Your wedding day is not just an event; it's a tapestry of moments and emotions meant to be experienced fully, not just lived through. As someone who has been filming weddings and elopements for over a decade, I've had the privilege of witnessing countless couples navigate their special day. Those who are truly present stand out. Their joy is palpable, their connections deeper, and their memories more vivid. My hope and goal for every couple is that they can intentionally curate a day that keeps them in the present moment, engaging all their senses, and allows them to lay aside all worries and concerns, embracing every moment of their beautiful celebration of love.

Here are five mindfulness practices to help ensure you're fully present and joyfully connected on your wedding day:

1. Start Mindfully

The tone for your day is set the moment you wake up. Carve out 15-20 minutes before the flurry of the day begins for practices that ground you and bring your mind into a state of calm alertness. Meditation, deep breathing, or a gentle yoga session can center your thoughts and emotions. Engaging all your senses from the start encourages a mindset of awareness and appreciation for all the beautiful intricacies of the day to come.

2. Engage All Your Senses

The beauty of your wedding day lies in the details—the light fragrance of your bouquet, the intricate flavors of your meal, the texture of your dress or suit, the visual beauty of your surroundings, and the sounds of your environment filling the air. Actively use all five senses. Whether it's feeling the warmth of the sun or the cool drops of rain, tasting and savoring the carefully chosen menu, or listening intently to the timbre of your partner's vows, let these sensory experiences anchor you in the now. Soak in and cherish every little detail.

3. Cultivate Gratitude

Take moments throughout your day to reflect on the journey that has brought you here. Think of the people who have supported you, those who are celebrating with you, and those who could not be with you but are there in spirit. A gratitude practice enhances your emotional connection to the day, shifting focus from the superficial to the substantial, and enriching your wedding with deeper significance.

4. Embrace the Unexpected

As you step into the celebration, let go of lingering expectations and embrace the day as it unfolds. The perfection of your wedding isn't found in flawless execution but in the genuine moments of connection and love. Your focus should reside with the person you are committing to forever and the people who have gathered to celebrate with you—live in those interactions, not in the logistics. Whether it’s unexpected rainfall, or a blemish on a dress, acknowledge your feelings about what’s happened, recognize it’s out of your control, and shift your focus from frustration to finding peace with the situation. Also, you can lean on your support system, which may include your partner, family, and wedding team, to ask for help or emotional support to navigate through these surprises.

5. Take Time for Yourself

In the whirl of activities—from photos to socializing—it's vital to steal a few moments for yourself and your partner. Take time during your portrait session or right after your ceremony to just be together, to soak in the realization of your marriage. These moments of solitude are precious, allowing you both to connect deeply and reflect on your commitment before stepping back into the celebration. At some point in most portrait sessions with just the couple, I try to encourage the couple to take a minute to themselves, no direction, no prompts. Not only does this give the couple permission to slow down and absorb the essence of the moment, but it also yields some really sweet, genuine moments for video and photo.

Integrating these mindfulness practices into your wedding day doesn't just ensure that you're present; it elevates the day from a series of events to a deeply felt experience. As someone who captures these moments for a living, I can attest to the tangible difference mindfulness makes. It's seen in the way couples interact, in the depth of their smiles, and in the warmth of their embraces. Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime experience—embrace it, savor it, and be truly present for it. It will produce a heightened appreciation for the day, as well as a deepened emotional connection enriched with lasting memories of joy and love.