The Unfiltered Truth About Wedding Planning
Let’s get real for a sec…
If you're dreaming of a wedding with beautiful florals, epic golden hour portraits, Pinterest perfect tablescapes, and 10 hours of seamless, magical photography coverage… but your total budget is closer to $10k for everything… I’m gonna gently say:
We need to talk.
One things for sure, weddings are beautiful. But they’re also expensive. And the internet (bless it) has created sky-high expectations on a tight squeeze budget. So in the widths of planning, you might be thinking…
“We don’t need anything too fancy.”
But then you still want:
A full-day photo & video coverage, statement florals, custom signage, a curated dinner menu, stunning rentals,
and a party that feels straight out of a rom-com.
I get it. Truly. You deserve a celebration that reflects your love. But here’s what couples aren’t always told: The effortless look you see online isn’t effortless. It’s layered with time, intention, skill, and yes — budget.
But Let’s Clear Some Things Up:
Photography and videography are two separate services.
Each requires different skills, gear, editing time, and creative vision. If you're expecting both from one person for 10+ hours at a $2k price point, you're not getting high-end. You're getting someone overworked and likely under-qualified. (no offense to those jack of all trades but sad truth)
Be mindful that your vendors aren’t magicians.
You can’t pay target prices and expect a Vogue wedding. If someone is offering the whole package at a too-good-to-be-true rate, something is being sacrificed… often quality or care.
**“Affordable” doesn’t mean cheap.**
Even the most low-key backyard weddings still need coordination, rentals, timelines, and people to bring it all together. That cozy vibe? It still costs something to create.
The “look” you love comes from:
A thoughtful planner or coordinator, professional photo & video teams, stylists or rental companies
Time, and effort behind the scenes (not just a pretty filter)
So What Can You Do Instead?
✔️ Be honest about your budget and build your wedding around what matters most to you.
✔️ Let go of pressure to recreate the internet. Those dreamy weddings? Often cost $40k+.
✔️ Choose vendors who align with your vibe AND educate you. We’re not here to upsell, we’re here to set you up for success.
✔️ Be open to alternatives! Fewer guests, weekday dates, or elopements can stretch your budget beautifully.
Your love deserves to be celebrated well and realistically.
You don’t need a Pinterest perfect day. You need a day that feels true to you, with the right team by your side to document it.
And if you're down to do things with heart and intention (and a little flexibility)? You’re my kind of people. Let’s create something unforgettable, not because it’s “perfect,” but because it’s yours.