6 Ways to Make Your Wedding Feel More Personal

Most of the couples I work with dream of a wedding day that not only celebrates their love but also shares their unique story with every guest. Personalizing your celebration can truly make your wedding feel more personal, transforming a beautiful event into an unforgettable experience filled with love, meaning, and cherished memories. Honestly, I feel a little tingle just thinking about it.

As a New Jersey wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of documenting so many incredible wedding days, and today, I want to share six heartfelt ways to infuse your personal touch into your celebration.

If you’re ready to create a wedding day that’s meaningful, intentional, and beautifully you, reach out here! I’d love to help you capture every detail with care and heart.

1. Custom Vows

Writing your own vows is a deeply meaningful way to personalize your ceremony. It’s also one of my personal favorites. This is your opportunity to express your feelings and commitments to each other in words that are uniquely yours. Share stories about what you love about each other, promises for the future, or even inside jokes that will make your partner smile. Speaking from the heart will not only move your partner but also deeply engage your guests in your love story.

Pro Tip: Feeling a little nervous to share them in front of your family and friends? Consider exchanging your custom vows with each other during your first look instead.

2. Unique Venues or Backyards/Family Property

Another one of my favorite ways to make your wedding feel more personal, is to chose a venue that holds special significance to you as a couple. Whether it’s a family-owned property, the place where you had your first date, somewhere you’ve always dreamed of going, or even your own backyard, the right setting will add a personal backstory to your celebration.

Searching for the perfect NYC spot to say “I do”? Explore 6 Hidden Intimate Wedding Venues in New York and find a space that feels uniquely yours.

3. Meaningful Music Choices

Music sets the tone for your entire wedding day, from the walk down the aisle to the last dance. Take some time to select songs that have special meaning in your relationship. Perhaps the first song you danced to, or music from a concert you attended together.

While there is absolutely nothing wrong with the classics (and hey - if you love tradition, you do you!), by choosing music that resonates with personal moments, you create a soundtrack and experience that’s uniquely yours, evoking memories and emotions that are meaningful to you both.

4. Incorporating Family Traditions

I love that couples are making their own rules and not feeling like they “have to” do certain things on their wedding day, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have ANY traditional elements on your wedding day. If you want to, you can make your wedding feel more personal by incorporating family traditions as a way to honor your heritage and build a bridge between the past and your future together (or between families).

Whether it's a cultural ritual, wearing a piece of family heirloom jewelry, or using your grandparents' wedding rings. These nods to family ties enrich the celebration, making it deeply personal and incredibly special.

5. Planning Special Moments and Experiences with Your Guests

One of the best ways to make your wedding feel more personal is to create moments that let your guests be part of the celebration. Little interactive touches can turn your day into an experience everyone remembers.

Try ideas like:

• A fun group dance or sing-along

• A photo wall or slideshow with favorite memories

• A unity or candle-lighting ceremony

• Personalized escort cards that double as keepsakes

• A shared toast or gratitude moment

• A creative guest book (think Polaroids, notes, or audio messages)

• A late-night surprise like an espresso cart or ice cream bar

These moments aren’t about going over the top, they’re about connection, laughter, and celebrating the people who make your day so special.

6. Personalize Your Attire

Lastly, one of the most personal touches you can add to your wedding day is through what you wear. Your attire is a beautiful way to express your personality, style, and even your story as a couple.

It might mean choosing a bespoke suit, a non-traditional gown, or including something sentimental like a piece of your mother’s wedding dress or a family heirloom. Some couples even switch up their look for the reception to bring a fresh, fun energy to the evening.

Whatever you choose, wearing something that feels true to you adds a meaningful layer of individuality and heart to your celebration.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can we make our wedding guest experience more personal?

I love this question! Here are a few ideas:

• Welcome guests with personalized bags containing treats and a small keepsake

• Set up interactive guest books or video booths for personalized messages

• Use customized place cards with a personal note for each guest

• Consider a special thank you speech to make everyone feel appreciated.

What are some ways to personalize our wedding photos and video?

Discuss with your photographer (hi!) and videographer about including significant locations or elements in your shoots. I will always ask my couples about what candid moments they are hoping for, what their favorite locations and details are, and so much more.

I really value getting to know you before I show up and photograph your wedding day so I can provide more custom suggestions when we work together!

What are some thoughtful ways to acknowledge loved ones who have passed?

I know what a big decision this can be, and ultimately the choice is yours! Here are a few things that I’ve seen done:

• Reserve a seat for the loved one at the ceremony with their photo or a personal item

• Include a moment of silence or a special toast in their honor

• Use symbolic gestures like incorporating a specific flower or wearing a piece of their jewelry to feel their presence on your special day.

Ways to Make Your Wedding Feel More Personal

Ultimately, your wedding is a reflection of your love, and personalizing your big day is the perfect way to share your journey with the people you cherish most. Each detail, from the vows to the venue, plays a part in telling your unique love story. Remember, the most memorable weddings aren’t those that are most extravagant, but those that are truest to the couple’s heart. At least in my opinion! So, let your personality shine through on your wedding day. It's your story to tell after all!

If you're envisioning an intimate wedding that reflects your unique story, I would be honored to help capture every beautiful moment. Learn more about how we can work together by clicking here. I would love to connect with you and learn more about your wedding day!

Rachel Watkinson - Intimate Wedding & Portrait Photographer

Rachel Watkinson is a boutique wedding photographer specializing in intimate weddings, micro weddings, and elopements across Northern New Jersey and New York City. With a background in fine art photography from Pratt Institute, Rachel blends digital and film to create timeless, heartfelt imagery that celebrates love in its most authentic form.

She’s passionate about documenting life’s meaningful moments with a classic aesthetic and genuine care for every couple she works with. When she’s not behind the camera, you’ll likely find her creating something new (whether it’s through painting, ceramics, or home design). She’s always inspired by the beauty in connection and creativity.

Learn more about how Rachel can beautifully capture your wedding day and begin your photography experience here.