In today’s world, bigger isn’t always better — especially when it comes to your wedding day. Many couples are choosing to dial back their guest lists and focus on a more intimate wedding celebration, and it’s easy to see why. Opting for a smaller, more personal guest list allows you to prioritize meaningful connections and create a wedding day that feels truly special. With fewer guests, you can invest in high-quality details that reflect your relationship and values, making the day feel more authentic to you and your partner. Whether you’re planning a cozy destination wedding or a local celebration, intimacy can transform your wedding day into an unforgettable experience for both you and your loved ones.

One of the biggest advantages of a smaller guest list is the opportunity to spend more quality time with each of your guests. With fewer people to interact with, you’re able to have deeper conversations, share meaningful moments, and create lasting memories. This is especially important if you want to spend time with each person who came to celebrate your love, whether it’s family you haven’t seen in years or close friends who have supported you through thick and thin. Intimate weddings allow for more relaxed, personal interactions, making everyone feel valued and connected to your special day. From a photography perspective, an intimate guest list of those closest to you creates an environment where meaningful interactions happen more naturally. If capturing candid and sweet moments between you and your guests is a priority to you, you might consider a more intimate celebration.

Additionally, an intimate wedding offers a unique opportunity to infuse your celebration with personal touches that reflect your love story. From custom vows and a handwritten guestbook to unique décor or a private first look, small weddings allow you to focus on what truly matters to you as a couple. The intimacy of the celebration means that every detail — no matter how small — can be intentional and meaningful. In the end, your wedding will be a reflection of your love and personality, and the intimate setting will help create a warm, inviting atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression on both you and your guests. Choosing a smaller, more intimate guest list for your wedding day ensures that your celebration is authentic, memorable, and truly yours.

As a documentary style photographer, intimate wedding celebrations are very near and dear to my heart. There is nothing quite like the moments that happen naturally when a bride and groom feel more empowered to plan their day in a way that feels slowed down, intentional, and centered around those who mean the most to them. A documentary approach is the perfect fit for a small and intimate wedding because it focuses on capturing real, unposed moments that truly reflect the essence of the day. In an intimate wedding setting, where the atmosphere is personal and heartfelt, having a photographer who specializes in storytelling allows you to preserve the raw emotion and candid interactions that make your celebration unique. Instead of spending time orchestrating formal photos, a documentary photographer will quietly capture the fleeting moments—like the way your partner looks at you during your vows or the laughter shared between friends—that truly tell the story of your wedding day. If this kind of wedding day speaks to your heart, I would be honored to capture it.