To celebrate my new micro wedding & elopement packages, I wanted to share some tips from a photographer’s eye on how to have a beautiful micro wedding during COVID-19!

Here we are; the end of the wedding season in 2020. As we all know, the pandemic has thrown a major wrench in everyone’s wedding and event plans since March which has caused some heart-wrenching cancellations and rescheduling.

Luckily, many brides and wedding planners have found an alternative! Love can’t wait, nor should it have to. Enter “The Micro Wedding”.

MICRO WEDDINGS & ELOPEMENTS

What is a micro wedding? A micro wedding is a small wedding of 20-30 or fewer guests, rather than a traditional full-sized wedding with a full guest list of 100+.

Micro Weddings vs Elopements: What is the difference between a micro wedding and an elopement? An elopement is an intimate wedding ceremony between the bride & groom, and only a few guests, or none at all. A micro wedding is like a normal wedding, but on a much smaller scale – 20-30 guests. Every couple probably has their own definition of micro weddings and elopements. In the COVID age, micro weddings & elopements are increasingly common, not to mention an affordable alternative to a traditional wedding. There are BIG benefits to having a small wedding.

Did you know that you can make your wedding photograph beautifully, even if you’re not able to have the wedding plans you originally desired?

I’ve gathered “Do’s and Don’ts” for brides who have decided to move forward with their wedding plans in Micro Wedding-fashion!

So you’re considering a Micro Wedding or an Elopement but feeling it’s just not the same as a “regular” wedding? I don’t disagree with you, but I do urge you to look at the upsides of it. Below are tips on how to plan a micro wedding during COVID-19 and still get the gorgeous wedding images you desire! Girl, you’ve got this!

Do’s & Don’ts:

•Do still have a timeline. Though the day is to be more relaxed than a typical wedding, I would still suggest having a simple timeline to adhere to and layout the events.

•Don’t forget to do a First Look! Just like any other wedding, I still recommend a First Look for some intimate portrait time! This also allows for about 40% more bride & groom portraits!

•Do use this as a day to make literally everything about you two! Without the pressure of entertaining many guests, it allows you to relax and enjoy your special day with your nearest and dearest.

•Don’t stress about the guest list. This allows you to genuinely share this special event with those truly closest to you. It also leaves more money to spend on them (ie: lobster dinners for 10-20 people or serve-yourself-buffet for 200?).

•Do still gather bridal details: Bouquet, earrings, shoes (even if they’re flats or flip flops because you don’t do heels!), invitation suite, etc. I still photograph the entire day from the prep to the exit.

•Don’t skip the other details: If you’re planning on having a reception, still create those tabletop centerpieces! Definitely add your own personal touch to the day, no matter how small! Take advantage of the freedom to really make everything represent the both of you.

•Do keep the budget for hair and makeup! Since the majority of your images will be portraits of you two together, I recommend splurging on the glam!

•Don’t pass on a reception! Even if it’s a short and sweet dinner, an intimate first dance, some drinks and some dessert, they’re always a good idea!

•Do use this as an opportunity to have your wedding at a location where you normally probably couldn’t. If you’ve ever pictured yourself getting married on a mountain top, or somewhere eccentric, this is your chance! I’ve shot a micro wedding in Echo Park at the lake in a small spot with DTLA in the background (see below!) – not planned, no permits, no coordinator. Just showed up and did it, flash-mob style…while there was a commercial being shot 100ft away! This could make it easier for you to have a destination wedding as well.

Some sweet favorites from Chris and Carolina’s Echo Park Lake micro wedding from 2015:

Considering a micro wedding or destination elopement soon? I’m pleased to announce that I’m now offering new micro wedding and elopement pricing! To celebrate, I’m offering a complimentary engagement session to all brides who book in 2020.

CONTACT BELOW FOR MICRO WEDDING OR ELOPEMENT PRICING!