If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels more like a weekend getaway with your closest people than a big production, you’re not alone. This wedding planning guide is for couples who want to step away from overly scripted timelines and traditions that don’t resonate, and instead create a day that reflects who they are at their core. Whether that means saying your vows on a mountain trail or sharing your first dance barefoot by the lake, your wedding should feel like home. It should feel like you.
A Wedding Planning Guide to Authentic, Adventure-Filled Celebrations:
Start With Your Core Values
Before diving into the details, take a step back and talk with your partner about what’s truly important to both of you.
Maybe it’s:
- Quality time with your closest people
- Being surrounded by nature
- Simplicity and ease
- Honouring family traditions or creating your own
Defining your core values early on will help you make every other decision during the planning process.
Also, don’t be afraid to bread the mold! There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to weddings, and that’s the beauty of it. Maybe you want to skip certain traditions or add a personal twist to your ceremony. Perhaps you want non-traditional attire, a unique venue, or a custom timeline that fits your personality.
Trust your instincts and focus on what feels right to you and not just what’s trending online. The best weddings often include meaningful details because they’re so perfectly you.
Choose a Location That Matches Your Vibe
Your location shapes the entire feel of your day. If you’re drawn to peaceful, outdoorsy spaces, consider places that reflect that, like a mountainside cabin, a cozy lakeside lodge, or even your own backyard full of wildflowers and good memories.
Ask yourselves:
- Does this place feel like us?
- Can we picture a relaxed, joy-filled day here?
- Will it allow our guests to unplug and be present?
Let the location become part of the story you’re telling together.
Keep the Guest List Intentional
More doesn’t always mean better. A smaller guest list creates space for real conversations, shared laughter, and less overwhelm.
Think about who you truly want there to witness this moment. The people who make you feel safe, loved, and fully yourselves. An intentional guest list doesn’t just make planning easier, it helps the day feel more grounded and connected.
Weave in Your Favourite Rituals
This is your day, so why not include the everyday moments and traditions that already bring you joy?
Maybe it’s sharing your morning coffee together, taking a walk before the ceremony, or doing a quiet exchange of letters before the first look. You could plan a post-ceremony hike, a lakeside picnic, or a big communal dinner under the stars. These touch points create grounding, comfort, and joy- not just for you, but for everyone celebrating with you.
Capture It Authentically
Choosing the right videographer or photographer isn’t just about the final images, it’s also about how it felt while being captured. The professionals you hire should feel like partners in the process. You want vendors who take the time to understand your vision and are flexible enough to adapt to your ideas.
You also want someone who knows how to blend adventure with emotion, who’s comfortable with wind in their hair and muddy boots, and who understands how to quietly preserve the unscripted moments: the tears, the laughter, the hugs that linger just a little longer.
Working with someone who aligns with your values can make all the difference in how your day is remembered.
Let’s Create a Wedding That Feels Like You!
Whether you’re saying “I do” on a mountaintop, in a cozy Airbnb, or in your family’s backyard, your wedding should feel like home! And if you’re looking for someone to help bring your vision to life, with calm, care, and creativity, I’d be honoured to be part of that journey. Let’s connect!
Thanks for reading!
