top of page
Search

Reflections from Our Own Weddings: Carley’s Wedding Journey

  • Writer: Tricia Bachewich
    Tricia Bachewich
  • Oct 13
  • 4 min read

As wedding planners, we spend so much time helping couples create their dream day that it's easy to forget we've been in their shoes too! Our own weddings were a mix of dreams, unexpected changes, and valuable lessons that we now share with our clients. In this blog post, Carley reflects on her own special days...the things that went perfectly, the moments she might change, and the decisions that made her wedding unforgettable.


ree

Carley’s Reflection:


My wedding day, June 27th, 2020, was right in the middle of Covid. Though our original plans had to change drastically, I wouldn’t have had it any other way. What began as a challenge became one of the most cherished days of our lives.


With restrictions, we had 100 guests at our outdoor ceremony and two separate receptions with 50 guests each. While it wasn’t what we envisioned, the intimate settings allowed us to spend more time with everyone, and in the end, the day turned out even better than we had planned.



Regrets: What I Would Have Done Differently


  1. Not Hiring a Professional to Preserve My Bouquet: I thought I could handle preserving my bouquet myself, but it turned out terribly. I wish I had hired a professional to keep that special piece of my wedding day intact.

  2. Missing a Family Photo Helper: I didn’t assign someone to help with our family photo list, and because of that, we missed a few important photo combinations that I’ll always wish we had captured.

  3. Skipping a Thoughtful Thank You Speech: We had a quick list of people to thank, but I wish we had put more thought into a heartfelt thank you speech. It’s one of those small details that would have meant a lot.

  4. Not Getting Raw Footage: We didn’t get the raw footage of our ceremony and speeches, and I regret it. I’d love to re-watch our officiant’s message and hear the heartfelt words from our family and friends again.

  5. Not Pausing for a Recessional Photo: One thing I wish we had done was pause during the recessional for a fun picture in the middle of the aisle—like a kiss or a dip! I think those photos are so cute, and they capture such a joyful moment.



What I’m Glad We Did

  1. Hiring a Videographer: We’re so thankful we invested in a videographer (shout out to KT Films!). We watch our wedding video every year on our anniversary, and it’s so special to relive our vows, see the emotions, and experience the day all over again.

  2. Hiring a Wedding Coordinator: This was, hands down, the best decision we made. Our coordinator took care of every behind-the-scenes detail, allowing us to truly soak in the day without a single worry.

  3. Keeping the Wedding Party Small: I only had my two sisters and my sister-in-law by my side, and I absolutely loved it. Keeping it small, with just family, made things so much simpler and more meaningful. It felt intimate, and I didn’t have to worry about juggling too many people’s schedules or preferences.

  4. Doing a First Look with My Dad: One of the sweetest moments of the day was my first look with my dad. Doing a first look with family members adds a beautiful, emotional layer to the day.

  5. Preparing for the Heat: Our wedding day was extremely hot, so we made sure our guests were comfortable by having water bottles with personalized stickers and fans ready for them. It was such a simple touch, but it made a huge difference in keeping everyone cool and happy.

  6. Polaroid Guest Book: We loved having a polaroid guest book for our wedding. It was such a fun way for guests to leave their mark and memories, and we love looking back at all of the photos.

  7. Live Music for the Ceremony and First Dance: Having live music made those moments even more magical, especially since the musicians were people we are close to. It added an intimate and personal touch to our day.

  8. Pizza Truck Instead of a Traditional Meal: This was a fun and personal touch that our guests absolutely loved! It made the day feel more relaxed and “us.”


One of my favourite moments was seeing each other for the first time as I walked down the aisle. Initially, we opted for this instead of a first look because our ceremony was earlier in the day, but it turned out to be such an emotional and unforgettable moment. That being said, I still highly recommend doing a first look to other couples! It’s a wonderful way to ease any nerves and share an intimate moment together before the ceremony begins. Plus, it really helps streamline the day and can significantly shorten the length of cocktail hour!



Looking back on my own wedding, I can truly appreciate how the smallest details, both big and small, came together to create such an unforgettable day. While there are a few things I’d change if given the chance, I’m beyond grateful for the day we had. If I could offer you two pieces of advice as you plan your own wedding, it would be these:


  1. Stay focused on the reason you’re getting married. On my wedding day, I felt completely present and able to soak in every single moment, from start to finish. I was just so excited to marry my best friend and the love of my life. Even if something went wrong behind the scenes, I wouldn’t have noticed because my joy and excitement completely filled my heart. Let that be your focus...marrying the person you love.

  2. Remember that while your wedding day is incredibly special, it’s just one day. Don’t get caught up in the small things or stress too much. Yes, your wedding is a magical moment, but you’re about to embark on an entire lifetime with your partner. This day is just the beginning of many amazing days ahead. So enjoy the process, take a deep breath, and remember: it’s all about celebrating your love...everything else is just icing on the cake!


Stay tuned for Jocelyn’s reflection on her wedding, coming soon!

Comments

bottom of page