What if every single thing you did on your wedding day was on purpose? What if you did away with the Google-able list of conventional concepts and “supposed-to” poses and instead had a shot list made up entirely of unconventional photo ideas that are super special to you as a couple? What if everything we photographed together was customized for the sake of your once-in-a-lifetime day? 

As a documentary wedding photographer, one of the most important parts of my clients’ experience is helping my couples really capitalize on my documentary-style approach, filling their wedding day with nothing they feel like they have to do and everything they absolutely want to do. In the months leading up to the big day, we spend a lot of time creating a shot list and timeline that feels right to you, and the Anderly’s were such a great example of how creative, unique ideas can totally transform how you spend your first moments together as newlyweds.

Unconventional Bridal Party Photo Ideas for Minnesota Wedding

Maddie and Austin put a lot of thought into what they wanted their bridal party photos to feel like, focusing on activities (and props!) that were fun and whimsical and entirely out-of-the-box. In addition to leaving plenty of time to relocate to their downtown area, they also decided to do a raucous little champagne toast and smoke cigars as a whole bridal party. Looking at the photos, there’s no doubt in my mind that Maddie, Austin, and their entire bridal party will remember this time together much more than if they’d just positioned themselves in a line and smiled.

Private Vow Exchange in Minneapolis Wedding

I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve had a couple feel obligated to do a first look simply because “that’s just what you do” when they ultimately would have much preferred a tender, quiet moment over the more dramatic surprise. There is a place and time and couple for both, but nothing you do on your wedding day should just be a box to check. While Maddie and Austin incorporated a first look, too, they also wanted a private vow exchange before the day got underway. They treasured the opportunity to be alone for a little bit before the madness began and also valued the chance to get a little emotional with each other without the pressure of everyone staring at them at the top of the aisle. So that’s exactly what we did, carving plenty of time out for them to slow down and simply be together.

Other Creative Ideas for Your Wedding Day

There were so many other things that stood out to me as fun and unique during the Anderly’s day, including the macaroon dessert station by Good Day DSM, opting to get all of their flowers from Trader Joe’s and assemble their floral arrangements themselves, taking a bride and groom shot from a customized ‘shot-ski’ that matched the aesthetic of the Timbers of Northwood venue, adding their sweet pups to their golden hour portraits as newlyweds, and closing out the evening with a champagne pop backlit by Austin’s truck lights. When I look back at this gallery, I see nothing but memories and photos that feel like the Anderly’s love story from start to finish, and it brings me so much joy knowing that Maddie and Austin feel the same when they look through their photos. 

At the end of the day, your focus as bride and groom should be on how you want your day to feel, not on how you want it to look. When customizing your timeline and shot list, ask yourself: “Are these things I really want to do?”

Do you really want to line up in a traditional pose with your bridal party? Do you even want to cut the cake or do a first look before you see each other at opposite ends of the aisle? Is it important to you to do golden hour portraits with your person? If the answer to this (or to anything else!) is ‘no’…. then don’t do it!

It’s YOUR day, and it only happens once. Make it yours.