What to do at your wedding
Your wedding day is filled with once-in-a-lifetime memories, but there are a few bridal moments that every bride should slow down and truly savor. Whether you’re planning a luxury wedding in the Bay Area or an intimate Sacramento celebration, these moments are the ones that will stay with you forever.
1. Getting Ready Surrounded by Your Favorite People
The excitement in the air as you slip into your gown, surrounded by your bridesmaids, family, or closest friends, is one of the most emotional parts of the day. The laughter, shared stories, and teary hugs all make the morning unforgettable. In Sacramento and Bay Area weddings, many brides choose light-filled hotel suites or charming Airbnb rentals as the perfect backdrop for these bridal prep photos.
2. The First Look
Whether it’s with your partner or with your parents, the first look is pure magic. The anticipation, nervous energy, and pure emotion all come together in one breathtaking moment. Many Bay Area couples love a first look among towering redwoods or along the coast, while Sacramento weddings often take advantage of romantic gardens or historic estates for this heartfelt reveal.
3. Walking Down the Aisle
There is nothing quite like the feeling of taking those steps down the aisle. For a few moments, time slows as you lock eyes with your partner, surrounded by the love of your guests. Sacramento wedding venues like the William Land Park Rock Garden or Bay Area locations like the Berkeley Botanical Garden offer stunning aisle views that make this moment even more cinematic.
4. The Vows
Sharing your promises—whether whispered privately during a first look or spoken in front of family and friends—is one of the most intimate parts of your wedding day. Every couple adds their own style, but this is a sacred moment you’ll never forget.
5. The First Kiss as a Married Couple
It’s the most iconic part of every ceremony: your first kiss as newlyweds. The cheers, applause, and smiles around you will make you feel like the world is celebrating your love. Many Sacramento and Bay Area photographers capture this moment with wide, sweeping shots so you can remember the joy forever.
6. Sneaking Away for Golden Hour Portraits
After the ceremony, take a few quiet moments away from the crowd for golden hour portraits. The glowing California light in Sacramento’s vineyards or the Bay Area’s coastal cliffs makes this moment feel both dreamy and cinematic. It’s also a chance for you and your partner to just breathe, soak it all in, and share a private celebration.
7. The First Dance
Your first dance is more than just a tradition—it’s a chance to pause and feel the love in the room. Whether you’re twirling under twinkle lights in a Sacramento ballroom or swaying in a Bay Area courtyard, this moment is one of pure romance.
8. A Private Last Dance
One of the most underrated bridal moments is the last dance—just you and your partner, after your guests have cleared the dance floor. Many couples in Sacramento and Bay Area weddings cherish this as their chance to connect one last time before the night ends.