West Coast Luxury Wedding Photographer | Wedding Day Traditions and Culture

I photographed Adolfo and Morgan’s engagement session on Fremont Street and we had a BLAST. When they reached out for their wedding, I couldn’t wait! I knew they were planning to include a number of cultural elements in their ceremony and reception (plus a kick-ass Elvis performance by Adolfo’s dad), so you can bet their Oak Glen, CA, wedding was one for the books.

Personalizing your wedding can take many different forms, from a trend-setting themed wedding to a non-traditional venue and so much more. In my opinion, however, the most authentic and meaningful way to personalize your wedding is to incorporate cultural practices and traditions that hold meaning to you and your relationship. There are many, many ways to do this, so here is some helpful guidance as you plan your own unique wedding:

Blending Tradition and Modern Wedding Ideas

• Ceremonies, traditional items, and display tables can fit seamlessly in any time and place and with a level of focus that matches their importance in your life.

• Featuring traditional dress for the bride(s) and/or groom(s) or the wedding party puts the focus front and center. You can even encourage guests to join in if you’re willing to provide some education!

• Food, drinks, music, and favors are more tangible ways for guests to feel immersed in your culture and build unforgettable memories at the same time.

How to Integrate Traditional Themes in Your Wedding

• Collaborate with your planner who has likely seen hundreds of different weddings with a variety of traditions, ceremonies, and cultural elements. They will have a wealth of knowledge to make the blend seamless!

• If your wedding day will involve a ceremony of some kind, give guests a clear schedule of events so they aren’t caught off guard and left feeling awkward at the change from the norm.

• Find small ways to make the tradition yours, and even consider creating a new tradition you can carry through the years of your relationship as you continue to honor and build on your foundation.

Involving Guests in Your Unique Wedding

• Informational cards or a word from the officiant can go a long way toward creating excitement and staving off uncertainty.

• Find objects or actions your friends and family can use to join in on the celebration. This may be a small token or a crowd cheer or even teaching an easy traditional dance to anyone willing to join a group performance.

• Encourage guests to learn and ask questions about your traditional elements by displaying them before the ceremony or during cocktail hour, or by including a note about them in your invitations so they can come prepared.

No matter how you choose to incorporate meaningful traditional elements in your modern wedding, the important thing is to have fun with it! Your friends and family will be thrilled to celebrate with you no matter what. If you have any questions about how we can craft the most perfect blended wedding ever, hit me up!

Amber is a Wedding and Elopement Photographer who is available in Oak Glen, CA, and beyond for travel for elopements and weddings. Send in a contact form through the link above to schedule your free consultation.

Photographer: Amber Garrett Photography
Venue/Catering: Serendipity Garden Weddings
Flowers: Flowers Etc
Video: Kellie Jane Photo
HMUA: Karissa Lorinne MUA
DJ: Musical Phunktions
Cake: Michelle’s Bakery
Decorator: The Olivine Collective