Wedding Planning 101: What Really Matters on Your Big Day

YOUR QUEER,
CAMERA-TOTING,
HYPE SQUAD!

Queer-owned. Creative-led. Two hype babes capturing love with heart. We’re Adeline and Valerie, your married duo serving up inclusive photo and video magic across Texas, Arkansas, San Francisco, and anywhere your story calls us.
We don’t just photograph weddings. We bring all the energy, empathy, and main-character vibes so you feel seen, hyped, and fully celebrated from the first hello to the last dance.

Planning a wedding? Here’s what actually matters. This step-by-step guide highlights what’s essential (and what’s not), how to keep your sanity, and why hiring an affirming photo and video team changes everything. No perfection needed—just real moments, real people, and a celebration that feels like you.

You Don’t Have to Do It All Yourself

Trying to plan a wedding alone is a recipe for stress. Get your team together.

No one expects you to handle everything by yourself. The most joyful weddings happen when friends, family, and trusted vendors all pitch in. Delegate tasks, lean on your chosen family, and hire vendors who see your vision—especially a photo and video team who actually support you. Your job? Enjoy the ride and let your people help with the details.

Plan for Surprises

Those dreamy portraits and candid videos start with good planning.

Even the most carefully planned weddings have hiccups—weather changes, timelines shift, and sometimes someone forgets their shoes. Build in buffer time, have a backup plan for outdoor weddings, and trust your team to handle the unexpected. The best stories come from the unscripted moments.

Your Photographer and Videographer Are Your Timeline Besties

Those dreamy portraits and candid videos start with good planning.

The right creative team makes all the difference. We help plan your timeline, suggest the best light for portraits, and coordinate with your other vendors so you can actually enjoy your day. Good photos and videos aren’t magic—they’re the result of thoughtful prep and having someone in your corner.

Focus on What Really Matters

Let go of the little stuff and make space for what counts.

Pinterest is great for inspiration, but you don’t need every trend or a mountain of DIY projects. The best weddings are the ones where you’re present, surrounded by people you love. Keep things simple, honor your values, and celebrate what makes your love unique. The rest will fall into place.

5 Wedding Planning FAQs

What are the must-haves for a wedding?

A ceremony that feels true to you, a supportive group of people, a clear timeline, and a photographer and videographer who get you. Everything else is extra.

How do I build a realistic wedding budget?

Start with what matters most: venue, food, photo, and video. From there, prioritize what fits your celebration. We’ll help you figure out where to splurge and where to save.

How do I choose the right photographer and videographer?

Look for a team that affirms every body and every story. They should use inclusive language and make you feel seen—on both sides of the camera.

Is it possible to plan a wedding for $5,000 or $10,000?

To be honest, yes and no. Valerie and I had a destination micro-wedding in San Fransisco. However, we did a lot ourselves and our guest list was short. It all depends on what you value most. We spend 80% of our budget on our photo and video team, and we don’t regret it all. Need some tips to keep the budget down? We got you.

What’s the 30/5 rule for weddings?

Don’t stress about trendy rules. Your timeline should fit your priorities. We’ll help you create a schedule that works for you and ensures every moment is captured in photo and video.