This can happen during your couple portraits, with your bridesmaids or groomsmen in the morning, or throughout your reception!
• Give your close friends or family members a larger role on your wedding day. This can be anything from flower grandmas, two best friends as your MCs, an extra dance for your grandparents, etc.
• A great addition to your reception are guest photos with each table to encapsulate all your loved ones who attended the wedding.