Wedding Advice from a Wedding Photographer Mom with two daughters getting married in 2026.
As a wedding photographer, I’ve walked alongside hundreds of couples through the planning process — capturing the tears, the joy, and all the little in-between moments. But now, I’m on the other side of the lens. With two daughters getting married just nine weeks apart in 2026, I’m stepping into the role of mother of the bride while still keeping my photographer’s heart wide open.
And just like I tell every couple I work with — the very first step in planning a wedding isn’t booking vendors or buying a dress. It’s creating a vision.
Why Vision Comes First:
The vision is the heartbeat of the wedding. It’s what determines everything else — from the season you choose to the size of your guest list and the type of venue that will bring your dream to life. Without a clear vision, decisions can feel scattered or overwhelming. With a vision, the rest falls into place with so much more ease.
How We Started:
- Dream Without Limits
Before we talked budget or logistics, I asked my daughters to describe their dream wedding without worrying about what was “realistic.” We talked about colors, locations, music, the overall vibe. Was it romantic and candlelit? Bright and garden-inspired? Coastal and breezy? - Think About the Season
The time of year affects everything: florals, attire, light for photos, even the menu. - Guest List & Size
We narrowed down whether they envisioned an intimate gathering of 50 or a full celebration with 200 guests. This one decision eliminated a lot of venues right away. - Venue That Fits the Story
With season and size in mind, we started looking for a venue that matched their vision. Was it an outdoor space? A modern industrial space? Church? This choice would set the tone for every other decision to come. For one daughter, the dream is an intimate destination celebration — filled with intentional, personal touches and surrounded only by those closest to them. 🌊💍For the other, it’s a timeless wedding steeped in love, tradition, and faith. ⛪✨Two completely different visions… and it all starts with the venue. Because the venue doesn’t just hold the wedding — it sets the date, shapes the vibe, and brings the dream to life.”
From Mom’s Perspective:
It’s emotional to sit across from your daughters and listen to them describe one of the biggest days of their lives. My photographer’s brain immediately thinks about timelines, lighting, and logistics… but my mom-heart just wants their day to feel like them.
Closing:
If you’re just starting the planning journey — whether you’re a bride, a groom, or a fellow mother of the bride — take the time to dream first. The vision will be your compass for the months ahead. Everything else becomes so much clearer once you can see the day in your mind.
And as for me… well, we’ve only just begun. Two weddings, nine weeks apart — this mom/photographer is in for the ride of a lifetime.
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