Making Time for Connection on Your Wedding Day
Hey cuties!
I’m back with more of my tried-and-true wedding advice, and today we’re talking about something that might surprise you: how to actually spend time with your partner on your wedding day. I know it sounds counterintuitive, but without a little intention, you might find yourselves caught up in the whirlwind, barely getting a moment alone together. If you’re worried about feeling like passing ships, don’t stress - I’ve put together a handful of ideas to help you carve out meaningful moments, so your wedding day feels just as connected as it is celebratory. I think finding these touchpoints throughout the day is also a really helpful way to reduce + mitigate stress, anxiety, and the overwhelm that sometimes comes with such a full day. Keep on readin’ if you wanna know more!
have brunch together, get ready together, set intentions together
The morning of your wedding sets the tone for the rest of the day, so why not start it with a little extra connection? While it may not be the most traditional approach, spending time together before the festivities begin can help ground you both and create a sense of calm before things ramp up. Even something as simple as sharing a cup of coffee can be a sweet, grounding moment before you go your separate ways. If you have more time, consider setting intentions for the day - reminding each other to stay present, soak it all in, and focus on what truly matters: your love and commitment.
share private vows
If public speaking is your personal nightmare but you still want a moment to pour your heart out to your sweetie, I think private vows are the perfect solution. There are a handful of ways to execute this depending on what feels right for you! If you’re planning to see each other before your ceremony, it’s super simple to transition a first look into a private vow reading. Alternatively wife and I chose to write our vows out as letters to each other and exchange them standing back-to-back right before our first look so we could avoid the audible sobs of trying to read them aloud. Without a first look, we can always take time during your couples portraits or cocktail hour to exchange some heartfelt words.
sneak away for golden hour portraits
Golden hour portraits aren’t just about capturing dreamy, glowing photos - they’re also a perfect opportunity to step away from the buzz of the day and reconnect with each other. As the sun sets, you get a quiet, intimate moment to take a breath, soak in the joy of being newly married, and simply be together. It’s a chance to pause, hold hands, and share a private conversation before diving back into the celebration. Plus, how can you beat the romance of that juicy golden light?
take a moment to breathe together before your ceremony
Whether you choose to see eachother prior to the ceremony or not, you can still have a quiet moment of decompression together before you walk down the aisle! Find a space where you won’t be interrupted and a few mindful minutes where you focus on the utter joy of what’s to come and the commitment you’re about to make. I find this to be a helpful way to cut down on those pre-ceremony nerves, too.
skip a receiving line and share a moment of private celebration
Listen, I’ll be honest with you. The idea of a receiving line scares me more than literal hell. Every part of my body shudders at the thought of greeting every person I know (and a few that I don’t) immediately after exiting my wedding ceremony. If you are also an introvert who is haunted by this excessive and stiff tradition, let me be the one to tell you that you do not have to do it. In lieu of a receiving line, slip away with your honey and revel in that ohmygodwedidit bliss. You can catch up with your friends + family during your cocktail hour or dinner - they’ll understand!
eat dinner alone together during your cocktail hour
Choosing to eat dinner privately during cocktail hour gives you and your partner a rare, uninterrupted moment to enjoy your first meal as a married couple - just the two of you. Wedding days can feel like they’re over in the blink of an eye, and once the reception starts, you’ll likely be pulled in a dozen different directions. Taking this time alone ensures you actually get to eat, savor the moment, and have a quiet check-in before rejoining the celebration. It’s a simple but meaningful way to ground yourselves, soak in the excitement, and be present with each other before the party picks up.
infuse your day with meaningful rituals
Incorporate little tidbits of sentiment + meaning throughout the day, whether it’s listening to your favorite song together, taking a walk around your venue property, or having a quick yoga + meditation sesh can be perfect ways to create connection. Other ideas for wedding day rituals include reading through a poem you love, sharing a private first or last dance, writing letters for a time capsule, and making an altar to lost loved ones.
choose presence over performance
On your wedding day, it’s easy to get caught up in the pressure of making everything look perfect - hitting every planned moment just right, keeping guests entertained, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. But the most meaningful weddings aren’t about performance; they’re about presence. Choosing to be fully present means letting go of perfection and allowing yourself to truly experience the emotions, the love, and the once-in-a-lifetime moments as they unfold. It means embracing the unexpected, laughing through the imperfections, and focusing on the connection with your partner rather than the expectations of others. When you prioritize presence over performance, your wedding becomes more than just a well-executed event - it becomes a deeply felt, beautifully authentic celebration of your love.
I hope these tips help you to craft a wedding day full of purpose + connection! If you need a little guidance in assembling a timeline that allows for plenty of sweet moments with your partner, let me know - I’m here to make your day feel as good as it looks!