Let me be the 100th person to say: do your wedding your way.

This wedding is especially special to me because it inspired me to want to marry my husband sooner, very sooner, rather than later.

Some things to note when planning your wedding is what do you want to look back and remember?

They picked a private airbnb in the mountains near Sunday River which housed all their close loved ones. They had the time freedom of setting up when they wanted and were able to be all in one place! There were not a lot of moving parts which was able to minimize stress. It was simple and sweet. Just the right amount of decor and attention to detail. Truly a do it yourself backyard wedding.

What is cool about this airbnb is that it allows you to host intimate wedding ceremonies, it is stunning property with ample room to enjoy the space. They only had the expense of a photographer, their decor and outfits, plus the house. It allows you to save money and get down to the bare bone necessities.

Let’s be honest with ourselves- sometimes we want to do a big traditional wedding at a venue with all the amenities and all the add ons because we want to show off. We think we need to fit in and stand out with our wedding experience. We are worried about all the people we are inviting and if they will like it.

I’m sorry but what? Why are we such people pleasers? I get there is a difference between caring about our loved ones enjoying themselves and being comfortable and going overboard on making sure that they aren’t unpleasant for one second but let’s just realize your wedding is not to have them perfectly entertained satisfied with every detail.

You can’t help the weather- so that already leaves the potential of uncomfortable guests and let’s be real- you can’t and shouldn’t play host your whole wedding, so don’t put that pressure on yourself. Really evaluate what you want to do- so many people say that they thought about eloping. Why? Because it just feels more right.

Having that one friendly acquaintance you see every once in awhile at your wedding really isn’t necessary. Or that cousin you barely know yet they are family so you feel obligated to invite. So strip it all away. Close your eyes and think about 20 years from now. What is the absolute most important. TO YOU.

It might just end up looking like this wedding in the mountains, in a house, with less than 20 people, with one photographer, diy decorations, and a whole lot of fun. There might not be catering, or a dj, or a florist, or a band, or 100 guests, or a timeline, or anything that you think you need to fit a traditional wedding.

This was my favorite wedding to be part of because it was so intimate, so personal, so beautiful. It was chill. It was free spirited. Remember this blog, these pictures, and this wedding story when you are thinking about your own day.

So thankful for the couples that stumble onto my work and see themselves in the photos. It is a gift.