5 Tips for a Stress-Free Day and the Best Photos Ever!
Your wedding day should be filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments. But let's be honest—planning a wedding can be stressful. The good news? It doesn’t have to be. As an Idaho wedding photographer who loves capturing the wonder and adventure of your special day, I’ve learned a few things over the years that can make all the difference. The most fun and stress-free days all have these essential tips in common, tips that will not only help you enjoy your wedding day but also ensure you get the best photos ever.
P.S. The best way to reduce stress? Work with a photographer who knows how to handle any situation. (That's me!)
Photo by Katy Kahla Photography
Location, location, location
One of the simplest ways to minimize stress on your wedding day is to keep everything as close together as possible. When your ceremony, reception, and guest accommodations are within easy reach, you'll spend less time traveling and more time enjoying the company of your loved ones. The absolute gold standard is to host your ceremony and reception at the same venue. Plus, this proximity allows for spontaneous photo opportunities that capture the genuine emotions of the day.
As your photographer, I scout the best spots in advance, ensuring we maximize your chosen location. Whether it's a rustic barn in the Idaho countryside or a chic downtown venue, we'll find the perfect backdrops for your unique love story. You can take a look at my Top Wedding Venues in the Treasure Valley here.
Photo by Katy Kahla Photography
Unplug and Be Present
Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You will look back on these memories for years to come and as you’re flipping through the images, the last thing you want to see is a ceremony full of your guest’s phones. To fully savor every moment, consider having an unplugged ceremony. Ask your guests to put away their phones and cameras so they can be fully present, after all, you did plan this out and invest in the best photographer, someone who will produce quality photos you and your guests can share.
This not only creates a more intimate atmosphere but also ensures that I can capture your day without distractions. Trust me, the photos will be more authentic and beautiful when everyone is focused on what truly matters—your love story.
Photo by Katy Kahla Photography
Love Light
As an adventure-loving Idaho wedding photographer, I'm all about harnessing the great outdoors for your big day – and that includes its best accessory: natural light!
Here's the scoop: natural light is our secret weapon for creating those breathtaking, joy-filled shots you'll treasure forever. Whether it's the golden glow of sunset behind the Sawtooth Mountains or the soft morning light filtering through a forest canopy, Idaho's natural beauty is the perfect backdrop for your love story.
Pro tip: When planning your timeline, let's chat about the "golden hours" – those magical times just after sunrise and before sunset. These moments give us the most flattering, warm light that'll make you both look like you're glowing from the inside out (which, let's be honest, you probably are!). If you aren’t sure of the best time to start your ceremony, check out my tips to take advantage of this golden light.
But don't worry if the Idaho weather decides to throw us a curveball. I've learned to roll with the punches and find the beauty in any lighting situation, even if that means creating my own. The bottom line? Trust in the natural light, but also trust in your photographer (that's me!) to work with whatever Mother Nature gives us. Together, we'll create images that capture not just how your day looked, but how it felt – rain or shine
Photo by Katy Kahla Photography
Stay True to Yourself
Your wedding day should reflect who you are as a couple. Don’t feel pressured to follow every trend or tradition—if something doesn’t resonate with you, it’s okay to skip it. Whether that means having a non-traditional ceremony, choosing a unique venue, or incorporating personal elements into your day, staying true to yourself will not only make your wedding more meaningful but also ensure that your photos truly represent you. After all, the best photos are the ones that capture your genuine emotions and the connection you share with your loved ones.
Need more tips on how to create an intentional wedding? I’ve got you covered here.
Photo by Katy Kahla Photography
Roll with the Punches
No matter how meticulously you plan, something unexpected may happen on your wedding day. The key to a stress-free experience is to embrace the surprises and roll with the punches. Rain? We’ll grab some umbrellas and capture stunning, romantic shots. A dress mishap? We’ll make it part of the story. My job is to help you stay relaxed and focused on what really matters—celebrating your love. When you’re able to let go of perfection and enjoy the ride, your photos will reflect the joy and spontaneity of the day.
Photo by Katy Kahla Photography
Wedding planning, and even the wedding day itself, can sometimes feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be that way. The tips I’ve shared come from years of capturing weddings and my promise to you is when you choose to work with me, you won’t have to worry about your photography.
My approach is all about creating a relaxed and fun atmosphere where you can be fully present, knowing that your day will be beautifully captured in a way that reflects who you are. You can trust that your images will be authentic, joyful, and full of the wonder and emotion that make your love story unique.
If you’d like to chat more about your wedding day or explore some of the best local spots for an epic engagement session, I’d love to connect and help make your big day as stress-free and magical as possible.
I hope these tips help you feel more at ease and excited about your wedding day!